Around 20 Italian shoemakers made up an Italian pavilion led by ANCI, the association of Italian shoemakers, at the first Prestige exhibition for “fashion and lifestyle” clothing, footwear and accessories held in the World Trade Center in Dubai on Feb. 8-10 2004. A similar number of apparel producers also took part in the event. The Italian contingent was sponsored by the Italian government, but the results were generally judged disappointing.