Italian Hertitage Month

Welcome Back (bentornati) to Phil~italy Cultural Exchanges Newsletter. We publish bi-weekly exploring the food, culture, music, art, architecture, natural beauty and history of our beloved Italy.

This Month we Celebrate Italian Heritage Month and Cristoforo Colombo.

Cristoforo Colombo

Cristoforo Colombo, known in English as Christopher Columbus, was an Italian explorer from Genoa who set sail across the Atlantic Ocean in 1492. Sponsored by Spain, his voyage led to the European discovery of the Americas, forever changing world history. Though controversial today, Columbus remains a symbol of exploration, ambition, and the enduring spirit of discovery.

Sister Cities Columbus Ohio - Genoa Italy

On October 12, 1955 (Columbus Day), the City of Genoa became Columbus’ first Sister City. The relationship was signed into place by Mayor Sensenbrenner, and was celebrated through the gifting of the Christopher Columbus Statue at an event that more than 100,000 people attended.

For 70 years we have worked with Genoa to provide both of our cities with a greater sense of cultural enrichment through events like the bi-annual Pesto Championship, and art projects like the award winning Thousand People of Genoa.

Columbus Italian Festival

Join Phil, his team and current and past traveling customers this weekend Oct. 10, 11, 12. See details below. Know that Phil will be at the Phil~italy booth only the evening of Oct. 10th and first half of day till 2:00pm on Saturday. Otherwise, other friendly faces will be there to greet you! There is a raffle for a high quality Espresso Maker and other door prized! Venite a trovarci! Come find us!

This is the 45th year of the Columbus Italian Festival, now located on the grounds of St. John The Baptist Italian Catholic Church. It attracts annually attracts over 35,000 visitors. Each year on Columbus Day weekend the Italian community comes together in a 3 day celebration with the finest in food, entertainment and Italian culture. Venite a trovarci! Come to find us in the Phil~italy booth!

Cleveland Museum of Art Nov 9 2025 - Feb 1 2026

Renaissance to Runway The Enduring Italian Houses

Italian Fashion in the 20th Century

Italian fashion in the early 20th century was defined by elegance, craftsmanship, and a growing sense of national identity. In the 1900s and 1910s, Italian designers, while inspired by Parisian haute couture, brought their own unique touch of refinement to the fashion world. This was evident in their intricate tailoring and use of luxurious fabrics. After World War I, cities like Turin and Milan began to emerge as fashion centers, with skilled artisans producing fine leather goods, shoes, and garments that reflected both tradition and innovation.

By the 1950s and 1960s, Italy had firmly established itself as a global fashion powerhouse, largely due to the contributions of designers such as Emilio Pucci, Valentino Garavani, and the Fontana sisters. These designers brought Italian style to international attention, blending glamour with effortless sophistication. Their work, along with the fashion shows in Florence and Rome, played a significant role in shaping the concept of 'la dolce vita' — the sweet life that became synonymous with postwar Italy’s newfound confidence and charm.

In the latter half of the century, Italian fashion evolved into a symbol of modern luxury and bold creativity. The 1970s through the 1990s saw the rise of legendary brands like Gucci, Versace, Armani, and Prada, each redefining what it meant to be stylish and modern. From Armani’s minimalist suits to Versace’s vibrant prints, Italian designers captured both tradition and trend, turning Milan into the beating heart of the global fashion industry. By the end of the 20th century, Italian fashion was not only an art form — it was a statement of identity, innovation, and timeless beauty.