Made in Italy takes center stage at Italian Design Week in the United States

The third edition of Italian Design Week, founded by entrepreneur Roberta Marcenaro Lyon to connect Italian companies with their U.S. counterparts, celebrated Italy’s innovation and global impact from October 14–16.

In Washington, D.C., the “Shaping a Future Through Authentic Collaboration” summit at the Italian Embassy brought together leading voices like Flavio Manzoni, Roberto Coin, and Heinz Beck, along with representatives from Leonardo, Piaggio, Valentino, Moleskine, Ferrero, and others. Conversations centered on design, leadership, sustainability, and transatlantic partnerships.

Elisa Zambito Marsala of Intesa Sanpaolo introduced the bank’s “Look4ward – Build Your Future” program, which focuses on developing new skilland preparing young people for fast-changing industries. The initiative’s Look4ward Observatory, created with LUISS University, helps identify the skills most in demand by Italian companies.

Marcenaro Lyon, who has promoted Italian excellence from Washington since 2008, describes Italian Design Week as bringing “a piece of Italy to the heart of Washington, DC. You can’t imagine ‘heritage’; instead, it must be touched, tasted, and worn.” This year, guests walked the red carpet beside two special-edition Ferraris displayed near the White House, and a new Innovation Hub in Tuscany, developed with the United Nations, was announced for November.

Awards designed by Paola Navone honored Flavio Manzoni, Roberto Coin, Elisa Zambito Marsala, Heinz Beck, and Stefano Mariotti, while Beck curated an exclusive Palazzo Fiuggi inspired dinner at the historic Willard Hotel.

Source: Forbes Italia, Enzo Argante

Adapted by: Kate Netzer