Coinciding with the Italian government’s initiative “Made in Italy Day” on 11 April, the Embassy of Italy in the UK hosted “Italian Threads: Conversations on Fashion”, the first in a series of events organised in collaboration with the online magazine ThePlatform. The events will promote the Made in Italy brand through fashion, one of the most prestigious Italian industries, one that is emblematic of our culture and economy. The sector’s relevance around the world and its contribution to Italy’s image make it an ideal medium for raising the country’s profile.
The speakers took the audience on a journey exploring Italian fashion, particularly its entrepreneurial and industrial aspects, such as the supply chain, social responsibility, craftsmanship, innovation and, of course, creativity.
The first event, “Ep. 1 Innovation and Tradition”, examined the role of the fashion industry, focusing on relations with the UK. The guest speakers were Luca Sburlati and Maria Silvia Sacchi. Sburlati is CEO of the Pattern Group, a company specialising in the design, engineering, development, prototypes and production of clothing, which has important links with the UK, particularly the Burberry group. Sacchi is the founder of ThePlatform and was previously head of fashion at the newspaper Corriere della Sera and director of the master’s in fashion and luxury management at the RCS Academy.
Other events between now and the end of 2024 will feature Renzo Rosso, founder of the OTB group, parent company of the brands Diesel, Maison Margiela, Jil Sander and Marni; Alfonso Dolce, CEO of the Dolce & Gabbana group; Carlo Capasa, chairman of the National Chamber of Italian Fashion; and Sergio Tamborini, CEO of Ratti and chairman of Sistema Moda Italia.
Some of the entrepreneurs involved in this initiative also gave talks and lessons at British fashion schools and contributed pieces to be displayed in the magnificent setting of the Embassy.
