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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Starting in 2024, day visitors must register on the Venice city website and pay a nominal daily entry fee of 5 Euros (C$7) before arrival for visiting specific days during the peak tourist season. This innovative measure aims to address the challenges posed by over-tourism and overcrowding while encouraging visitors to extend their stay and explore more of what this UNESCO World Heritage site offers.

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By implementing a system that requires day visitors to register and pay an entry fee, Venice hopes to deter the overwhelming influx of tourists during peak hours 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., particularly on weekends from April to July. Upon paying the entry fee, visitors will be issued a QR code for their mobile device, ensuring a seamless process for both visitors and authorities.

Venice charging day visitors is expected to have multiple benefits for both locals and tourists alike. Firstly, it will help reduce overcrowding in popular tourist areas, allowing for a more enjoyable experience for everyone. Additionally, by encouraging day visitors to stay longer in Venice, they will have the opportunity to discover hidden gems beyond the well-trodden paths of the city’s main attractions.

Furthermore, this initiative is not meant as a deterrent for tourism but rather as an effective means of managing visitor numbers sustainably. By implementing these measures specifically targeted at day visitors, Venice aims to strike a balance between preserving its cultural heritage and welcoming those who wish to experience its unique charm.

It is important to note that hotel guests are exempt from this entry fee as it is already included in their accommodation charges, but they still need to apply for a QR code to enter and visit Venice. This ensures that those who choose overnight stays contribute towards supporting local businesses while enjoying their time in Venice.

In addition to these measures aimed at controlling visitor numbers during peak periods, Venice also recognizes the need for additional infrastructure development. Efforts are underway to increase the availability of hotel rooms to accommodate more overnight guests comfortably.

Venice’s decision to begin charging day visitors marks an important step towards sustainable tourism management, setting an example for other popular destinations facing similar challenges. By implementing a system that requires day visitors to register and pay a small entry fee, Venice hopes to strike a balance between preserving its cultural heritage and ensuring a positive experience for locals and tourists alike.

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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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