Taste, a trade show

I took this photo in March 2008 at Stazione Leopolda in Firenze,where the trade show, Taste, was being held.  The two figures at the right are actually "bellying up to the bar" for a taste of Italian beer.  The venue is a converted train station now used for various events throughout the year. 

Many of the trade shows, which are open to the public, are centered around the fashion industry, including the women's ready-to-wear, which is held in November each year.  In 2011 the show was held for the first time in Firenze at the Stazione Leopolda.  The organization which sponsors the events,  Pitti Imagine, is deeply entwined with all aspects of the garment industry, and was responsible for the first men's fashion show in Italy in the mid-20th century.  Prior to that time, clothing in Italy was made in small tailoring or dressmaking shops.  Much more at the sophisticated web-site:  www.pittimmagine.com