By INSIDER REPORTERS

ROME -- The invitation to the top table has always been a measure of prestige for leaders of Italian governments.

 By ALYX BARKER

VENICE -- Museo Fortuny will be hosting a life-size wax figures exhibition next month.

By ALYX BARKER

 ROME -- President of the Republic

By SOPHIE INGE

By SOPHIE INGE

ROME -- Giordano Bruno’s cowl is covered in snow and yesterday there were only two stalls open on the market in Campo de’ Fiori.

By ALYX BARKER

Captain Francesco Schettino became Italy’s most hated man overnight, when his nonsensical nautical prank claimed an estimated 32 lives.

By SOPHIE INGE

By SOPHIE INGE

ROME --AltaRoma's grand finale was Renato Balestra. More than any other collection shown over the event, Balestra’s pieces embraced the Spring/Summer season.

By SOPHIE INGE

ROME -- Italy’s youth is angry. Did you know that the Pope is a Catholic?

ROME -- The real show-stopping event of the weekend was without doubt Gianni Molaro.

ROME -- Tony Ward attracted a large crowd which filled the room. His exquisite gowns were simple and beautiful.

Vietnamese-born designer To-Long-Nam presented his set of strong masculine clothes, styled with tight ponytails and little or no jewellery.

ROME -- Guisso wasn’t the only designer to pick up on the twinkling trend.

ROME -- Jack Guisso has a stellar clientele; he has designed for the likes of Paris Hilton, and his creations have graced the red carpet at a-list events such as the Golden Globe Awards in L.A.

ROME – Italy’s lost youth trapped by the peninsula’s depressed labour market are being given a unique chance to broaden their horizons and find temporary employment in Canada.

By ALYX BARKER

ROME -- Father Michael Lapsley, is an Anglican priest who fought against apartheid in South Africa, with heavy consequences.

By SOPHIE INGE

By ALYX BARKER

ROME -- Italy got the sweet taste of victory this week when it took home the Gelato World Cup.