The Region of Tuscany and the City of Genoa are proud to present “Weaving stories: From Leghorn to Jeans”, a captivating cultural event that celebrates the creative ingenuity and historical legacy of female artisanship from two iconic Italian territories. Taking place at the Italian Cultural Institute in New York City, this unique initiative brings together craftsmanship, history, fashion, and art in a transatlantic journey that began in small workshops and lively Mediterranean ports—and made its way into global imagination.
Clara Svanera, Journalist and Coordinator for International Relations / Female and Cultural Tourism at Toscana Promozione Turistica, declared: “Craftsmanship is a powerful and silent language, a living tool that tells the story of a place better than anything else. Today, we explore two iconic products that are true children of their places of origin, capable of narrating more than just “Made in Italy”: the Florentine Straw Hat and Genoese Jeans. These two artefacts, brought together in our presentation “From Leghorn to Jeans”, are emblematic of history, ingenuity and female emancipation. We are starting this project in New York in a prestigious venue of the italian cultural institute and will take it to other institutional venues and international trade fairs to showcase the power of craftsmanship as a living art form of storytelling, a virtuous model of joint storytelling between different territories united by ancient knowledge!”
A CULTURAL DIALOGUE STITCHED IN TIME
At the heart of this event are two iconic objects—both born from women’s labor, both symbols of identity, style, and resilience:
The Leghorn Straw Hat
Originating in the Tuscan town of Signa, the straw hat is a masterwork of domestic craftsmanship. For centuries, Tuscan women known as trecciaiole hand-braided wheat straw into intricate plaits, often from childhood, passing down techniques from mother to daughter. These artisanal hats, famed for their lightness, strength, and elegance, became sought-after across Europe and the United States—especially when exported from the port of Livorno, known internationally as Leghorn.
But the Leghorn hat is more than fashion: it is an emblem of female empowerment and economic survival, sustaining generations of rural families. It was also immortalized in the works of the Macchiaioli painters, who used its wide brim to study light and shadow. Over time, it appeared in films worn by icons like Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, and Julia Roberts, further amplifying its status as a symbol of Italian grace.
From Genoa to “Jeans”
Equally rich is the story of the “blue de Gênes,” a sturdy indigo-dyed cloth woven in Genoa and used by sailors, workers, and merchants. This fabric—strong, affordable, and practical—became a staple for workwear, sails, and cargo covers. French traders gave it its early name; the English-speaking world transformed it into “jeans.”
Though Levi Strauss and the American West gave jeans their modern mythos, the origin of the fabric and its name is deeply Italian. Genoese dyers were masters of indigo tinting, a skill that gave denim its signature hue and durability. Like the straw hat, jeans were born of manual labor and necessity, and they too became a fashion staple and cultural icon across continents.
A SHARED THREAD: WOMEN, WORK, AND THE WORLD
Both the Leghorn hat and the jeans represent more than utilitarian objects. They embody a story of transatlantic travel, female labor, and cultural transformation—from handcrafted beginnings to symbols of global style. They connect two great port cities—Livorno and Genoa—and their legacies across oceans, particularly in the United States, where their fame exploded and their histories evolved.
This event seeks to honor those connections, elevate the value of women’s work in the arts and crafts, and invite reflection on how heritage objects can continue to inspire contemporary design, identity, and sustainability.
“Tuscany’s history is woven by women’s hands. Their skill transformed simple straw into gold—today we celebrate that genius in the world’s cultural capital”, stated Francesco Tapinassi, Director, Tuscany Tourism Promotion Board.
ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHT: THE SCENT OF HERITAGE
As part of today’s program, guests will also be treated to the official presentation of the Pesto World Championship by renowned Ligurian chef Roberto Panizza.
Founded in 2007 and held biennially in the historic Palazzo Ducale of Genoa, the Pesto Genovese al Mortaio World Championship is much more than a culinary competition—it is an international celebration of tradition, craftsmanship, and flavor. With over 100 participants from across the globe, the Championship brings together chefs, home cooks, and pesto lovers of all ages and backgrounds to compete with nothing but a marble mortar, wooden pestle, and the finest ingredients: Genoese DOP basil, Ligurian olive oil, Parmigiano Reggiano, Fiore Sardo, Vessalico garlic, Italian pine nuts, and Trapani sea salt.
Chef Panizza—founder of the Championship and ambassador of Ligurian culinary culture—will unveil the upcoming 2026 edition, sharing the story, spirit, and cultural significance of this unique event that turns Genoa into the world capital of taste and hospitality.
Ph. Credits: Riccardo Piazza
