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Event Sun Sep 19 2010
Italian Expo at Navy Pier
Have you ever wondered how to experience Italy without even having to go to O'Hare or Midway? For the attendees of the fourth annual Italian Expo, no plane tickets or passports were needed; just a trip downtown was all that was necessary for a fabulous Italian getaway.
Held this weekend at Navy Pier and hosted by the Italian American Chamber of Commerce-Midwest (IACC), the Expo focused on the country's Lombardy region, (Lombardia in Italian); over 100 vendors and organizations from both Italy and the United States provided Chicagoans with a true taste of the country widely known for its rich and diverse culture.
For Fulvio Calcinardi, IACC's Executive Director, Italian Expo allowed attendees a chance to truly experience Italy in Chicago and provided the opportunity to see "gorgeous fashion, cutting-edge product design and hand-crafted masterpieces, all of which and more can be enjoyed right here in Chicago during Italian Expo."
"Gorgeous fashion," for both men and women, was indeed available for Expo-goers. For fashionistas, a real runway show featuring designs by Borris Powell and Maison de LaCour was a highlight; in addition, fashion by local designers including Agga B. and Miriam Cecilia Carlson were also on display.
Visitors weren't the only ones thrilled to be part of Italian Expo; vendors shared in the excitement, as well. For Jennifer Bridgeforth, artist and owner of Phoenix Gallery in Chicago, returning to exhibit at the Expo meant broader gallery exposure. "The whole experience I've had with Italian Expo has been wonderful; we've had an opportunity to bring a different and more diverse base to our clientele," she said.
Kathryn Alvera, Managing Partner of Atelier in Chicago's River North district, was also excited to be part of the festivities. "Being able to exhibit at Italian Expo is wonderful because all the best products in the world come from Italy -- at least that's what we Italians say!" said Alvera.
Other Italian Expo highlights include unique sculptures, paintings, crafts, jewelry and other visual art, all of which gave visitors a true, authentic Italian experience, right here in Chicago.
Photos: Fabrizio Vassallo
Chauncey / September 21, 2010 8:44 PM
This festival is always such a wonderful display of all Italy has to offer. But, the wine is what sets Italy apart from the rest of the world! Try 2008 Benedetta, Chianti! You'll love it!