#italian-leather-handwoven

#italian-leather-handwoven

Washi, because of its quality and texture, offers something not just tactile but psychologically soothing. It's about one-third the weight of cotton, light, breathable and dry to the touch.

"Monograms let you know that the wearer has achieved a certain level of success; they can afford to [customize something] from a time and a financial perspective."

Rome is famed for its rich history, iconic ancient landmarks, and delicious cuisine. When you're not working from an internet cafe or coworking space, you'll find yourself stepping back in time at the Colosseum or tucking into local cuisine.

Throughout its history, Spain has been shaped by a wide range of cultures and civilizations, including Muslim, Phoenician, Roman, Greek, Carthaginian, and Visigothic influences, which are reflected in its architecture and design.

Craft is often defined as skill in making things by hand, but this interpretation is being challenged by AI. Craft transcends physical interaction; historical figures like Mozart and Beethoven exemplify mastery without traditional methods.

"We met with linen and wool weavers and were blown away by the exceptional quality and beauty of the cloth they produced, as well as the depth of [textile] history in Ireland. We were in equal measure concerned by the decline in the number of weavers. They mentioned that they were losing out to cheaper cloth from abroad and that Irish buyers were few and far between."

Our role is, first and foremost, to transmit our fascination with a craft and to ignite that same excitement in the designer. This is the foundation of our curatorial approach: creating the right encounter between a designer's universe and that of a workshop.

Benedetta, as in the best stories of craftsmanship and innovation, leaves her garage. The domestic space, which sheltered and inspired her for years, is no longer enough. Demand is growing. Ideas are multiplying, and with them, collaborators.

For many of these sophomore efforts, however, the results felt tentative or overworked, with critics questioning direction and coherence. Bottega Veneta was the clear exception. Louise Trotter's collection stood out for its chic restraint and disciplined focus-understated rather than attention-seeking-grounding itself in craft, proportion, and material integrity instead of spectacle.

Leading the collection is the Oscar Dog Bed, a contemporary take on rest that treats nap time with the same importance as your own. Crafted with a solid oak frame and wrapped in leather, the bed feels both architectural and intimate - a throne of your pet's own to claim. A plush cushion with a removable cover keeps naps comfortable while making weekly cleaning refreshingly easy. Offered in three sizes, it's designed to suit everyone from the curled-up napper to the full-body lounger.

This coccoli, which can be a street food or restaurant appetizer, is truly an icon in Florentine - a term that simply means "from Florence" - fare. The word "coccoli" translates literally to "cuddles," and these fried dough balls do indeed feel like warm little hugs. They're about the size of dumplings; served hot, they've got a crispy exterior to crack into - with just the right amount of grease - where you'll find both fluffiness and chewy doughy-ness all at once.

Last summer, I found myself in Venice during peak tourist season. The crowds were suffocating. Every piazza felt like a theme park, every restaurant seemed designed for Instagram rather than actual dining. Standing on the Rialto Bridge, packed shoulder to shoulder with thousands of other visitors, I couldn't help but wonder: is this really Italy? That question stayed with me long after I returned to London.

On my last trip, in Bologna, I found yet another way to enjoy Italian coffee (beyond ordering a doppio). One memorable café topped its coffees with fruit powder-infused whipped cream. They were listed under a section on the menu appropriately named "caffe della gioia" (yes, "joy coffee"). These joyful mugs are topped with a generous mountain of whipped cream that can be folded with fruit- or nut powders, like pomegranate, pistachio, orange, wild berries, and aniseed.

Studying abroad in Florence was one of the best decisions of my life for a multitude of reasons-I lived like a true local, ate some of the best meals I've ever had, deepened my appreciation for art and history, learned Italian, and was able to travel to five countries and two continents in just three and a half months. But most importantly, it immersed me in a culture where personal style is second nature, quickly teaching me how to dress in a sophisticated, timeless,

It's not a multi-thousand pound handbag from Hermes that best captures the new era of It bags, but a 149 tote from John Lewis. Launched this season, it's deeper (45cm) and taller (33cm) than your average handbag, and comes loaded with good intentions. It's able to hold your packed lunch, flask and book, as well at a push as your gym kit.

Embroidery is a historic mainstay of traditional clothing in Asia or the Middle East, as well as Western Haute Couture, but it is increasingly present in Paris, Milan or New York on modern men's shirts, bomber jackets or blazers. Designers at Dior, Dolce Gabbana, Kenzo or Gucci have adopted it in recent runway shows, while Louis Vuitton's celebrity rapper-designer Pharell Williams dedicated his entire June collection to India after visiting the country.