High-tech presents and sparkly
fashion are set to be a hit during the holidays, which Italians
prepare to celebrate more than ever with food and wine,
according to recent surveys.
Worn on the wrist, or on display on a wall, technology will
be a must among Christmas presents this year with 'smart'
speakers among new high-tech hits, particularly from Google and
Amazon, smart phones, smart watches and Bluetooth technology,
including from high-end brand Bose.
Meanwhile traditional gifts are also expected to be a hit
with food and wine finding a place not only on the table of
Italians celebrating the holidays but also under the Christmas
tree.
According to a survey carried out by polling institute Ixe'
on behalf of farmers' association Coldiretti, which was
published this week, nearly one in four Italians - 24% - chose
wines or typical food products as presents.
The poll also found that 47% of households interviewed had a
budget under 100 euros for presents, 40% between 100 and 300
euros, 11% from 300 to 1,000 euros and 2% over 1,000 euros.
In particular, the trend this year is to give "useful"
presents.
Food products and wines will play the lion's share, in
particular those that are part of the tradition of the country.
Italy can boast 5,056 typical regional food products, 299
SOP/IGP specialties recognized by the European Union and top
wines including 332 DOC wines, with a controlled designation of
origin, Coldiretti stressed.
And wines will also have a leading role during celebrations,
in particular sparkly wine, according to the observatory
Ovse-Ceves.
An estimated three million bottles of Italian bubbly will be
opened during the holidays, when nearly 50% of the wine's
overall annual consumption is expected to take place.
Giampietro Comolli, president of Ovse and Ceves, said the
value for national production will be worth 370 million euros
for a record turnover, including producers and retailers, of 860
million euros.
Popular wines this year are expected to include the Cartizze
Brut and Dry, Nebbiolo delle Langhe Rose, Lambrusco rose and
reds, among others.
Meanwhile, a survey carried out by the eCommerce observatory
of Milan's Polytechnic ahead of the holidays found that 20% more
Italians this year are choosing to buy online rather than in a
store, compared to 2017.
Purchases in November and December expected to total
approximately 6.8 billion euros.
The most sought-after online purchases, according to the
survey, are toys, technological presents, cosmetics, design
objects and ready-to-wear.
Indeed fashion will play a central role in the upcoming
celebrations as a gift or personal investment to shine through
celebrations as gold, silver and shiny materials are setting the
tone this year.
Leading fashion houses have designed ready-to-wear pieces for
the holidays that include laminated fabrics and silver at Prada,
where sparkly sequins are styled with fluo colors such as lime.
Giorgio Armani has a more subdued festive mood, combining
silver to a soft pink hue, among others, along with Maria Grazia
Chiuri at Christian Dior who used sparkly silver with a pale
pink hue.
Alberta Ferretti went super sparkly with laminated looks
while Alessandro Dell'Acqua at N.21 went for laminated gold
leather skirts dressed down with oversized sweaters.
Pier Paolo Piccioli also went for gold at Valentino.
Jackets have a gold touch at Gucci and Trussardi while
Ferragamo has designed an asymmetric long skirt in gold to shine
from morning till night.
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