IN collaboration with Dynaforce Group, the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) has been having a series of initiatives to promote awareness on authentic Italian products through fashion, food and architecture throughout October and November with “The Italian Festival 2016”.  

The festival began with a showcase of the latest Italian luxury brands on Oct 8 in “The Concept of the New Evolution Outlet” event. Held at LOGO Fashion Lounge & Gallery, from Just Cavalli to Dsquared2 (in Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya), the runway was graced by the hottest looks in Italian fashion.

“The aim of this event is to promote  the excellence of Italian design technology in making luxury items. “We do not believe that luxury is identifiable only by the expensive,  or that it is accessible to few.

“It is also a well-made product, with attention to detail, and made with passion in treasuring the knowledge of our great traditions,” says Italian Trade Commissioner Dr Samuele Porsia.

Combining both architectural design and lifestyle wellness with the most exclusive Italian fitness equipment such as Technogym and Starpool to improve one’s quality of life, “The New Trends of Italian Design & Living” included a presentation by architect Alessandro Cierpella for GAP Architetti Associati.

“The design is important because it’s well known throughout the world. The interesting point is that despite the economic crisis, we have seen that more local interior designers and architects are using Italian specifications to furnish the house —  especially with niche houses and apartments — Italy is one of the best,” says Porsia.

With the task of facilitating, developing and monitoring trade and business relations between Italian and foreign markets, the ITA is a government organisation which promotes the internationalisation of Italian companies that are in line with the strategies of the Ministry of Economic Development.

Headquartered in Rome and with an office in Milan, the ITA has a global network of 79 offices in 65 countries linked to Italian embassies and consulates, providing information, assistance, promotion, training and cooperation in the industrial, consumer goods and services sectors.

Speaking on current export figures Porsia adds, “For example, furniture and the Technogym sports machines, compared with last year’s exports, have increased by 20% to €5 million (RM23.43 million). This is a signal that we can combine local tastes of interior design with Italian-made goods.”

The final leg of the festival this November presents “The Extraordinary Italian Taste” campaign, featuring many events including menu pairings, cooking demonstrations and a competition hosted by Chef Giovanni Ciresa from ALMA, the International School of Italian Cuisine.

The last segment in the festival included a dinner where patrons experienced a crescendo of flavours within traditional Italian cuisine that are to be savoured to the very last bite. Prepared by Chef Alessio Sortino at IL Bacaro Restaurant, Campbell House Penang, the “Taste of Italy Appreciation Dinner” was held on Nov 16.

Alternatively, “The Extraordinary Italian Taste Dinner Pairing” today includes the authentic Emilia Romagna cuisine experience, using the most basic yet flavourful ingredients.

It will be held at Sassorosso Restaurant, with Piemonte cuisine at Zensero Restaurant. For more information, call Sassorosso Restaurant (03-2166 6428) and Zenzero Restaurant (03- 2022 3883).

Bringing the festival to a close, The Extraordinary Italian Taste Gala Dinner sees a tantalising dinner pairing menu by Chef Ciresa at Gobo Upstairs Lounge & Grill, Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. To book tickets, call 03-2332 9910.