The Italian Summer Edit

By Poppy Cory-Wright on 22/7/2020

'You may have the universe if I may have Italy,' said Verdi, a sentiment that's shared well beyond his fellow countrymen, and one that sees us flock to taste la dolce vita year after year. We dream of boat trips from Positano to Capri, of the Cinque Terre's pastel fishing villages' dramatic topography, perched high on clifftops that crash into the Ligurian Sea. We crave aperitivi, Sicilian olives and loaded plates of pasta followed by sugary sips of Limoncello. We long to walk the halls of Italy's galleries and churches, and tour its most ancient arenas.
Italy is rich in history, with a culture steeped in the arts, craftsmanship, family and food. From the classic film to watch to locally crafted products, we've rounded up 12 ways to channel the beauty of this idyllic region, whether you're at home or journeying to Italian shores this summer.

The film...

... Scandal in Sorrento, starring Sophia Loren

In 1955, Sophia Loren starred as an alluring fish vendor who captures the attention of a retired marshal in Italian comedy Scandal in Sorrento, directed by Dino Risi. When filming, whispers of her beauty ricocheted around the set, and soon industry folk had nicknamed her 'Sophia Lazzaro', joking that her looks could raise the biblical figure from the dead.

Ceramics…

…Solimene

Jazzy, bold and immediately recognisable, these colourful ceramics from the Amalfi Coast's famed Solimene will bring a touch of Italian sunshine to your table. Find them in Chelsea's beloved Divertimenti store, or online below.

Solimene ceramics – shop here

Runway...

... Maria Grazia Chiuri's Dior Cruise 2021 show

This week, Dior's dazzling Cruise 2021 collection was unveiled to the sound of traditional pizzica tarantata music in the Puglian city of Lecce. The show was staged in the two thousand year old Piazza del Duomo, lit with the jewel-toned luminarie that adorn the city during the region's festivals.

The collection itself is as enchanting as its set - think embroidered roses and delicate lace kerchiefs - and was inspired by Sud e Magia', a book written in the '50s by the anthropologist Ernesto De Martino that explored ceremonial magic in Southern Italy.

Discover the collection here

The boutique hotel…

…La Minervetta, Sorrento

This intimate, lavish hotel is in its third generation of ownership, and is arguably the trendiest place to stay in Sorrento. With a gorgeous private beach and quirky nautical interiors, it's our pick for a joyous getaway in the sunshine.

Click here for more information

The accessories…

…A headscarf and sunglasses

When in Italy, go Gucci. While Alessandro Michele's aesthetic may be a little exuberant for some, a classic combination of a silk scarf and sunglasses epitomises Italian chic, for road trips in classic convertibles or days on the beach.

GG-chain silk-twill scarf, £315 – buy here

Web-stripe aviator metal sunglasses, £245 – buy here

The novel…

…The Enchanted April, by Elizabeth von Arnim

The tale of four women who journey to a medieval castle in the Italian Riviera to escape the banality of everyday life, by way of the flower-filled, sun-splashed Mediterranean. Published in 1922, it's a story that explores the rediscovery of joy.

The Enchanted April, £7.99 – buy here

The print…

…Positano Beach, by Slim Aarons

Sunworshippers and their parasols on Positano Beach in 1979, captured by lauded American photographer Slim Aarons, master of inducing vintage Mediterranean reverie.

Positano Beach print, from £296 – buy here

A taste of Italy…

…Circolo Popolare

A fever dream of Sicilian flavour and opulent Italian interiors, Circolo Popolare is a feast for the senses. From globes of burrata to spaghetti served in a wheel of pecorino, the food is unbeatable and the experience, pure theatre.

Click here to book

The bag…

…The Pouch by Bottega Veneta

The notion of the 'It-Bag' has raced back into prominence in a flurry of feathers, logos, satin and beads. While 2020 has done away with micro-sized silliness of Jacquemus' Chiquito, Bottega Veneta's The Pouch now reigns supreme. In elegantly woven calfskin for summer, it's one to pack for an Italian getaway.

The Pouch, £2,190 – buy here

Style muse…

…Marcello Mastroianni

Mastroianni, born in 1924 and raised in Rome, is undoubtedly the golden boy of Italian cinema. He starred in 124 films – from La Dolce Vita to La Notte – and embodies sophisticated Italian style, from a trench with a turned-up collar on a boat trip with Brigitte Bardot to the holy trinity of a black tailored suit, slim tie and sunglasses. Google him for a rewarding sartorial lesson.

The deli…

…Giacobazzi's Deli, Hampstead

Nestled in South End Green, just a stone's throw from Hampstead Heath Overground station is one of London's best kept secrets: Giacobazzi's Deli. Family-run for 30 years, it boasts some of the best Italian produce and fresh pasta, meat and cheese you'll find in the city. Pop in to stock up before a picnic on the Heath, or buy two or three lasagnas to keep in your freezer.

Click here for more information

For the bath…

…Ortigia Bath Oil

The solidly decorative vessels of Sicilian soap and fragrance company Ortigia make for some of the most attractive products to have on display in your bathroom. Zagara bath oil, blended with natural oils from the Sicilian orange tree along with olive, avocado and castor-seed oils, feels incredibly luxurious, and is one of the best-smelling bath oils there is.

Ortigia Zagara bath oil, £36 – buy here

For the boys…

…Boglioli linen suit jacket

Boglioli excels in classic Italian tailoring, specifically softly tailored, lightweight jackets. We love this navy linen number, with its subtly nipped-in waist and mother-of-pearl buttons, for an elegant Italian getaway.

Boglioli linen suit jacket, £590 – buy here