I LOVE ITALIAN SHOES: A CELEBRATION

NYC PUBLIC LIBRARY-5th Avenue/
EATERY 200 Fifth Avenue, Chelsea

A GOURMET SYNTHESIS of the ITALIAN LIFESTYLE AND CULTURE

Words/Images Judith Ecochard

The FFANY tradeshow that descends on Manhattan a few times a year...served as a well-timed occurrence for which ANCI-the Italian Footwear Manufacturers' Association, in collaboration with ICE, the Italian Trade Commission, sponsored a press conference launching the organization's Press Room for select Made In Italy footwear labels...

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Holiday Trimmings

... at a divinely delicious luncheon at EATALY--- with four courses from the four shoe producing regions (paired with the perfect yummy wines)...

...and later during the week...an evening cocktail party at the magnificent Celeste Bartos Hallway @ the main branch of the NYPL...

Vito Artioli (L) Chairman of European Confederation of the Footwear Industry and ANCI

We had a chance to chat with Vito Artioli, pictured above---about the mission of ANCI to inform the world about the high quality, craftsmanship and sophistication of design ---of footwear--- materially sourced...and produced in Italy.

We certainly didn't need to be convinced that "Made In Italy" = primo...but we appreciated our introduction to a few Fall 2010 looks from Italian labels that we have never heard... highlighted in a central glass showcase at this swank soireé.

Earlier in the week- the Press Conference and luncheon--- was held at the refined, white tablecloth Italian ode to beef restaurant Manzo---a calm oasis located in the bustling EATALY-

Hosted by ANCI's General Manager Fabio Aromatici- attendees heard a short speech highlighting Italian know-how of the luxury shoe market...

Also welcoming the Press and a few FFANY exhibitors...was Aniello Musella, Italian Trade Commissioner and Executive Director for the USA...who noted how his country is the "third largest exporter of footwear to the United States."

PLUS: Greetings by the cordial entrepreneur Lidia Matticchio---a fixture on the foodie scene... and by Chef Michael Toscana ---recently of gourmand destination, Babbo...who then went on to prepare four courses that constituted the best meal we have eaten in months. Easy.

Note: Plenty of non-meat options including the Antipasto from the Marche region...Cozze in Sugo di Finnocchio---sauteed mussels in fennel sauce. Unbelievable.