Italian Style Lands in India: 'Italian Fashion Days' launch a new chapter in bilateral ties
The inaugural 'Italian Fashion Days in India' (Le Giornate della Moda Italiana nel Mondo) officially kicked off yesterday, October 28, at the Italian Embassy in New Delhi, marking a significant new step in the strategic partnership between Italy and India.
This three-city initiative, described as the first of its kind in India, is a key component of Italy's "Diplomacy and Growth Strategy" and is set to continue in Mumbai and Ahmedabad on October 29 and 30, respectively.
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Fashion as a driver for business and cultural exchange
The launch event was highlighted by Italian officials as being much more than a showcase for luxury goods. Aurora Russi, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of Italy, emphasized the multi-faceted goal of the initiative, noting that the Embassy was "delighted to take some of our best examples of fashion and fashion industry to New Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad." She stated that while the event celebrates the "strength and excellence of Made in Italy," it also aims to underline that "fashion is a driver for business and cultural exchanges between our two countries." Russi acknowledged that fashion is considered "luxury on some aspects," but maintained that it is also a "generator of richness at all levels."
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High-Profile delegation and creative programming
The event, launched globally by Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, is proposing a direct interaction with India's dynamic fashion ecosystem. The opening day in New Delhi featured a prominent Italian delegation, including: Matteo Marzotto, President of Minerva Hub; Antonio De Matteis, CEO of Kiton and President of Pitti Immagine; Giacomo Tonelli of Minerva Hub; Claudio Marenzi, President of Herno and Montura; and Alberto Racca, CEO of Gruppo Mirolo and Trussardi. Indian designers David Abraham and Vinu Singh were also welcomed to interact with the Italian contingent. Speaking on the depth of the showcase, Ms. Russi explained that covering Italian fashion in India "wouldn't be easy just with one or two words or one or two names." Following the talks, the delegation opened the exhibition, ‘Italia è Moda’ (Italian Fashion), curated by Clara Tosca Manfini.
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Optimism amidst global trade challenges
The timing of the Fashion Days underscores Italy's focus on the Indian market during a period of complex global trade dynamics. Russi addressed the ongoing challenges, including the impact of Trump-era tariffs, and viewed them as an "opportunity" for diversification. "We need to see the tariff happenings, what happened around tariffs as an opportunity," she said, suggesting that it encourages "European firms, European institutions to work even more with India." Furthermore, she expressed great anticipation for the forthcoming EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), stating, "We are all attaching huge importance to this and we are looking forward to a development that will be beneficial to both the European system and both the Indian market." The FTA is expected to be finalized potentially "less than within six months."
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Deepening a strategic partnership
The fashion initiative is firmly situated within a wider context of strengthening bilateral ties, which have been elevated to a "strategic partnership" by the two countries' Prime Ministers. Economic collaboration has been robust throughout 2025, with two major business forums already having taken place.
The first was in New Delhi in April, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Tajani and around 400 Italian businesses.
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The second forum was held in Brescia, Northern Italy, with Minister Goyal and Minister Tajani participating. Russi confirmed that a third business forum will be brought to India in the "next few weeks," stating, "We really believe that Italian and Indian businesses need to work together more." The two nations are focusing on numerous economic sectors beyond fashion, including machinery, agri-tech, and technical textiles.
In closing the event, Russi expressed the Embassy's delight, hoping this is "just the first of many Italian Days dedicated to made-in-Italian fashion."
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