Italy: Always in Our Hearts

When and where: March 12 at the Omni William Penn Hotel, Downtown.

La Dolce Vita: The Italian Sons and Daughters of America’s Western Pennsylvania district held its 55th annual luncheon and fashion show on March 12.. A packed house enjoyed a three-course lunch topped off with panna cotta (naturally) before enjoying the star-studded show emceed by fashion show coordinator Suzanne Mauro with looks from Uptown Sweats by Kiya Tomlin, One Enchanted Evening and One Brilliant. The event raised funds for 600 children with special needs to attend “Kennywood 4 Kids” 2017 Day. “The ISDA has a significant charitable commitment to Pittsburgh, and we want to share and nurture the values of our ancestors with our community,” said Basil Russo, national president of the ISDA, who attended with wife Patricia and their son, Anthony Russo, a director of the “Captain America: Civil War” film. He was also on hand celebrating his father’s birthday the night before. So who are his real life superheroes? “Definitely my dad. It’s really special to be here with him at this event today.” And what does he think of Pittsburgh? “I love it here. I’ve been coming to the city for many years, and it is just so beautiful and dense with visual imagery. I would love to shoot a film here.” Pittsburgh, get ready for your close-up!

#SEEN: Pittsburgh celebs who walked the runway: Mike Clark of WTAETV; Lisa and Bob Pomp ea n i ; Ky m Ga b l e of KDKA-TV; Paul Martino of KDKA-TV; Ed Fazio. Also #SEEN was event emcee Linda Mula; fashion show co-chairs Paulette Fazio, Marian McCann with sons Brody and Josh; event cochairs Julie Veltri and Louise Stanzione, who said: “It’s not enough to be a part of something and just sit back and watch. You have to participate and encourage others to do the same.”