Salento Italian Excellence Fashion Show & Dinner Metropolitan Pavilion 110 West 19th Street July 22, 2008 Written by Jamie Sharpe Photographed by Thomas Concordia

The Salento Italian Excellence (from the region of Salento “The Heel of Italy”), fashion show and dinner took place on Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008 at the Metropolitan Pavilion. The show featured men’s and women’s spring/ summer 2008 ready-to-wear, loungewear, swim apparel, intimates, and accessories.

There was a definite emphasis on purple and bright hues coloring the well tailored pieces. Skinny cuts, tapered pants, denim and fur gave the collection some dramatic accents. The clothing had a distinct European feel that was wearable and relaxed. The men’s pieces created sleek silhouettes that felt especially modern with chic pinstripes and outerwear that showed movement. Attention grabbing jewelry was a real standout against the ease of the clothing. This contrast of simplicity against chunky bangles, bold necklaces, and striking embellishments created a chic balance on the runway.

After the show, guests were treated to a sumptuous spread of Italian wine, dinner, and dessert. Even the gift bags were particularly memorable. They were made in Italian jails from recycled elements. This theme of redemption was carried through to the material used in the line which was 100% recycled. More on this recycling program can be seen at madeincarcere.it. It was an evening of Italian fashion and food rooted in an underlying themes of salvation.