Salvatore Ferragamo sandal made for Judy Garland in 1938.
In conjunction with the Italian Trade Commission, South Coast Plaza will host Italian Luxury and Design, during the better part of October. The center-wide event will showcase the best Italian fashion, food and furnishings from South Coast Plaza's unparalleled collection of boutiques.
Participating retailers will host in-store events in celebration of Italian Luxury and Design. Highlights include trunk shows, special collections, book signings, music, modeling, wine tastings and cooking demonstrations, as well as special menus at South Coast Plaza's award-winning restaurants.
"Italy is synonymous with style. Many of our retailer's roots are in Italy. This celebration represents the best of Italian merchandise," said Debra Gunn Downing, Executive Director of Marketing for South Coast Plaza. "Italian Luxury and Design is South Coast Plaza's salute to the luxury and elan of Italy," she added.
Salvatore Ferragamo will present a direct-from-Florence exhibit entitled A Love Affair with Shoes. The exhibition highlights the history of the internationally renowned fashion company's celebrated shoes. The talented Italian designer achieved fame and success working in the United States for many of Hollywood's divas, and for the most important women of the time. From Audrey Hepburn to Marilyn Monroe, to the Duchess of Windsor and Sofia Loren, to name just a few. The exhibition shows the public some of the most significant examples of his shoe designs, together with films, pictures, and excerpts from Ferragamo's autobiography.
Italian Luxury and Design 2004 is organized by South Coast Plaza in collaboration with the Italian Trade Commission and under the auspices of the Italian Consulate. Dr. Roberto Luongo, Director of the Italian Trade Commission headquartered in New York, said South Coast Plaza's collection of boutiques, department stores, fine dining and luxury retail represents the finest in both fashion and food, and this event provides the platform to showcase Italian product in a meaningful manner to an extremely fashion-savvy audience."