So much more than just a label – A Tradition of Soul
Every year on April 15, Italy celebrates something that goes far beyond a label… it celebrates a way of being, a way of creating, a way of living. It is the Day of Made in Italy, a moment dedicated to honoring the creativity, craftsmanship, and excellence that define our country and inspires the world.
The date itself is deeply symbolic. April 15 marks the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci—a genius who perfectly embodies the harmony between art, innovation, and vision that still lives today in everything we proudly call Made in Italy.
But what truly makes this celebration special is not only what we produce… it is the soul behind it.
The Sound of Made in Italy
Last February, I had the honor of being the Master of Ceremonies for a very special project presented during the Olympic and Paralympic events connected to Milano-Cortina: The Sound of Artisans, created by Confartigianato Imprese Veneto.
It all took place in Casa Veneto in Cortina, a truly beautiful and inspiring space that became a home for our region during the Games. Every day, it came to life with events, presentations, and stories—showcasing the excellence, creativity, and spirit of Veneto. It was a place where people could discover so many aspects of our land, from craftsmanship to culture, from innovation to tradition.
Within this special setting, The Sound of Artisans became something even more meaningful… an experience that truly touched me.
Seven artisans were chosen—one for each province of the Veneto region—to represent something much greater: over 120,000 artisan businesses. Seven stories, each rooted in a different territory, each reflecting the identity and excellence of its land.
From Belluno, the art of eyewear, born in the Dolomites, where precision, innovation, and design come together in a tradition known all over the world.
From Treviso, the excellence of technical sports footwear in Montebelluna, where craftsmanship meets performance and supports athletes at the highest level.
From Vicenza, not only the timeless elegance of goldsmith artistry, but also the delicate refinement of porcelain, where creativity and precision give life to true works of art.
From Verona, the strength and beauty of marble, shaped into creations that carry both history and contemporary design.
From Padua, the extraordinary craftsmanship of pipe organs, where engineering, music, and artistry come together to create instruments that fill spaces with emotion.
From Venice, the ancient art of boat building, deeply connected to the lagoon, where tradition still lives in every curve and every detail.
And from Rovigo, a beautiful expression of craftsmanship rooted in the land—where food, agriculture, and innovation meet. From artisanal bread-making to refined aquaculture, even oyster cultivation, this province tells a story of how tradition can evolve while staying deeply connected to nature.
Seven provinces. Seven identities. One soul.
But what made this experience truly unforgettable for me was not only discovering their work… it was meeting them.
Looking into their eyes, listening to their stories, seeing the pride, the care, and the love they put into what they do every single day. There is something very powerful in artisans—a quiet strength, a deep connection to their craft that goes beyond technique. It is identity. It is legacy.
And what struck me even more is how they are not only preserving tradition—they are evolving it. They are modernizing centuries of knowledge, bringing innovation into their work while remaining deeply rooted in their heritage.
In that moment, I truly understood what Made in Italy means.
It is a form of artisanal intelligence—an intelligence of the hands, of the heart, of experience passed down through generations. Something that cannot be replicated, only lived and felt.
And this journey, for me, is only just beginning.
I am planning to visit each of these artisans personally—to spend time with them, to learn more, to truly experience their world. And I cannot wait to share these encounters with all of you… because these are the stories that deserve to be seen, felt, and carried forward.
More Than a Label
Made in Italy is not just about fashion, food, or design.
It is about people.
It is about stories.
It is about a deep connection to the land and to tradition.
It is something you don’t just see… you feel.
And for me, it is also something I have the privilege to wear. I am often dressed by Massimo Vello, a renowned Italian artisan from my own village, Portogruaro, whose creations embody the true spirit of Made in Italy. With his hands and his heart, he transforms fabric into poetry—pieces I am proud to wear during my television appearances and special daytime events, including my presentations during the Olympic Games in Cortina.
His creations have also accompanied me on extraordinary occasions, such as the 100th anniversary of the prestigious Grand Ole Opry in Nashville—a place deeply rooted in the history of American country music, yet beautifully connected to Italy, as its original name, Grand Old Opera, was inspired by our musical tradition.
In those moments, wearing Made in Italy becomes more than elegance… it becomes a way to carry my roots with me, wherever I go.
A Celebration Without Borders
The Day of Made in Italy was officially established in 2023 and first celebrated in 2024—a new celebration for something that has lived in our hearts for generations.
And maybe that is the beauty of it.
Because Made in Italy has never been just a label… it has always been a feeling. A way of caring, of creating, of putting love into what we do.
On April 15, wherever you are in the world, take a moment to experience that feeling… and let it bring you a little closer to Italy.
Love,
Giada
About Giada Valenti
Singer and songwriter Giada Valenti was born and raised in Venice, Italy. She is best known in the United States for her PBS music special From Venice with Love, which aired nationally in 2015, 2016, and 2017. In November 2017, she debuted as a headliner in Las Vegas with a concert at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. In October 2018, she made her debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City, where she returned by popular demand in 2019. Another highlight was being asked by Andrea Bocelli to sing with him, at a concert benefitting his foundation. Her albums include And I Love You So, Italian Signorina, My Lullaby, and From Venice with Love. Giada is also a Tiramisu expert and has done cooking demos on television shows around the country making the famous Italian dessert. Giada has also been a co-host for several years for the Columbus Day Parade on ABC7 in New York. She also offers tours to explore Venice and beyond with her. Details on her website.