Colours, scents, sensations. From the delicate white marble of Carrara Cathedral to the massive walls of Lucca and the narrow streets of Montefioralle: Italy is a wonderful country that offers cultural heritage, food, hospitality and above all, iconic clothes.
Talking about fashion in front of the "Venus of Botticelli" or the "Tondo Doni" might seem frivolous, but it is not, because fashion is art, and like art it expresses the need for a new perspective, a new content of social and cultural reality.
Haute couture is not a fad to be dispensed with: it is just a way to export Italy to the world, to represent our way of being, our essence.
It is true that a dress or an accessory is just a garment, but we should not forget that the garment is nothing more than our unveiling, our personality. To use an oxymoron: to dress is to lay bare one's self.
So why not take advantage of your stay in one of our villas to go home with a piece of Italy?
We've seen that you've lightened your suitcase and have already prepared a place in your wardrobe.
Read on to find out where to buy your new favourite item!
FLORENCE
If red is your favourite colour and studs fascinate you, just a few steps from one of the most photographed bridges (Ponte Vecchio) there is a shop for you. We are talking about the timeless Valentino Garavani, who had the honour of dressing Lady Diana.
Continue along this street and let yourself be carried away by the store windows: you are in Via Tornabuoni, one of the most exclusive streets in Florence, renowned for its luxury boutiques. Don't resist the colourful patterns of Emilio Pucci and the new textures of Prada.
From Villa Nora it takes only 30 minutes by car. Don't miss this opportunity.
LECCIO
If you like the tidy creativity of the man who dared to make a woman wear a suit, this blurb is for you. Giorgio Armani's boutique is waiting for you with open doors.
If, on the other hand, you are a more extravagant type, a lover of nonchalant vitality, Versace is the brand for you. Medusa head, bright colours, a "Safety Hair Pin Dress" worn at the premiere of the film "4 Weddings and a Funeral".
Want to find out more? Run to the shop.
If you have ever flown with Alitalia, you will certainly have come across Alberta Ferretti's uniforms, a reference point for many Italian women. With its refined materials it succeeds in representing a romantic and ethereal woman, who wants to express her personality without becoming part of the masses. Elegant, colourful, fluid and truly inimitable: this is how Ferretti's clothes stand out.
Are you afraid of having to travel several kilometres to get to one of these shops? Don't worry: these staples of Italian fashion are all gathered in The Mall outlet.
A must if you're staying at Villa Stolli.
FORTE DEI MARMI
What are you waiting for? Run and book.
© Rebecca Taizzani
