The Italian Embassy in Washington held a gala evening to celebrate the success of Milan's Expo world fair and open an exhibition showcasing Italian cinema, food and fashion.
"This evening we are celebrating Italian style in all its senses, from the cinema tradition to the flavours of its chefs, we celebrate the feeling of the Dolce Vita," said Luca Franchetti Pardo, deputy head of mission at the embassy, as he opened the event.
A photo exhibition showcases pictures of celebrities enjoying Italian food, including Sharon Stone and Mel Gibson.
Another exhibition displays clothes from the Maison Gattinoni, which dressed stars such as Audrey Hepburn and Lana Turner in the 1960s.
The clothes on display are inspired by the theme of food, and include an olive green dress representing Italy's olive oil tradition, and others that symbolise pasta and liquorice.
Guests at the event enjoyed food by Pietro Parisi and a video-collage presented clips from cult Italian films such as "The Leopard" and "Big Night".
The exhibition is due to run until October 23, the embassy says on its website.
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