Culture

Inside the Italian Trade Agency’s Stylish Return to Miami Beach

Miami’s fashion insiders got a front-row view of Italy’s evolving resortwear scene
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Inside the Italian Trade Agency’s Stylish Return to Miami Beach

This past weekend, FAME was on the ground at Cabana Miami Beach, where the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) made a bold return with a curated showcase of 25 standout Italian brands. Held May 31 through June 2 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, the activation spotlighted the very best of “Made in Italy” across swimwear, resortwear, accessories, and eyewear—offering a fresh take on Italy’s timeless approach to design.

“A Showcase of Quality, Creativity, and Sustainability”

“We are here to inaugurate the Cabana Shows with 25 Italian brands,” said Erica Di Giovancarlo, Italian Trade Commissioner in New York and Executive Director of the Italian Trade Agency in the U.S. “We’re showing the best of our production in terms of beachwear and accessories—highlighting Italian quality, creativity, and sustainability.”

Di Giovancarlo emphasized that the Italian Trade Agency isn’t just supporting brands at exhibitions like Cabana, but playing a long game. “We help companies with services year-round—from finding buyers and promoting their products to providing market intelligence. The U.S. is our most important market outside Europe,” she shared.

A Curated Edit of Italian Excellence

From timeless swim silhouettes to intricately crafted jewelry, the participating brands offered a range of regional perspectives and artistry. Standouts included Bikini Lovers, Le Nine, Francesca Bianchi Design, and Save My Bag—each representing the elegance, modernity, and character of Italian fashion.

Set within the immersive "Italian Lounge," the ITA's booth was more than a display—it was a full brand experience. Stylish vignettes, interactive installations, and curated storytelling made it easy for retailers to engage with each brand's essence.

Beyond Fashion: A Strategic Mission

The Italian presence at Cabana wasn’t just aesthetic—it was economic. With the U.S. now ranking as the fifth largest global market for Italian swimwear, and Italy standing as the leading European exporter of beachwear to the States, the mission was clear: deepen commercial relationships while celebrating design excellence.

According to recent figures, Italy exported more than $2.1 billion in apparel to the U.S. in 2025 alone. Events like Cabana help maintain and grow that momentum, Di Giovancarlo explained: “We want our companies present here—not just for exhibitions, but through showrooms and constant market visibility.”

Faces, Flair, and Forward Movement

Throughout the weekend, the Italian Lounge drew buyers, influencers, and editors alike, each gravitating toward bold new collections redefining resortwear. Labels like Altamoda, Pho Firenze, and Raffaella d’Angelo leaned into color-drenched palettes, recycled fabrics, and silhouettes meant to move from beach to street.

A local Miami boutique buyer noted: “The Italian section always delivers something thoughtful—pieces that feel good to sell and even better to wear.”

Why It Matters

At a time when fast fashion dominates timelines, Italy’s presence at Cabana served as a reminder that longevity, artistry, and brand story still matter. From family-run ateliers to modern rebrands, the 25 showcased labels proved that Italian fashion isn’t standing still—it’s evolving with purpose, poised for the global spotlight.