The secret to Italian elegance is the quality of the individual elements.
Where is it sourced? Whose hands made it? How does it all fit together?
Be it textiles, wood, or metal, the Italian aesthetic uses a few complementary elements to create artistry without going over the top. Opulent without being gauche.
"Every piece has a story behind it," says Ilaria Baldan, executive director of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada (ICCC) which has been spotlighting Vancouver-Italian businesses for 30 years. The Chamber of Commerce fosters connections between Canada and Italy and facilitates partnerships and events between the two countries.
For the last few years, the ICCC has organized an Italian Design Week in partnership with the Consulate General of Italy in Vancouver that spotlights made-in-Italy fashion and design with speakers, events, and seminars.
This year's design week takes place from October 27 to November 3 with the theme of regeneration and sustainability. It will welcome major historical design firms from Italy, such as Pininfarina, a car and coachbuilder, which will be showcasing rare vintage cars, in addition to local retailers that are either Italian by nature or celebrate Italian design.
People can track the made-in-Italy presence in the region using the "Italian design map," an online tool created to give greater visibility and recognition to businesses operating in Metro Vancouver which promote Italian design. The map includes brands that are already present in Canada and those that are looking to expand into Canada. It also aims to give a voice to the men and women who bring the beauty, traditions, and craftsmanship of contemporary Italy to Canada.
Local furniture and design showrooms Poliform, Habitat By Aeon, Ambry Interiors, and Ark Interiors celebrate Italian aesthetic by carrying Italian brands and partnering with the ICCC but these five businesses are longstanding Italian-owned or made-in-Italy advocates keeping the aesthetic alive in Vancouver.
Stefano Ricci
In 1972 Florence, Stefano Ricci founded his eponymous luxury menswear atelier focusing on the necktie. Ricci debuted at Pitti Uomo a biannual menswear trade show that rivals New York fashion week with its street style. The "peacocks" as they have been dubbed come to see and be seen and it's there he made a splash by elevating ties from accessory to statement status.
Now, Stefano Ricci has showrooms across the world, including one in Vancouver, and collections that span leather goods, homewares, fragrances, and watches, even a junior men's range all of which are 100 per cent made-in-Italy to this day. And while it is now an empire, there will always be neckties.
Cappelleria Bertacchi
This family-run business opened its first hat “bottega” in Siena three generations ago. A second location in Lucca followed in 2014 and the Gastown location opened its doors in 2015 and has been a major part of the fabric of Vancouver's fashion scene ever since. Cappelleria Bertacchi hats are modelled after classic Italian pieces from the 1940s and 50s and are a favourite of The Cup and Hollywood North film industry.
- Read V.I.A's full feature on the Italian hatmaker here.
Vetrina Moda
This boutique in the heart of Downtown Vancouver isn't a typical clothing store. Italian fashion isn't the only influence that shapes Vetrina Moda, the experiential approach to shopping is also very European. Guests at Vetrina can enjoy a cappuccino alongside wardrobe consultations, tailoring, and private customized shopping sessions. The store sources pieces from all over Europe from businesswear to Haute Couture and there are plenty of Italian designers to be found in-store.
Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo is an incredibly historic car maker that happens to have a dealership right here in Vancouver. It began in 1910 when an Italian acquired a French car manufacturers factory in Milan. Between hiring visionary automobile designers and amassing an impressive resume of racing victories, the brand established itself as a legend in the world of Italian cars, there's even a museum in Milan.
Maska
Maska is a family-run business with stores in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver (one on Granville Street and one in Park Royal). This ready-to-wear boutique imports contemporary womenswear from Italy that reflects the modern zeitgeist of everyday Italian style. The country is an expert at patterns, fabric, and mixing colours that don't blend in but complement each other. The fall collection just dropped and it's full of bold and original pieces that are sophisticated yet flirty, graceful and refined yet fun and expressive.
One note: it is not size-inclusive, very few styles are carried in a large.
