Pillars of Excellence
Design
Discover a space where Italian design becomes both setting and story. At Italy on Madison, the Design activation transforms the townhouse into a living canvas—an immersive environment shaped by site-specific installations and curated furniture vignettes.
Guided by the creative vision of Paola Navone, founder of Studio OTTO, and enriched by the collaboration of Gilda Bojardi, Editor-in-Chief of Interni and Ambassador of Italian Design, the experience brings together contemporary aesthetics with Italy’s enduring design legacy.
Blending artistry, function, and cultural dialogue, the space offers a dynamic exploration of Italian interiors today—where craftsmanship, innovation, and atmosphere converge to create environments that are both expressive and deeply livable.
Eyewear
Discover the full spectrum of Italian eyewear—where heritage craftsmanship meets cutting-edge innovation. At Italy on Madison, this curated showcase brings together legacy producers and emerging voices redefining the category today.
Guests are invited to explore a selection of Italy’s most sought-after frames, highlighting the “Urban Beach” trend—where high-performance design meets effortless style for both city and leisure. A central highlight, the Virtual Try-On Photobooth in the Rimini Room, offers an immersive digital experience using advanced mirror technology, allowing visitors to engage directly with the latest collections.
Blending centuries of tradition with modern innovation, the experience reflects Italy’s continued leadership in global eyewear.
Beauty
Step into an immersive, multi-sensory world where Italian beauty is reimagined through innovation, artistry, and heritage. At Italy on Madison, makeup becomes performance and fragrance becomes memory within a theatrical, experiential setting.
Featuring skincare, makeup, and niche perfumery, the space invites guests to discover Italian brands through curated moments of transformation, storytelling, and sensorial design. Each interaction reveals a new dimension of beauty—where tradition and creativity converge to redefine modern rituals.
Fashion
Step into the world of Italian fashion—where beauty, craftsmanship, and self-expression define everyday life. At Italy on Madison, a curated selection of top “Made in Italy” fashion and accessories brands comes to life through dynamic presentations on professional models.
From Opening Night through May 14 and 15, fashion influencers and models will showcase a continuous rotation of stylist-curated looks, creating an ever-evolving expression of Italian style. Renowned photographers, videographers, and content creators will capture these live activations, bringing energy and movement to the experience.
A celebration of creativity and craftsmanship, the showcase highlights the enduring influence of Italian fashion on the global stage.
Food & Wine
Savor the artistry of Italian cuisine through a curated Food & Wine experience that brings together heritage producers and emerging brands in a dynamic dialogue with New York audiences.
Inspired by Il Teatro, the program unfolds as a series of immersive moments—from breakfast and lunch to afternoon merenda and a vibrant evening experience—where food becomes performance through storytelling, tasting, and interaction. Select experiences draw from La scienza in cucina e l’arte di mangiar bene, transforming iconic recipes into rich cultural narratives.
Featuring leading culinary talents, including Chef Silvia Barban, Chef Alberto Marcolongo, Pastry Chef Bilena Settepani, and digital creator Julia Molinari, the program highlights the depth, identity, and evolving future of Italian gastronomy.
Footwear & Accessories
Experience the essence of “Made in Italy” through the footwear and accessories category—where centuries-old artisanal traditions are preserved, refined, and continuously reimagined through innovation.
Each piece reflects a legacy of craftsmanship, shaped by skilled hands, expert techniques, and an intimate knowledge of the finest materials. This heritage is seamlessly enhanced by advanced processes and modern technologies that elevate precision and quality while maintaining authenticity.
At Italy on Madison, the category offers a compelling exploration of a sector where tradition, passion, and innovation exist in perfect balance.