“La dolce vita,” a term popularized by Federico Fellini’s 1960 film of the same name, has become shorthand for the Italian quest for quality that permeates all facets of the culture—architecture, fashion, food, wine, art, and more—epitomizing the beauty of timeless, well-made designs that will endure for generations.
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It’s no surprise that legendary society photographer Slim Aarons found many of his well-heeled muses in Italy. Here, Prince Raimondo Orsini d’Aragona stands in the ancient Roman Forum wearing an elegant suit by tailor Savini-Brioni, c. 1985.
Slim Aarons/Getty Images -
Former J. Crew editorial director Emilie Hawtin is putting her own modern-day spin on classic Italian tailoring with Clementina, a bespoke suiting brand whose exquisite essentials are all made to order in Italy.
Courtesy of Emilie Hawtin
From the suits of Giorgio Armani to architectural standards across the western world to the liquid gold we call olive oil, there seems to be no corner of our lives not influenced by Italy’s long-standing dedication to producing items of unmatched integrity.
I’ve long admired the Italian reverence for quality without compromise—an ethos FREDERIC shares—and am thrilled to see it embraced among a new guard of fashionable designers, tailors, and creators is bringing old-world Italian style up to speed. Read on for some of my favorites!
My Italian-Made Obsessions
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The Clementina Suit by Emilie Hawtin
The perfect suit, designed by the chicest woman, and made to order in Italy from the finest wools and linens.
From $2,450, clementina.world
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Shell Jewelry Box in Solid Leather by Bottega Storica F. Pettinaroli
I can pretend I’m a mermaid collecting treasures in this beautiful jewelry box.
€950, fpettinaroli.it
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Volière Collection by Giorni 1735
This lesser-known Ginori pattern is the perfect balance of simplicity and luxury.
From $274, ginori1735.com
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Merino Mid-Calf Ribbed Socks by Schostal Roma
There is something distinctly pleasurable about wearing really good socks.
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Bank Spinner 76 Suitcase by FPM Milano
The leather handles and internal straps are so beautiful, and while the case might look heavy, it’s remarkably light.
$1,850, bergdorfgoodman.com
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Pia Velvet Slippers by Le Tre Sarte Atelier
Stylish enough to wear day or night, these velvet Mary Janes pair equally well with jeans, dress trousers, or long skirts.
€88, letresarte.com
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Fit-Up Regimental Red & Brown Umbrella by Francesco Maglia Milano
I don’t particularly mind getting caught in the rain, but this umbrella is so beautiful I might have to get it just in case my outfit is NSFW (not safe for water).
$355, artemest.com
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Essentials of Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan, 30th Anniversary Edition
If food is love, Marcella Hazan is the Aphrodite of the culinary world. Her iconic cookbook has been a family staple since its release in 1992. (Find her famous tomato sauce recipe here.)
$40, nickykehoe.com
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Women's Pigiama by Schostal Roma
I’m a firm believer in wearing good pigiama to bed every night—you wouldn’t believe how easy it is to amass a collection of stylish sets.
€116, schostalroma.com
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The Merino Wool Knit Polo by ArtKnit Studio
The polo collar adds an element of sophistication to a silhouette that flatters both men and women.
$195, artknit-studios.com
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Manuela Clutch by Il Bisonte
Like a good wine, this leather will only get better with age.
$200, ilbisonte.com
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Bialetti Déco Glamor 3-Cup Moka
Every household needs at least one way to make espresso in the morning! You never know who will drop in for a little caffè.
€33, bialetti.com
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Montefalco Wool Bomber by Valesca
A classic bomber jacket can last a lifetime and will never go out of style.
$510, velasca.com
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Exfoliating Hand Cleanser by PARCO 1923 Scarpetta Di Venere
I love washing my hands with this delicately fragranced soap. It’s like a 20-second aromatherapy session.
$40, parco1923.com
Everything in our shop was hand-picked by a FREDERIC editor. We may earn commission on items you purchase.
