Lombardia style: an evening of elegance, culture, and connection

By Amy Pigeon

On a rainy spring night above the city skyline, the spirit of Lombardia arrived in Toronto bringing the essence of an elegant and effervescent Franciacorta to brighten up the evening. Hosted on the rooftop of W Toronto, the Lombardia Style reception was a celebration of one of Italy’s most refined and forward-thinking regions—where centuries of artistry, enterprise, and elegance converge in a singular identity. With the clink of spritz glasses and the rhythm of Italian conversation within this close-knit community, guests were invited to glimpse a lifestyle shaped by beauty, culture, and style.

Hosted by the Region of Lombardia, in partnership with the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada and the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario, this cocktail reception was an invitation to experience the richness, innovation, and sensual beauty of one of Italy’s most dynamic regions.

We brought to North America the story of an authentic, elegant, and innovative Lombardia—capable of inspiring and attracting quality travelers.
— BARBARA MAZZALI, ITALIAN MINISTER OF TOURISM, REGIONAL MARKETING & FASHION – REGION OF LOMBARDIA

There was something distinctly Italian in the air—maybe it was the scent of saffron and slow-simmered sauce drifting from the open cooking demonstrations, or the sharp tailoring of every suit in the room. The Lombardia Style campaign was introduced not with fanfare, but with grace. Minister Barbara Mazzali, wrapped in confidence and quiet charisma, shared her vision of a region that balances tradition and innovation as effortlessly as a Milanese woman balances heels on cobblestones. Sprezzatura at it’s finest.

We were treated to an unveiling of a beautifully produced video that transported us across the region’s rolling vineyards, glittering fashion houses, ancient lakes, and iconic cities. Culinary delights followed—plates as artful as they were delicious—paired with warm conversation, Italian elegance, and joy. The swag bags alone felt like a love letter from Lombardia: gorgeous coffee table books, finely crafted notepads, and tokens of the region that felt unmistakably like Italian fashion.

The roadshow was part of a strategic two-city tour across Canada—beginning in Montréal and culminating in Toronto—aimed at building long-lasting ties with media, tour operators, and travelers who seek more than just a destination, but a connection to the region that embodies the diversity that makes Italy the beloved destination it is for over 1 million Canadians a year. As Barbara Mazzali shared that evening, Lombardia offers a lifestyle of elegance, innovation, heritage, and passion. Her vision, echoed throughout the evening, is one that positions Lombardia as a leader in authentic, immersive travel. As she said so eloquently, “We brought to North America the story of an authentic, elegant, and innovative Lombardia—capable of inspiring and attracting quality travelers.”

The collaboration with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations added yet another layer of connection, offering direct flights and experiential packages from Montréal to Milan year-round. Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President of Air Canada states, “Over 700,000 travelers have flown between Lombardy and Canada since 2014. Today we connect two world-class cities and warmly welcome Councillor Mazzali, recognizing the priceless value that this Region offers to travelers.”

“Air Canada is not just a sponsor, but a true ally promoting Lombardia through direct flights and experiential travel packages. The year-round Milan-Malpensa/Montréal connection represents a concrete lever for developing high-quality tourism and cultural flows, attracting travelers interested in our way of life, our craftsmanship, and our widespread beauty. Canada is a highly valuable market for Lombardy—not only in terms of numbers, but also for the type of tourist it attracts. Curious, respectful, refined. A traveler who seeks authentic experiences, who is moved by a Valtellina landscape just as by a design masterpiece at the Triennale, who is enchanted by a wine tasting in the Oltrepò hills just as by an evening under the shadow of the Duomo. That’s why we chose to invest in strategic and lasting relationships. With Air Canada, with the Chamber of Commerce, but above all with those who share our vision of tourism: no longer just a numbers game, but a lever for sustainable economic growth and the enhancement of communities. Every visitor to Lombardy is an opportunity to grow our businesses, to breathe new life into traditions, to create jobs, innovation, and beauty,” states Minister Mazzali.

To make the evening extra special, Air Canada had hearts racing with a raffle draw to connect us even more. In a twist of fate, I was honoured to win the prize: two direct return flights to Milan. I cannot wait to further explore the region and bring our VeraVita audience stories that illuminate Lombardia’s spirit, style, and soul.

Over 700,000 travelers have flown between Lombardy and Canada since 2014. Today we connect two world-class cities and warmly welcome Councillor Mazzali, recognizing the priceless value that this Region offers to travelers.
— MARK GALARDO, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF AIR CANADA

Lombardia has long held a special place in the heart of our European Editor & Co-Publisher, my father, Thomas Pigeon. It was through his work in Brescia many years ago—specifically with the EXA firearms show—that he first fell in love with Italy. He now owns a home in the region, nestled between the lakes and the mountains that inspire so much of his storytelling. In many ways, VeraVita was born not only from my love of Italy—but from his first spark, too.

So, you know what Lombardia means to us. But why should you visit Lombardia? Let us tempt you…

The heartbeat of Italian style: Milan’s couture, craft, and creative pulse

Milan isn’t just Italy’s fashion capital—it’s a global style beacon. Here, couture collections debut in historic palazzos, and street style spills onto the cobblestones of the Quadrilatero della Moda. But the region’s flair for aesthetics extends well beyond fashion week. World-class design exhibitions, like Salone del Mobile, set the tone for interiors and architecture worldwide. From silk production in Como to the impeccable tailoring traditions of Varese, Lombardia pulses with an innate elegance. Even a stroll through Milan feels like walking through a living gallery, where every detail, every line, every silhouette is intentional. Whether you’re window shopping or treasure hunting, this region is a dream for the aesthetically inclined.

From glacial lakes to alpine heights: nature’s grandeur in Lombardia

Lombardia is so much more than the industrial, fashion epicentre the world knows it as. For nature-lovers, it is their cinematic backdrop. From the glacial shimmer of Lake Como to the tranquil elegance of Lake Iseo, the region is graced with bodies of water so picturesque they feel almost mythical. Surrounding them are charming towns like Bellagio, Sirmione, and Lovere, each offering their own take on lakeside lifestyle. Venture higher and you’ll find the Alps waiting: silent, stunning, and eternally wild. Ski in Bormio, hike through the Stelvio National Park, or sip mountain honey-infused grappa in a stone chalet under the stars. Lombardia’s landscapes are grounding dreamscapes inviting you to breathe deeply, move slowly, and reconnect with the parts of your soul only Italy can unearth.

Masterpieces in motion: from Da Vinci’s legacy to today’s living canvases

Lombardia’s artistic soul runs as deep as its lakes. It’s the region that gifted the world The Last Supper, and where the echoes of Da Vinci, Bramante, and Caravaggio still whisper through cathedral domes and museum halls. Milan alone is a marvel—home to the Teatro alla Scala, the Triennale, and countless contemporary art spaces. But look closer and you’ll find frescoed chapels in lesser-known towns, experimental installations in repurposed factories, and a culture that celebrates both preservation and provocation. Art here is not confined to galleries—it lives in the architecture, in the cuisine, and in the regional pride that colours everyday life.

Lombardia means business: where innovation meets Italian ingenuity

Lombardia is where Italy does business. It’s a hub of innovation, leadership, and bold vision. Milan is home to the Borsa Italiana (Italian Stock Exchange) and hosts a constellation of multinational headquarters, start-ups, and trade events that draw global attention. Yet what makes Lombardia exceptional is how industry meets ingenuity here, populated with fashion tech, sustainable manufacturing, and AI-driven design labs nestled beside centuries-old family businesses. The entrepreneurial spirit runs deep, rooted in a culture that respects heritage while relentlessly pursuing progress. And with Milan set to co-host the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, the region is poised to shine on the world stage, welcoming athletes, creatives, investors, and storytellers alike for one of the most anticipated international events of the decade.

Savouring Lombardia: risotto, Franciacorta, and the soul of slow travel

In Lombardia, cuisine is memory. It’s saffron threads folded into risotto in Milan, rich bites of Taleggio melting on warm focaccia, and silky, melty ossobuco slow-cooked to perfection. Franciacorta wines sparkle in crystal flutes beside glacial lakes, while family-run trattorias serve recipes passed down for generations. But it’s not just about taste—it’s about experience. Take a cooking class in a countryside villa, forage for truffles in Valtellina, or join a winemaker at harvest in the hills of Oltrepò Pavese. This is a region made for lingering. For feeling. For coming alive.