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Dec 2, 2008 6:36 pm US/Eastern
Miami Calls On Italian Fashionistas
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
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Model Alessandra Ambrosia presents a creation during the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at the Fontainebleau on Nov. 15, 2008, in Miami Beach, Fla.
Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images
Miami is on it way to becoming a fashion capital. Dignitaries and fashion designers from Italy are here in South Florida learning about Miami developing into a fashion destination.
Tuesday the Italian contingent signed a memorandum of understanding with South Florida professionals. The move signals a commitment to bring designers from Italy who plan to open offices in Miami. It's a shot in the arm to Miami's economy that will now have another outlet to bring in the bucks.
"Miami you know is becoming increasingly popular in Italy as a both for travel and leisure, but now also for business," said Marco Rocca, the Consulate General of Italy.
"It's a very smart market," said Paolo Catalfamo, the President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Italy."By being here you can cover the North American market as well as the Latin American market and its a very cool area. There are lots of new ideas coming out of Miami, South Florida in general."
A year ago members of the Beacon Council and Salvatore Ferragamo came up with the idea to sell Miami as a fashion mecca. The plan is put it on the map with the likes of New York, Milan and Paris. Although the plan is in its infancy, today's visit from the Italians shows there is some support for it. Soon another group of international fashion industry leaders from Tuscany plan to visit South Florida as well.
"It's very important because I think that our initiative now has garnered momentum," said Frank Nero of the Beacon Council.
The Italian contingent plans to tour the Port of Miami and one of their designers will hold a fashion show here Tuesday night. It's possibly the beginning of even more shows to come. That includes a mega fashion show planned for the Spring of 2009.
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