Above photo: Atelier Biologico Firenze, Italy

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The fashion exhibition and runway shows showcase the work of various artists and designers, including Atelier Biologico Firenze from Italy, Green Embassy from Australia, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, Sylvia Calvo from Spain, Zuzana Hrubos from the Czech Republic, Gia Dianna from the USA, and others.

There was an exceptional display of talented eco-designers from Australia, including Amee Dennis, Beads N Pods, Emergent Art Glass, Emily Craig studio, Fabric of Nature, Funk N Soul 97, Keli Studios, Leah Kelly, Ashley Majoni, Mon, Regis, and others, who were prominently showcased in both evening runway shows. 

EFWA Florence edition featured artist talks with several speakers throughout the two-day gathering at Spedale del Bigallo, a heritage hostel located on a hillside with views of Florence. It is believed that the original building on the property was a hospital constructed in the 13th century for the needy, the ill, and pilgrims.

In the early 15th century, civic records indicate the addition of a church attached to a main building that featured rooms on two floors. Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the church stood a residence for priests and a home for the farmer.

Today, it is known as the Bigallo hostel, offering dormitories and rooms with a total of 52 beds, located within one of the region’s most historic accommodations. It provides guests with a connection to Florence’s history, a stunning garden, and a panoramic terrace for dining, all complemented by an unforgettable view of the city.  

Florence is recognized as the birthplace of Italian fashion, especially during the 1950s. While Milan later emerged as the fashion capital, Florence continues to hold a significant place in the narrative of Italian style, particularly for its contributions to bringing the Italian fashion industry to the forefront of the global scene. Therefore, it is only fitting that EFWA selected Florence to host their opening global fashion show.

EFWA’s next conceptual fashion art show global tour stop is set for Vancouver, Canada, in September. Stay tuned for more details as they become available.

Photos: Simon Lau

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There are no surprises on the list, but luxury travellers’ travel preferences and perceptions have evolved.

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Luxury travel is about creating unique and unforgettable experiences during a vacation.

After months of lockdown, Gen Z and Millennials intend to holiday close to home this year. For those seeking luxury, it’s about high-quality experiences with loved ones, even if it means travelling far.

Luxury travellers now prefer slow travel and extended vacations that combine work and leisure. Many people travel with their laptops to work remotely.

By choosing to travel more slowly, individuals can immerse themselves more deeply in local cultures and engage in more experiences that allow them to explore and truly appreciate their destination. They seek unconventional vacation experiences beyond typical resorts.

We are now seeing a significant demand for wellness travel and immersive retreats. Travellers are ensuring that their vacation plans include time for well-being and that they care for themselves.

Virtuoso, a global network of luxury travel advisors, surveyed its clients and found that five European countries are the top destinations for luxury travel. These countries are Italy, Greece, France, England, and Spain. 

Paris was ranked the top luxury travel city, followed by Rome, Barcelona, Florence, and London.

Italy took the top spot with families, followed by Hawaii, Costa Rica, France, and the United States.

As for honeymoon destinations, Italy was first, followed by Greece, Bali, French Polynesia, and Maldives.

Luxury travellers’ book during the shoulder season to avoid crowds and seek exclusivity and privacy.

In the coming weeks, I will share more luxury travel news on the less-known destinations.

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Fiorino Italian Street Food, a renowned Italian restaurant located in the heart of Chinatown is also celebrating its second Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand award, which it has won for two consecutive years, as well as its second anniversary.

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The new Cena sharing menu is intended to be served family-style and highlights Italian cuisine from various regions. The restaurant’s signature dish, Coccoli e Prosciutto, is given pride of place, which features deep-fried dough “pillows” served with aged 18-month Prosciutto di Parma and whipped Stracchino cheese. This dish is popular street food from Florence and is one of the restaurant’s standout offerings.

As part of its second-anniversary celebrations, Fiorino Italian Street Food will be showcasing a selection of remarkable Italian wines by offering special vintages by the glass every Wednesday evening. Each week, the wines by the glass will include at least one of the following: Altesino Brunello, Eilo Altare Nebbiolo, or Castello del Terriccio Tassinaia. In addition, on Wednesdays, one select bottle will be available at half-price, such as Chianti Classico, St Michael Eppan Pinot Noir, and Tolloy Pinot Grigio.

Giovanni (Gio) Mascagni moved from his hometown of Florence, Italy to British Columbia in January 2013. However, he couldn’t find his favorite snack – Tuscan sandwiches made with authentic Schiacciata bread. In response, Gio decided to take matters into his own hands and return to Florence to apprentice under acclaimed baker Dario Della Lunga at his Chicco di Grano bakery inside the city’s iconic Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio. During his apprenticeship, he learned the centuries-old techniques of Tuscan bread making, as well as the art of creating Florence’s famous street foods.

Upon his return to Vancouver, Gio opened Fiorino Italian Street Food, which specializes in freshly baked Schiacciata sandwiches filled with quality local and imported ingredients. In addition to these sandwiches, they have fresh Italian fare, creative cocktails, and a discovery-style list of all-Italian wines available.

Fiorino Italian Street Food is open seven days a week.

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