Exclusive Gala Evening at the Italian Residence Captivates Belgrade
Amidst the refined ambiance of the Residence of the Italian Ambassador in Belgrade, the latest edition of the prestigious platform “Salon of Excellence – Florence Edition” was officially inaugurated in celebration of the national Made in Italy Day. This exclusive evening, organized through a collaboration between the Italian Cultural Institute, DeGorsi Luxury Consulting, and the Embassy of Italy, brought together prominent figures from the worlds of culture, business, and fashion to celebrate the very pinnacle of Italian craftsmanship and elegance.
The guests were warmly welcomed by the Ambassador of Italy to Serbia, H.E. Luca Gori, who highlighted that this edition is part of a captivating trilogy dedicated to showcasing Italy’s most significant artisanal hubs. Following highly successful editions focused on Naples and Venice, Aleksadversar Đorđević, the founder of the Salon of Excellence, has brought the Belgrade audience into the very heart of Tuscany – Florence.
For Ambassador Gori, the evening held a deeply personal resonance, as he was born near Florence, in the beautiful region of Mugello, where he spent his youth and completed his education. He fondly recalled his uncle, a renowned Florentine artisan and master of fine artistic furniture. Reflecting on the true essence of exceptional craftsmanship, the Ambassador emphasized that in modern society, alongside knowledge and a love for materials, dedication and a unique kind of courage are essential.
“In addition to a passion for the craft and mastery of the trade, a grain of madness is required. In today’s world, where everything is industrially mass-produced, choosing to spend long hours working on unique, handmade pieces can seem like madness because it doesn’t always align with economic calculus. However, it is precisely this grain of madness that makes all the difference, adds exceptional value, and makes Made in Italy a globally recognized symbol of excellence,”stated Ambassador Gori.
The gala evening offered attendees an exclusive opportunity to meet and converse with living legends of the Florentine artisanal scene. Among the prestigious guests were the master tailor Antonio Liverano of the iconic fashion house Liverano & Liverano, representatives of the elite shoemaking brand Stefano Bemer, and the exquisite jewelry designer Marina Calamai. A compelling introduction to the rich history and aesthetics of this Renaissance city was beautifully presented through an evocative lecture by the prominent art historian Paola Vojnović.