italy

Sleep with Rolex & Patek Philippe at Florence's Luxe L'O - Hotel L'Orologio

Filed under: Decor, Luxury Travel & Hotels, Timepieces / Watches, Men's Style, Architecture & Design

Under the patronage of new Italian luxury hotel group Whythebest, one of Florence's hippest and best-hidden boutique hotels is getting set to welcome the fashion crowd to the city this summer during the Pitti Uomo men's shows.

L'O - Hotel L'Orologio is unique in being inspired by the prestigious world of international high-end watchmaking as well as by owner Sandro Fratini's personal collection of over 2,000 vintage timepieces. If you appreciate haute horlogerie – and what man of style doesn't? – it's hard to imagine wanting to stay anywhere else.

Tags: Florence, Italy, luxury hotels, Patek Philippe, Rolex, Whythebest Hotels

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Italian Painter Turns a Private Jet Into a Work of Art

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wings, Art

Renowned Italian sculptor and painter Mimmo Paladino has become the first person to turn a private jet into a work of art with the installation of a customized Piaggio P.180 Avanti II aircraft at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan.

Dubbed the "Cacciatore di Stelle" (Star Hunter), Paladino's plane (above) will be on display in the famed luxury shopping mecca through April 28. Paladino decorated the turboprop with ancestral symbols, constellations and geometrical designs in homage to the skies in which it travels.

The plane is part of an exhibition of Paladino's work hosted by Milan's historic Palazzo Reale, including more than 50 of his artworks from the '70s to the present day. The P.180 Avanti was chosen for the project as an expression of "Italian genius in design and engineering."

Tags: art, art jet, artist, Italy, Milan, Mimmi Paladino, Piaggio, private jet

Neo-Classical Estate Featured in Tod's New Ad Campaign for Sale at $33 Million

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates

Italian Palazzo in Tod's New Ad Campaign

[via JustLuxe]

Villa Volpi, a neo-classical palazzo overlooking the Mediterranean that's featured in Italian luxury label Tod's new ad campaign, has been listed for sale at $33 million.

The amazing property, luxe lifestyle setting of attractive people and classic Ferraris in the alluring ads, sits on 26 acres including a private beach. The estate is the creation of Countess Nathalie Volpi di Misurata, an aristocrat with a reputation for impeccable taste and refined elegance who enlisted celebrated Milanese architect Tomaso Buzzi to build the palazzo in 1960.

Villa Volpi's seven lavish bedrooms and entertaining spaces have played host to many notable guests over the years, from celebrities to royalty, society and international dignitaries. Additional buildings on the estate include a three-bedroom guest house, a two-bedroom cottage and stables.

"This home fosters an incredibly peaceful and glamorous way of life," notes Clarice Pecori Giraldi of Christie's International Real Estate, "bringing together a unique location in Italy - where waterfront properties of this scale are extremely rare - with the incredible sophistication of classical architecture."

Gallery: Villa Volpi

Tags: ad campaigns, architecture, estates, Ferrari, Italy, mansion, Mediterranean, palazzo, Rome, Tods, Villa Volpi

Vergo Avius Leonardo Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Vergo Avius is a new watch brand - and it is super Italian. While they have Swiss movements the concept and design is all Italian. The tonneau style case is made of aluminum and titanium, with a design that looks like Richard Mille and Hublot got blended together. Not sure of the size of the case, but look at it from angles you can see lots of neat details (especially in the crown). The dial has all sorts of things going on from a design perspective. Vergo Avius wanted to give the Leonardo collection a complex look so there is honeycomb texturing on the dial as well as a number of small finely cut metal pieces (such as the hands).

Inside the watch is a Swiss Soprod automatic movement with a custom automatic rotor. The movement has the time, a power reserve indicator, retrograde date, and a day of the week indicator. The Leonardo will come in two limited edition versions initially - with one being in PVD black. Each model is limited to 99 pieces with a price of about 6,000 euros. The price is steep for a new brand (according to them there is a lot of complex work in the construction), and success will all depend on the quality of the execution and their ability to faithfully market their core ideals.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Vergo Avius Leonardo Watch

Tags: italy, leonardo, vergo avius, watch

Rare 1957 Maserati Mille Miglia for Sale at $2 Million

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

One of the most beautiful and valuable 1950s Italian sports car ever, a 1957 Mille Miglia Maserati 200Si with custom coachwork by Carrozzeria Fantuzzi, is being offered for sale by Kidston in Geneva for about $2 million. With classic cars of this caliber fetching record auction prices and future appreciation a given, it represents an alluring investment opportunity.

Tags: 1950s, classic cars, investment cars, Italian cars, Italy, Kidston, masarati+1957, masarati1957, Maserati, maserati+for+sale, maseratiforsale, Mille Miglia, motorsports, racecar, racing, sports car racing, sports cars

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Diamond 44 by Lamborghini Yacht Designer Mauro Lecchi for Sale

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing

My colleague Noah Joseph recently reported on the Lamborghini yacht concept from Italy's Mauro Lecchi and exotic auto tuner Fenice Milano. Now the design duo have listed another luxe creation, the Diamond 44 superyacht, for sale via global online luxury marketplace JamesList for about $1.4 million.

Tags: carbon fiber, Diamond 44, Diamond 44 yacht, Fenice Milano, Italian yachts, Italy, JamesList, Lamborghini, Lamborghini yacht, Mauro Lecchi, Mauro Lecchi yachts, superyacht, yacht, yacht design

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Lamborghini Gallardo Tricolore Edition

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

As promised, Lamborghini is launching a new special edition of its Gallardo supercar to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Italian unification.

The special model, called the Gallardo Tricolore, follows the previous Bicolore edition announced last month. But unlike the two-tone latter, the former is distinguished by a white base paint with carbon-fiber mirror housings and an off-center stripe in the red, white and green of the Italian flag running over its top and through the cabin.

No word yet on pricing or availability, but the smart money's on a limited run of 150 examples. Official announcement on which version of the 5.2-liter V10 engine (550, 560 or 570 metric horsepower, driving all four wheels or just the rear, and through a manual or e-gear transmission) has yet to be made, but the car is set to debut at a special event in Turin next week.

Tags: gallardo, italy, lamborghini, lamborghini gallardo, lamborghini gallardo tricolore, lamborghini gallardo tricolore edition, tricolore

Grand Hotel Villa Cora Reopens in Florence

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Following an extensive three-year, mulimillion-dollar renovation, Whythebest Hotels group has just reopened the Grand Hotel Villa Cora in Florence, one of the city's most prestigious properties. Established when Florence was the capital of the Kingdom of Italy, the Grand Hotel Villa Cora has a long association with the likes of emperors, princes, Pashas and famed artists such as Tchaikovsky. Comprised of three separate structures located inside a centuries-old landscaped park, the hotel was restored with the aim of conserving as much of the original architectural detail as possible.

The Main Villa houses 30 suites and rooms each with its own style inspired by famous guests who have stayed there over the years, including an Imperial Suite dedicated to the Japanese emperor Hirohito. The renovations also include a new spa, gym, swimming pool, and two restaurants, one of which is dedicated to Egyptian ruler Pasha Isma'il who stayed in the villa for numerous years. The spa features a tepidarium, hydro massage, sauna, hammam, fitness room, and a beauty and wellness center, while the heated outdoor pool overlooks the famed Boboli Gardens.

Gallery: Grand Hotel Villa Cora

Tags: Florence, Grand Hotel Villa Cora, hotels, Italy, luxury hotel, Whythebest Hotels

Luxe Lingerie from La Perla for Valentine's Day

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Luxe Lingerie from La Perla for Valentine's Day

Luxe Italian lingerie brand La Perla has something for everyone this Valentine's Day, from its latest haute couture collaboration to the traditional luxury classics the brand is famed for. As we first reported earlier this year the famed firm, founded in Bologna in 1954, teamed up with French designer Jean Paul Gaultier on a vintage-inspired capsule collection for the fashion-forward. Prices for the limited edition range from $600 - $1,200. Equally appealing are La Perla's classic creations (above), many of which are made with ultra-luxe leaver's lace. The name "leavers" derives from the antique looms used to create this lace in an extremely complex and costly manufacturing process. La Perla uses the original looms as they're the only machines capable of working with a high number of threads, reproducing the intricate work of handmade lace. The result is distinguished by extremely fine detail. Check out the gallery for an eyeful.

Gallery: La Perla V'Day 2011

Tags: Italy, Jean Paul Gaultier, La Perla, lace, lingerie, Valentines Day

Ducatis and Nudes Make for High-Octane Art

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Art

Ducatis and Nudes Make for High-Octane Art

Superbikes meet supermodels sans clothes in Ducati's new high-octane art project. The famed Italian motorcycle firm commissioned photographer Elizabeth Raab to create images of eye-popping nude female forms astride their meanest machines. Dubbed "Desmo" the collection presents 16 unique photographs in which "the artist has approached and juxtaposed the abstract qualities of the organic and mechanical forms, highlighting both the complexity in design and the emotion of iconic Ducati motorcycles", including the Desmosedici (above) and the Monster.

The sexy shots "explore the multiple relationships between the designed and the natural – the lines of the mechanical body reflecting the lines of the organic form it was designed after." Just in case you thought it was merely an excuse to ogle the world's finest flesh and metal, that is. Numbered, limited edition fine art prints are available to order exclusively from www.ducatiart.com in various sizes; the largest version of the one above will run you about $550. The project was produced under the auspices of the Ducati Official Art Collection, an artistic venture between Ducati and lifestyle art brand Cultwork.

Gallery: "Desmo" by Elizabeth Raab for Ducati

Tags: art, Ducati, Ducati Monster, Italy, motorcycle, nude, photographs, photography, superbike, supermodels

Pinot Grigio by Real Housewives' Ramona Singer Available for Pre-Order

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine, Celebrity Design

Real Housewives of New York City Ramona Singer photo

Planning on watching the premier of Season Four of The Real Housewives of New York City on February 15? Be sure to place your order now for a few bottles or even a case of Ramona Singer Pinot Grigio wine, which is now available for pre-order. The first shipment from Veneto, Italy, which is expected to arrive in February, will sell out quickly. All pre-orders will be fulfilled on a first-come, first served basis.

The perky blond cast member's love for Pinot Grigio is well-known to viewers. For three years, fans of The Real Housewives of New York City have been asking Singer the name of her favorite Pinot Grigio. Apparently, Ramona was always hesitant to answer the question, because she jumped from brand to brand, trying to find the Pinot Grigio she liked the best. When you consider that Singer is a serial entrepreneur who operates several successful businesses including True Faith Jewelry, Ramona Singer Jewelry line for HSN, Ramona Singer Collections for Amazon.com and Tru Renewal Skin Care, it is not too surprising that she teamed up Opici Wines to launch her own line of Pinot Grigio that suited her tastes.

Gallery: Ramona Singer Pinot Grigio

The wine is made from 100% Pinot Grigio grown in the picturesque Veneto region of Italy. The wine's label was designed by Ramona herself. The tasting notes describe the wine as having "Expressive citrus aromas with hints of mineral which show on the nose. On the palate you get fresh, clean white fruits and crisp acidity, with a kiss of lemon and stony mineral in the well-balanced finish. It is best enjoyed young and chilled." The wine is best paired with shellfish and other seafood; simple preparations of poultry, pork and veal; pasta salads; vegetarian dishes; mild cheeses; or enjoyed as an aperitif.

With 50 brands in its portfolio from such countries as France, Chile, Italy, Spain, South Africa and the United States, Opici Wines is an experienced and highly reputable player in the wine business, and thus an idea partner for Singer. Ramona Singer Pinot Grigio is priced at around $14.99. It will be represented nationally through Opici's distributor network covering close to 50 states. It can be pre-ordered for delivery in 35 states now, by the bottle ($13.99) or by the case ($167.88) through Bottle King.

Tags: bravo, bravo tv, Italian wine, Italy, Opici Wines, Pinot Grigio, Ramona Singer, real housewives of new york city, real housewives of new york city bravo, Veneto

Italian Luxury Label Tod's to Restore Rome's Colosseum

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Diego Della Valle, President of Italian luxury label Tod's, and Italy's Ministry of Culture have announced that the Tod's Group will finance a complete restoration of Rome's historic Colosseum with a monetary commitment of 25 million euros, or about $34 million. Mr. Della Valle (above left), Rome's Mayor Gianni Alemanno (right), Culture Undersecretary Francesco Giro and the Government Commissioner for central Rome's archaeological area held a press conference at the Colosseum's arena to announce the project.

Completed in 80 AD under the emperor Titus, the Colosseum is capable of seating 50,000 spectators and was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts and executions. The project will proceed in eight phases dedicated to the cleanup and restoration of the architectural icon. "We believe that because the Tod's Group is a strong global representative of 'Made in Italy', it is both an honour and our duty to contribute to the support of our country's image and credibility, as well as its cultural heritage," Della Valle declares.

Tags: architecture, Colosseum, Diego Della Valle, history, Italy, Rome, Tods

Fairfax Hotel Hosts Second Annual Capital Wine Festival

by Michael B. Dougherty (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

With the swearing in of the 112th Congress this week, there's either plenty to celebrate or a crucial need to dull the pain. Whichever mood your political leanings have put you in, the good news is that the Fairfax Hotel at Embassy Row (part of the Starwood luxury group) will be hosting the second annual Capital Wine Festival, starting on the 20th of January. Located in Dupont Circle, the festival is the creation of Chef Daniel Bruce, who helms the kitchen at the Boston Harbor Hotel and founded its sister event, the Boston Wine Festival. Since organizing Boston over twenty years ago, he's expanded the event to include New Orleans (2007), Berkeley (2010) and DC (2010). Two disparate, yet equally popular and significant, wine regions are covered by this year's festival: the US West Coast (California and Oregon) and Italy. Over the course of eight dinners, festival participants will experience the wines of vineyards such as Poggio al Tesoro, Continuum Estate and Ponzi Vineyards, all presented by representatives from the wineries. A food and 45-label wine gala reception kicks it all off, but unlike most festivals, there's no need to run between events to cram everything in. The Capital Wine Festival is spread out over a leisurely two months, meaning that the party/pity-party will continue long into the 2011 session.

Tags: california, dupont circle, fairfax hotel, italy, oregon, StarwoodHotels, washington dc, wine, wine festival

Inside the World of Famed Design House Fornasetti

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Books, Architecture & Design

With an incredible 3,000 photographs and illustrations, Rizzoli's massive new monograph on iconic Italian design house Fornasetti is a work of art in itself. Fornasetti: The Complete Universe details how the firm's founder Piero Fornasetti (1913–1988) achieved fame transforming everyday objects into works of art featuring idiosyncratic designs. His work is carried on today by his son Barnaba Fornasetti, who now runs the Fornasetti atelier and authored the impressive volume. Designed to be an "artist's book" that reflects Fornasetti's iconic overall approach to design, the slipcased $250 monograph is divided into two sections: the first half is dedicated to Piero Fornasetti as an artist and highlights his pictorial and graphic work and their artistic applications; the second half focuses on the 70-plus years of the atelier's production.

This includes furniture, sculptures and etchings, graphics, textiles, glass, screens, trays, ceramics, and more. The second section covers the activity of the atelier up to the present day as well. The book also addresses Barnaba's commitment to keeping the Fornasetti legacy alive by showing how Piero's ideas and models are "transformed, reworked, and contextualized." Today the Fornasetti atelier not only reissues historical pieces, but also "offers reinterpretations of themes and objects drawing inspiration from the vast repertory of the atelier's archive of lithographic plates, designs, notes, documents, and objects." Finally, the beautiful and comprehensive book includes a list of exhibitions and a register of the atelier's complete works.

Gallery: Fornasetti: The Complete Universe

Curved chest of drawers, Palladiana (Palladian Motif)

Piero Fornasetti with the Braccio con moneta (Arm with a Coin) tray

Plate 150 from Tema e Variazioni (Theme and Variations) series

Tags: books, coffee table books, decor, design, Fornasetti, furniture, Italy, photographs, Rizzoli

Ermenegildo Zegna Celebrates a Century of Style

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Books, Men's Style

The subtitle of a lavish new book on Ermenegildo Zegna – An Enduring Passion for Fabrics, Innovation, Quality and Style – is an apt description of the Italian luxury men's fashion house's core values. Celebrating the famed firm's 100th anniversary, the book from Skira is divided into four chapters – Mind, Hand, Style and Environment – exploring the origins and values of the brand and the four generations of family members who have made it a success story while remaining committed to the concept of "ethical expansion". As evidence of the latter, Ermenegildo Zegna is donating 20% of the retail sales of the book to the children's educational charity Care & Share.

Each chapter is introduced by noted international writers and accompanied by images that retrace the history of the Zegna brand, from ad campaigns to previously unpublished images. "Today we celebrate one hundred years since the foundation of our Group and we look towards future global developments," notes the company's CEO Ermenegildo Zegna, "as it is our duty to continue to represent the values of excellence and Italian quality all around the world. This is the heritage that our grandfather left us: savoir faire in craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and loyalty to our ethical founding values." See the gallery for a preview.

Gallery: 100 Years of Ermenegildo Zegna