Italian Inspiration

I happened to be shopping at J.Crew over the weekend.  (What else is new right?)  While flipping through the new catalog I came across Part III of their Made in Italy series.  It was especially interesting because it dealt with their trip to Ratti and Canepa mills in Como, Italy and perfect timing since I had just posted about textile designer Sonia Delauney.  There used to be many mills in Italy but much production has moved to China so it's comforting to know that J.Crew is supporting these old Italian mills.  I especially loved their look into the archives at Canepa and the artisans painting the prints at Ratti.  I highly recommend watching the accompanying video.  I'm off to figure out how I can get myself invited on the next trip! Ciao!

Under the Tuscan Sun

Big flakes of snow are coming down in New York but it's not getting me down because I'm dreaming of Italy.  When I first saw Castello di Vicarello in Vogue, I couldn't wait to check out their website for more photos.  It's even more gorgeous than I thought but also made me disappointed that I didn't win the lottery this week.  I would have bought this place and never looked back.   Luckily, it's a hotel and spa so at least I can still book a room.  Bon Weekend!

  

 

The Italian Touch

I always joke that the Italian tourists are always the best dressed and the book Italian Touch definitely backs up my assertions. Tod's commissioned the book that includes over 100 Italian families and their homes but you don't even notice the product placement. Everyone is elegant and chic yet completely casual and relaxed. What's amazing is that most of the women aren't even wearing make up and yet they are amazingly beautiful. I don't think you'd ever find an American woman to pose without professional hair and make up so that's quite refreshing. The book is like a love letter to Italy and definitely makes me want to move there! Enjoy!

Photos by Paolo Leone