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Events based on “Slow Food” and “Slow Fashion” Made in Italy
Ahead of the state visit of King Charles III, the sovereign has already kicked off a celebration in honour of Italy, hosting a special dinner at his Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire. The occasion not only had great diplomatic significance, but also celebrated Italy’s passion for food and fashion, with the concepts of “Slow Food” and “Slow Fashion” taking centre stage.
Highgrove estate, a charming Georgian country house purchased by Charles in 1980, hosted an exclusive gathering of personalities from the world of fashion, luxury and culture. Of the 80 guests at the dinner, around 60 were Italian, including some of the most emblematic figures in the industry: Donatella Versace, Lorenzo Bertelli (son of Patrizio and Miuccia Prada), Remo Ruffini of Moncler and Renzo Rosso of Diesel. The event took place under a grey and rainy sky, but this did not diminish the atmosphere of great elegance and affection for Italy, a country that Charles has always loved and admired. The dinner was also a symbolic “appetizer” for the state visit that King Charles will make to Italy in 2025. Although the sovereign has visited the country 18 times in the past, this will be his first visit as monarch, after having succeeded his mother Elizabeth II in 2022. The official agenda includes institutional meetings with the Pope in the Vatican and with the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, at the Quirinale, culminating with a gala dinner.
During the banquet, Charles emphasized the greatness of Italy in preserving its food and sartorial traditions, avoiding the overproduction that has damaged many other cultures. “Italy has saved traditions and food from overproduction,” said the sovereign, praising the country’s ability to defend its cultural and ecological biodiversity. The celebration focused on these very themes, highlighting the country’s commitment to supporting sustainable and authentic practices in a world increasingly dominated by industrialization. The meeting also had a personal value for Carlo, who has often expressed his admiration for the work of Carlo Petrini, founder of Slow Food, and for the country’s attention to ecological and artisanal practices.
The dinner was a tribute to these traditions, with dishes prepared by chef Francesco Mazzei, who created a menu focused on “zero kilometre” ingredients, sourced exclusively from the United Kingdom, with the exception of the extra virgin olive oil, chosen by the Umbria region and sourced from the Farchioni company in Spoleto. Umbria played a leading role in this special evening, not only for its fine oil, but also for the presence of Brunello Cucinelli, a famous stylist and entrepreneur, who spoke about the importance of sustainable fashion and his commitment to “Slow Fashion”.
The King also praised Cucinelli, calling him “the most elegant man in the world”. Another notable guest was Maurizio Marinella, the heir to a historic Neapolitan tailoring firm who recalled how members of the British Royal Family, including Prince Philip and King George VI, wore Marinella ties. This evening was a demonstration of “Soft Power”, the soft power that Italy exercises in the world through its culture, cuisine and fashion. The King showed a genuine enthusiasm for Italian creativity and quality, which have always fascinated the British people. An affinity that is also reflected in the diplomatic relations between the two countries, which, through initiatives such as this, continue to grow stronger.
The Highgrove dinner was not only an event of great diplomatic importance, but also a symbol of the strength of the ties between the United Kingdom and Italy. The country’s “soft” diplomacy was manifested not only in speeches and celebrations, but also in the mutual admiration that the two countries have for each other. Italian history, culture, fashion and cuisine are all aspects that have won the hearts of the English over the years, as demonstrated by the historic seat of the Italian Embassy in London, a symbol of the enduring love between the two nations. The event at Highgrove was not only a tribute to Italy, but also an occasion to celebrate a bond that goes far beyond political traditions, deeply rooted in the cultural and artistic affinities that unite the two nations. It was an unforgettable evening that further strengthened the relationship between the United Kingdom and Italy, awaiting the historic visit of King Charles in 2025.
Alessandro Fiorentino