Italy on Madison ~ Fashion… and Style

This year, Italy on Madison offered a fashion event in Central Park at the Central Park Zoo… it was a great success, despite rain … full house, amazing dinner with fashion show. The dinner and show did not end until around midnight… but everyone had a wonderful time!

To see more of the Fashion Show go here: https://italyonmadison.nyc/gallery-2023/

In addition to the fashion show, we decided to go to some of the shops that were being featured during Italy On Madison… to show you some of the pieces that were not in the show and how lendable the pieces are to different body types… as well as whether you feel healthy on a given day or not, and whether you feel you are picture perfect or not…. there is something for everyone at the boutiques that are part of Italy on Madison…

Brands included in the Fashion section were:

Aquatalia

Aquazurre

Brioni

Buccelati

Canali

Davide Cenci

Eleventy

Ippolita

Isaia

Kiton

Marina Rinaldi

Max Mara

Sermoneta Gloves

Tod’s

Please see some of our fashion finds below… as we also went to some of the Apertiv hour as well.. and see what one we rated the best for fashion, hospitality, and that had the others captivated… as someone who is not only interested in fashion, but also a potential buyer… I loved the overall experience I had and enjoyed each one of the shops in their own way.

Isaia

We asked a male artist that we know from Italy to go in to Isaia with us and choose some of his favorite pieces. He loved the different hues of blue that were offered as well as the different patterns, textures and fabrics. He also enjoyed the space and the furniture present within the store - replicas of some older original pieces by famous designers… I was surprised to at least 20 patterns of swimshorts - hahaha! I loved the creativity in the patterns of the swimshorts - perfect for the beach! Isaia also had a major book launch this time during Italy on Madison

His favorite piece in the store was the yellow coat.

Last year, I went into Isaia as well … the interactions both times were well…

Isaia windows I photographed in the evening.

(Photography by Mega)

Max Mara

This year, I photographed Max Mara windows in the evening. I returned to their store to look around and as per the other boutiques that sell women’s clothing, I was planning on trying on pieces and photographing the ones that were the favorites. Upon arrival at Max Mara, I was greeted and there were quite a few customers on multiple levels. With that being said, one of the sales associates that worked there when I arrived, did not have time to help me in any way and was working with 3 other clients. Additionally, during the interaction she seemed stressed out and frenzied.. I chose not to try anything on and just photographed some of the pieces I thought were amazing. Given my experience, it may be best to make an appointment before you go in.

Eleventy

Eleventy store front photography taken during the day. Upon entering I was greeted and welcomed and given space to look around and saw shown both the women’s and men’s collection… and photographed some of the collections, I decided to try on some of the pieces, and when I asked if a staff member could take the photos for me they were more than happy to. They were warm and welcoming to other guests, had their apertiv available and in the front, next to a seating area where people could discuss the fashion, or if someone they came in with to try on something, had a seating area that was comfortable and cozy for someone to wait in, or help you to decide on a piece. Additionally, I hurt my finger, and started bleeding a little bit, from something in my bag, and had to ask for a bandaid, which they had, and got for me, helped with, were very friendly.

The fabrics are earthy for summer, linens, cotton, and light fabrics, some silks etc with beautiful light designs. I love the way they display their pieces so that if someone isn’t sure what to pair together - a set is right there of what would look awesome together. I also love the cut and styles presented. The cuts are overall flattering, and feel comfortable to wear.

Marina Rinaldi

Marina Rinaldi offered jazz music outside during our shopping experience, as well as Apertiv and yummy treats inside. The employees was warm and welcoming, very helpful in choosing and selecting pieces and with taking the photographs of me in the clothing. They were especially helpful since the sizes are from 12 on up in the store .. anything smaller is to be ordered online… I am smaller than all those sizes, so, they had to help me fit the pieces for the photos! : )

Additional women were in the space, and trying on pieces as well and looking for a piece to purchase for a bar mitzvah - I had a very good experience in the boutique. They had a variety of pieces to choose from each different and unique. They also have simsuits available for women, which we were happy to see as well!

Kiton

Kiton was our favorite visit. The employees were very friendly, took the time to visit with us, scheduled a time for me to come in and photograph pieces. They offer men and women’s Fashion and Style. There are a variety of fabrics and pieces for both men and women… I chose dresses vs. pant suits (although they do have women’s pant suits as well etc). They fabrics I chose were thin, comfortable to wear, silky / satin and soft. All were flowy fabrics and Kiton paired their shoes with each piece. Kiton was featured in the fashion show, however the pieces I am wearing were not in the show. Kiton offered Apertiv… and served Eately foods… Additionally, the dresses at their boutique turned heads on the street and in the boutique… even when uncomfortable in a piece because of bloating (given period, Italian food all week, and wine all week), or felt unfit (because of lack of running this week) they said the perfect thing… that being you have to wear what you feel you look good in and feel most comfortable in… and she didn’t judge me when I felt uncomfortable or self-conscious in a piece. She also took the time to get to know me as a person, and about my life. I was happy to discuss life with her and felt comfortable sharing about myself. Overall it was a very fun photo sesh. : )

The end photos here are after I was in the blue dress and multiple men out of nowhere from different directions stopped on the street as we were taking photos and complimented the dress, loved the dress and said that that was the dress. The blue dress literally turned heads and had people stop to look at the dress. As I was in this dress and the purple and brown dress, people came into the store and shopped. But the blue dress caused people to stop in the middle of the sidewalk and even from people at the restaurant close by to come over and talk about the dress and the fabrics, and that it was the perfect dress. We were shocked people stopped on the street, one after the other, and that the dress (or me in the dress) attracted as quickly as it did! In less than 3 -4 minutes… My end photos are me saying - and there you have it! There is the dress! Hahahaahh! : ) This is was the “WOWZA DRESS” hahahhaha!

I had so much fun with with everyone during our fashion design experience with Italy on Madison! It was great! I made new friends along the way and had a wonderful time.