From August 17th to 23rd, Montreal will host the second edition of Italian Fashion Days in the World. This initiative of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) is organized with the support of the Embassy of Italy in Ottawa, the Consulate General of Italy in Montreal, the Italian Cultural Institute in Montreal, and the Italian Trade Agency (ITA/ICE) – Montreal Office, as part of the26th edition of the M.A.D. (Fashion, Arts and Entertainment) Festival.
Event Program
Monday, August 17th
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth (by invitation only)
Curated by Clara Tosi Pamphili, the exhibition Italia è Moda offers an immersive journey into the world of Italian fashion. Conceived as a theatrical stage, it presents garments, accessories, and iconic objects illustrating the different moments of everyday life: daywear, eveningwear, and sportswear.
The exhibition will remain open to the public through August 23rd.
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
A conversation between Clara Tosi Pamphili and Stéphane Leduc as part of the M.A.D. Festival’s Rencontres Series, exploring Italian fashion, creativity, and the contemporary significance of Made in Italy.
Tuesday, August 18th
Italian Cultural Institute of Montréal
Directed by Alessandro Manieri, this documentary takes audiences inside the training academies of Italy’s leading fashion houses. Through the voices of master artisans, instructors, and young talents, it highlights the transmission of traditional craftsmanship that lies at the heart of Made in Italy.
Thursday, August 20th
6 p.m. – Documentary Screening – Costumitaly
Italian Cultural Institute of Montréal
This documentary explores the essential role of costume in cinema and theatre. Through expert interviews, archival materials, and original costume sketches, it pays tribute to renowned Italian costume designers, including Piero Tosi and Danilo Donati, while highlighting the close relationship between fashion, cinema, and Italian craftsmanship.
The event brings together companies and designers representing Italy’s leading professional associations across the entire fashion supply chain, including haute couture, textiles, leather goods, footwear, eyewear, jewelry, goldsmithing, and cosmetics. Together, these industries represent one of Italy’s most significant economic sectors, comprising more than 62,000 companies and 500,000 jobs.
The participating professional associations are: Altagamma, ANFAO (Italian Optical Manufacturers Association), CAM Confindustria Accessori Moda, Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, CNA Federmoda, CNA Orafi, Confartigianato Imprese (Confartigianato Moda e Confartigianato Orafi), Confindustria Moda, Cosmetica Italia, Federorafi.
Launched in 2025, Italia è moda is part of a broader strategy of cultural and economic diplomacy designed to promote Italian creativity through Italy’s international diplomatic and cultural network. By inaugurating this global tour, Montreal reaffirms its status as a creative capital while strengthening the exceptional cultural and economic ties between Canada and Italy.