At a time when retail is testing new technology and innovation, traditional footwear becomes especially compelling. Fittingly, the Italian Trade Agency — an organization committed to supporting footwear and leather goods made in the country — on Wednesday celebrated a daylong New York exhibit of Italian products.

Prior to the event, Stefano Miotto of the Politecnico Calzaturiero del Brenta shared his thoughts on why such an event was important. “I hope that people develop a deeper understanding of the knowledge of our territory, the tradition of our district and the extraordinary quality of the products that are made,” he said.