Press & Media

Official Press Release

The Italian Trade Agency Announces the Fourth Edition of Italy on Madison: Italy Takes the Stage

NEW YORK, NY — The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) is pleased to announce the fourth edition of Italy on Madison, a cultural and lifestyle event taking place May 12–15, 2026, in New York City. Under this year's theme, "Italy Takes the Stage," the four-day event unites more than two hundred distinguished Italian brands across fashion, design, footwear and accessories, beauty, eyewear, food, and wine in a fully immersive celebration of the spirit of Made in Italy.

"Italy on Madison is more than a showcase; it is a sensory journey into the soul of Italian excellence. As we launch this fourth edition, our goal is to transform the Italian Trade Agency into a vibrant hub where New York's creative and business communities can experience the seamless blend of heritage, innovation, and craftsmanship that defines the Made in Italy brand." — Erica Di Giovancarlo, Trade Commissioner Executive Director for the USA

ITALY TAKES THE STAGE ON MADISON AVENUE

For its 2026 edition, Italy on Madison transforms a landmark Madison Avenue townhouse into a living Italian stage, where every room unfolds as a distinct act in a larger narrative of craftsmanship, culture, and style. Over four immersive days, the public and press are invited into a world that moves fluidly between morning espresso rituals and evening aperitivo, between fashion and fragrance, design and dining.

This year's staging is enriched by the collaboration of Gilda Bojardi, Ambassador of Italian Design and Editor-in-Chief of INTERNI magazine, with creative direction entrusted to acclaimed designer Paola Navone, founder of Studio OTTO.

"'Italy Takes the Stage' reflects the balance between creative flair, design culture, and manufacturing expertise that defines Made in Italy. Through Italy on Madison, developed with Paola Navone and INTERNI, we want to show New York an ecosystem where companies, designers, and manufacturers work in dialogue—transforming creativity into industrial reality." — Gilda Bojardi, Ambassador of Italian Design and Editor-in-Chief of INTERNI

"The excellence of Made in Italy comes to life through scenographic sets inspired by the language of theatre. Each stage celebrates the very best of Italian know-how and the companies that create exceptional pieces, becoming a visual and narrative journey across Italy. Every object, piece of furniture, and product tells the story of Italian savoir-faire and, together with the evocative spirit of iconic destinations, allows visitors to take home a memory — a lasting souvenir of a journey through the Bel Paese." — Paola Navone, Founder, Studio OTTO

Throughout the venue, immersive experiences, storytelling moments, and site-specific installations bring this stage to life, foregrounding Italian identity and inviting audience engagement through a rich program of masterclasses, live demonstrations, tastings, and conversations organized around six distinct product categories. The complete program and brand list can be found on the website.

FOUR YEARS OF GROWTH: ITALY ON MADISON IN CONTEXT

Since its debut in 2023, Italy on Madison has grown from a focused trade showcase into one of New York's largest multi-category presentations of Italian lifestyle and design culture. The 2025 edition featured more than 90 participating brands and welcomed thousands of visitors across consumer, trade, and media audiences.

The 2026 edition builds on this foundation with a richer program, deeper brand representation across all six categories, and an expanded consumer programming schedule—bringing the full spectrum of Italian living directly to New York's most culturally engaged audiences.

SIX PILLARS OF ITALIAN EXCELLENCE — SIX ACTS ON ONE STAGE

Fashion — Italian designers, from emerging talents to storied houses, take the stage through live showcases, personal styling moments, and editorial experiences.

Design — The townhouse itself becomes a canvas for Italian interior design, with site-specific installations and curated furniture vignettes exploring contemporary Italian aesthetics.

Footwear & Accessories — Italian footwear and accessories step into the spotlight, merging tradition with cutting-edge innovation and showcasing designs that lead the global market.

Eyewear — Italy's world-renowned optical industry is showcased through an immersive eyewear experience featuring some of the country's most distinguished brands.

Beauty — Italian skincare, fragrance, and wellness brands lead interactive workshops rooted in the tradition and innovation that define Italian beauty.

Food & Wine — Regional tastings, chef-led demonstrations, and curated pairings celebrate Italy's culinary identity—from morning espresso to evening aperitivo.

A PLATFORM FOR MADE IN ITALY

Italy on Madison is part of the Italian Trade Agency's broader commitment to strengthening Italy's presence in the United States market. By bringing together brands, press, buyers, influencers, and consumers across a carefully curated multi-day format, the event serves as both a cultural moment and a strategic platform — connecting Italian excellence with American audiences in a way that is personal, sensory, and enduring. ———————————————————————
About Italian Trade Agency (ITA)

The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) is the government agency dedicated to supporting the international business development of Italian companies and promoting the Made in Italy brand worldwide. ITA works closely with Italian manufacturers, trade associations, and international partners to facilitate export growth and strategic market entry.

For PR and Related Inquiries:

OC Consulting
Osmund Allenberg, Principal, osmund@osmundcharles.com
On behalf of the Italian Trade Agency