The 2011 Luxury & Yachts, International Luxury Fair, has been very successful, and closed its doors after an intense four days dedicated to presenting outstanding products in the various luxury goods sectors.
Luxury & Yachts 2011
“We’re very happy with the result, it’s been extremely positive in these difficult economic times for Italy, Europe and the rest of the world,” was the reaction from Andrea Miglioranzi, President of Veneto Exhibitions (the company owned by VeronaFiere) which organised the Fair in collaboration with MAC Group.
“One of the things we’re most proud of is the quality of the exhibitors this year, 170 in total. Slightly fewer than last year, but alongside some of the world’s most famous brands such as McLaren and Riva, there were Italian brands from small and medium-sized companies which represent some of the very best ‘Made in Italy’ products in the luxury market.”
The number of visitors was good despite general worries about the economy. Sandro Binelli, President of MAC Group, said, “It shows how much people enjoyed and were curious about the four different luxury sectors- Classic, Flamboyant, Opulent and Innovative – which we chose to use as a way to organise the exhibition and as a way to show both the complexity and subjectivity of the concept of luxury in the contemporary world.”
According to the Vice President of Veneto Exhibitions, Raffaele Bonizzato, “The positive response from the public goes to show that on the one hand that there is a real vitality and interest in personalised luxury goods, and on the other, that there is a real ability to showcase the outstanding companies and craftsmanship which abound in Italy.”
The Fair attracted a huge variety of visitors, from true aficionados of luxury, and so potential buyers, to enthusiasts drawn to not just the beauty and elegance of the products but also to the skill and craftsmanship on display from many of the exhibitors.
Miglioranzi said, “Again, this shows how, at the Fair, luxury has been presented not as something which is unattainable but as a world to discover and explore, and a chance to appreciate the best of ‘Made in Italy’ products.”
Of course, as the organisers point out, the event has also been a great media success too: over the course of the four days in Verona, over a hundred journalists, from local and national press and television (including Rai, Mediaset and Sky) visited the Fair.
One of the great ‘new’ successes at the fair, has been the Exclusive Area, which offered dishes from four different Michelin-starred chefs, and wowed visitors with the very best in Italian food and wine. Over the course of four days, four different chefs delighted visitors with exclusive dishes: Damiano Donati, Gambero Rosso’s ‘Up and Coming Chef’ 2012, Nicola Portinari, awarded two stars for the fourth year running in the 2012 Michelin Guide, Matteo Baronetto, chef with two Michelin stars and alter ego of Carlo Cracco, and Aurora Mazzucchelli, who was been named the “ Best Chef in Italy” by the Identità Golose Guide.
Art, too, contributed to the success of the Fair: one of the exhibitions was organised by the Museo d’Arte Orientale Obrietan (Obrietan Museum of Oriental Art) in Brendola (Vicenza). Some of the rare objects displayed were put up for auction today and the proceeds will be given be given to the “Himalayan Aid” charity, which helps Tibet’s exiled children who enter into Buddhist monasteries. Another exhibition, “Sixties Pop Fashion” by Franco Jacassi, included a stunning collection of clothes, fabrics and accessories from the decade, from some of the most popular cult design houses: Balenciaga, Paco Rabanne and Courrèges to name but a few.
Fringe events to the Fair also put luxury centre stage, one of these was “Vetrine Eccellenti” (Outstanding Window Displays). With the aim of connecting the city of Verona with Luxury & Yachts 2011, members of the “Negozi per il Centro” (Shops for the Centre) Society put the very best luxury products on display in their windows.
Products included: rare fabrics, tailor-made clothing, accessories, furs, jewellery, precious gems, watches and furniture and a number of prestigious stores took part in the initiative: Montblanc, Cartier, Damiani, Gucci, Dolce&Gabbana, Fratelli Rossetti, Pianegonda, Etro, Trussardi, Pollini, L’Occitane, Hugo Boss, Mauro Grifoni, DEV, Folli Follie, Coccinelle, Elena Mirò, Al Duca d’Aosta, Classic, Max Mara, Bruno Bruschi Calzature, Al Duca D’Aosta and Carnaby Street.
