Tag: fashion

Our Guide to the Best of Lower Manhattan

Posted on by John Ortved

While incredible landmarks like the Empire State Building and Central Park reside above 14th street, downtown New York City is it. From the stunning architecture of the Oculus, to the world-class galleries in Chelsea, to the unmatched views of Lady Liberty, Lower Manhattan is a bustling revelation of sights, fine dining, cosy cafés, art and nightlife. When you step out of Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown, these are just a few of the city’s coolest spots waiting for you, some just a short stroll away.

Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown

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The Oculus

The Oculus

“It is necessary that public space prevail,” world-famous architect Santiago Calatrava told The New York Times as his Oculus, the luminous transportation hub at the World Trade Center, was set to open. Today, it is filled with singular shopping experiences, and yet Calatrava’s vision for returning the blighted site of tragedy to the people of New York has not been sullied. The space isn’t bad for your Instagram, either.

Statue of Liberty

The best way to see the colossal statue is by sea, and downtowners have no shortage of options for doing so. We recommend the complimentary classic: the Staten Island Ferry. Or pay a $7 fare and take the Liberty Landing Ferry from the World Financial Center on the west side – it gets you closer to the copper giant, but you can’t imbibe on board.

Le District

The brand-new Brookfield Place – known for its array of upscale shops, like Louis Vuitton and Hermès – isn’t just a shopping destination; there’s great food here too. At lunchtime, you’ll find editors from magazines like Vanity Fair, Vogue and Bon Appétit (they work across the street in the Freedom Tower) prowling les halles of Le District, a distinctly French market experience. There are fluffy, flaky croissants at the patisserie, heart- and belly-warming boeuf bourguignon at the lunch counter, crêpes and salads, and the best mustard selection this side of the Seine.


Two Bridges, Lower Manhattan

Dimes

While this trendy little spot offers healthy edibles, like a black bean power bowl with pumpkin seeds and grilled salmon with turmeric yogurt, it’s just as much about the view. The restaurant – Dimes also has a deli and a grocery market just across the street – is a touchstone for the beyond-cool crowd that works, lives and plays here. All the fashion inspiration you’ll ever need is sitting at the next table or skateboarding by.

2 Bridges Music and Arts

Part gallery, part music shop, part bookstore, this singularly funky collection can be found upstairs in a nondescript, predominantly Chinese mall on East Broadway. Don’t be afraid to ask questions: The owners have filled the shop with art books and records that appeal to them personally. Last time we visited, they were displaying a book of secretly taken photographs in North Korea and playing the latest LP from Playboi Carti. No matter where you’re coming from, this shop is a must.


Wall Street sign

CUT

What surprises many diners about Wolfgang Puck’s CUT, the star chef’s sophisticated steakhouse that joined Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown earlier this year, is how many patrons stop in besides Hotel guests. It’s become a local hotspot. For Puck, part of the attraction was being able to source his food locally, whether beets from nearby farms or scallops from Nantucket.

When it comes to steak, Puck goes with the 8-ounce New York American Wagyu Striploin. “You have the best of both worlds,” he says, “the richness of the Wagyu beef and the flavour of the American Black Angus.” Diners can do more than look into the open kitchen, where their steaks and fish are grilled over open fire; they’re welcome to venture in and witness the food preparation. “It’s really exciting, and the chefs love it,” he says.

The Mailroom

Don’t let the name fool you – there’s nothing quotidian happening at this subterranean lounge. Instead, you can party like The Wolf of Wall Street (within reason), with mixologist-made cocktails, vintage pinball, plenty of room to dance and even a bocce-ball court. Since it opened in the fall of 2017, the room has played host to countless New York Fashion Week events, as well as performances by Patti Smith and James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem. Consider it the perfect place to continue the fun after dinner.

Via Carota

Chefs and partners Jody Williams (Buvette) and Rita Sodi (I Sodi) joined forces to produce Via Carota, a loving testament to rustic Italian cooking and market-fresh fare. While reservations are not an option, the temptations that emerge into the woodsy, hopping dining room are worth every minute of the wait. A fall menu might see grilled lemony artichokes, whole bean soup and a bone-in pork chop, while the summer could cast a spotlight on pan-fried peaches and a heavenly Dover sole. Every meal here is an event, even if it’s just a bite and a glass of Super Tuscan while window-shopping.

Walk This Way

When it comes to footwear, the West Village refuses to disappoint. Ladies should seek out Pierre Hardy; the venerable and always chic French designer has a small shop on Jane Street filled with playful pumps and killer boots. Meanwhile, men can meander over to Leffot, a posh, airy space on Christopher Street where classics from Alden and Saint Crispin’s are displayed like museum exhibits, but with touching encouraged.

Not Quite Coffeehouses

A well-kept local secret, Té Company is where some of the city’s most prominent foodies flock. With nods to traditional Hong Kong tea services, it’s a go-to for matcha lovers, as well as fans of immaculately well-made and -presented small bites. Around the corner on Greenwich Avenue you’ll find Mah Ze Dahr Bakery, a minimalist retreat whose pastries are spoken of in nearly religious terms.


The High Line

Cheim and Read

Up there with the biggest names in the Chelsea Gallery scene, like Gagosian and David Zwirner, Cheim and Read boasts a roster of American and international artists – and a single location – that all but guarantees an impressive viewing experience. Take in contemporary art stars like Jenny Holzer and Jack Pierson, as well as modern masters like Diane Arbus, Robert Mapplethorpe and Alice Neel.

Barneys Downtown

Some called it overdue, others a homecoming, but in 2016, Barneys, New York’s ultimate fashion destination, reopened a location on Seventh Avenue near 17th Street where the legendary department store first opened in 1923. More important than when was how, as Barneys revealed a rejuvenated, optimistic, dare we say “cool” edit at the new/old location, with choices from the likes of Vetements.


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Brickell to Beach: Fall Fashion Inspired
by Miami

Posted on by Scott Masters Pierce

Miami is a town that proudly celebrates its past and present, and often combines the two — stroll along Ocean Drive and you’ll find cutting-edge restaurants and contemporary boutiques housed in Art Deco marvels. This season, we celebrate the city’s dichotomy with new pieces inspired by the glamour of the 1930s. Our backdrops: the modern art and décor at Four Seasons Hotel Miami in the heart of downtown, and Surfside’s Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, the storied venue where Sinatra and Churchill once sought the limelight and the sunlight.

Four Seasons Hotel Miami


Woman walking through a hotel lobby

The Hotel’s extensive art collection highlights Miami’s rich blend of cultures. The most iconic pieces: three bronze sculptures by Colombian artist Fernando Botero.

Silk georgette dégradé dress with embroidered tulle overlay by Versace; 18-karat white gold, grey cable and stainless steel diamond earrings by Alor; 14-karat white gold, diamond and sapphire ring by EFFY Jewelry; black satin sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti.

Lounge by the Palm Grove pool or splash into the Hotel’s heated main pool. Luxury cabanas and poolside fare are also available at both.

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The sleek urban feel of the Hotel’s architecture, a glass-and-steel tower that rises above the Brickell skyline, is reflected in the Frank-Nicholson-designed lobby.
Velvet dress, suede gloves and F wedge bootie, all by Salvatore Ferragamo; rose gold diamond bracelet by Jason of Beverly Hills; 14-karat rose gold earrings with diamonds, black opal and tourmaline by Dana Rebecca Designs.

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Hammocks are positioned just above the water’s surface at the Palm Grove Pool at Four Seasons Hotel Miami.

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Two towering nudes, Adam and Eve, welcome guests entering Four Seasons Miami. Each stands roughly 4 metres (12 feet). Artist Fernando Botero’s work is a testament to Miami’s nearly 1,000 Art Deco buildings.

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At EDGE, Steak & Bar, prime cuts are paired with seasonal fruits and vegetables.

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A two-acre urban terrace oasis, inspired by the lush Floridian landscape, invites relaxation beside the Hotel’s two resort-style pools.
Cashmere turtleneck sweater, wool lurex cable knit sweater, and wool metallic wide-leg pant with cuffed hem, all by Max Mara; 18-karat gold Acacia diamond earrings by Narcisa Pheres; 18-karat Honey Gold ring (on left hand) with vanilla diamonds by Le Vian; 14-karat gold diamond ring (on right hand) by EFFY Jewelry; Rosy sunglasses by Jimmy Choo.

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Four Seasons Hotel Miami

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Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club


Woman in white polka dot dress and white fedora leans against a large Cabana

The Hotel’s Cabana Row was Winston Churchill’s favourite spot to paint seascapes and sip cocktails. Read more about the Surf Club’s legendary past here.

Silk asymmetric dress by Proenza Schouler and available at Saks Fifth Avenue at Brickell City Centre; 18-karat rose gold, amethyst and diamond ring by Pomellato; 14-karat yellow gold, diamond and opal ring and diamond and gold bangle by EFFY Jewelry; hat by Bailey Hat.

Peacock Alley, in the historical Russell Pancoast-designed Surf Club, features portraits of the Hotel’s famous guests.
Organza top by Cheng; rose crêpe-backed palazzo pants by Victoria Hayes; diamond Cascading Drop necklace in platinum and Marquise Cluster diamond and platinum bracelet by Harry Winston.

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Open sunrise to sunset, three pristine pools at the Hotel are surrounded by coconut palms and sea grape trees.

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The Quiet Pool serenity lawn, by landscape designer Fernando Wong, showcases some of the Hotel’s 240 palm trees.
Nero and mink dress and dark calvados and nero karung belt by Bottega Veneta; 18-karat rose gold bangle with diamonds and black jade by Roberto Coin; 18-karat rose gold bangle with diamonds and black jade by Roberto Coin; 18-karat gold wrap necklace and 18-karat gold graduated link necklace by Tiffany & Co. and available at Bal Harbour Shops.

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Custom designed by Joseph Dirand, Le Sirenuse Miami allows you to dine indoors among elegant palm trees or with an ocean view on the outdoor terrace.

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Located in the original 1930s clubhouse where some of the 20th century’s most talked-about parties were held, Le Sirenuse Champagne Bar serves Miami’s largest selection of fine champagnes.
Model Taylor wears a silk chiffon dress from Romanian designer Maria Lucia Hohan.

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A current favourite at Le Sirenuse Champagne Bar: the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, which is from the Hotel’s menu of champagne cocktails dedicated to historic guests of the Surf Club. This particular drink is created with Ca’ Bolani, roasted peach nectar and elderflower foam.

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Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club

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Digital Operator: Christopher Morel

Lighting Assistant: Nicolas Stipcianos

Stylist: Cannon

Market Assistant: Alexandra Lynn

Stylist Assistant: Kelley Harris

Model: Taylor Foster at Front Management

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My Four Seasons: Manolo Blahnik’s Milano Retreat

Posted on by Austin Morton

Manolo Blahnik is a citizen of Spain who headquarters his eponymous brand in London, but he’d be the first to tell you that the real magic happens in Milan, one of his favourite cities. The iconic shoemaker, who still whittles by hand the wooden forms that shape his inimitable creations, maintains several factories there.

“Milan is a city to discover,” Blahnik says. “It inspires me tremendously.”

For nearly three months out of every year, he sojourns in the fashion capital to personally oversee the transformation of his designs into wearable works of art. His residence of choice? Four Seasons Hotel Milano, where Blahnik has been a regular guest for more than two decades.


The Duomo in Milan

“My friends’ homes are my favourite places, but the first thing I do when I’m in Milan is to go to the Duomo.”

Milan is a city to discover. It inspires me tremendously.

“It’s my home away from home,” he says. “I’ve been coming here since the beginning … The people, the service and the food are all impeccable and to my taste.” Blahnik has returned to the same room for the past 22 years: “Room 212, my humble home.” When it came time to film the newly released biographical documentary, Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards, the Hotel was a natural location for director Michael Roberts, who captured select scenes there.

Blahnik is charmed by the building itself, which was a convent in the 15th century. And he has fostered close relationships with many Four Seasons staff members. One of those special bonds is with his long-time housekeeper, Ignazia Gammicchia. “We met many years ago,” he says. “She’s a woman from another generation – such a warm person, with the most beautiful manners. I adore her!”


The Palazzo Morando

“I adore the Palazzo Morando, where we had our [Art of Shoes] exhibition earlier this year.”

The Hotel has also partnered with the designer to introduce the Manolo Blahnik Package. With this special offering, in addition to a daily Continental breakfast, guests receive a signature pair of velvet and satin Manolo Blahnik slippers – made exclusively for the Hotel – and a foot treatment for two at the Spa.

“It was an homage to film director Ferzan Özpetek. I also thought about Turkish slippers, the deep navy with the gold embroidery,” Blahnik says of his design. “Simple, but very elegant.”

Four Seasons Hotel Milano

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Signature Manolo Blahnik slippers from the Hotel's Manolo Blahnik Package

Guests who book the Manolo Blahnik Package will receive a pair of these signature blue velvet Manolo Blahnik slippers, made exclusively for the Hotel.

Photo Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

The courtyard of Four Seasons Hotel Milano

“I love the idea that the Hotel used to be an old convent – this greatly appeals to me. I think it’s fascinating that nuns would have walked in the same place where we are now staying.” – Manolo Blahnik

Photo Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

A dining area at Four Seasons Hotel Milano

Savour a multi-course meal of Mediterranean and local cuisine al fresco at La Veranda, courtesy of Executive Chef Vito Mollica.

Photo Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

A housekeeper at Four Seasons Hotel Milano

Greet the day at Four Seasons Milan with views of the Hotel’s lushly planted courtyard.

Photo Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards hit theatres September 15 in the U.S. and premieres September 29 in the U.K.

Film Trailer


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architectural view in Milan

Around the World With Tory Burch

Posted on by Natalie Bogan Morgan

It’s hard not to be bitten by the travel bug when you grow up hearing stories of your parents’ journeys around the world. As a child, Tory Burch was enthralled with the adventures of her parents, Buddy and Reva Robinson, who for six weeks every summer set off by steamer ship for Morocco, Italy, France, Greece and beyond.

They instilled in Burch a desire to travel, explore and learn.

My parents raised me with the knowledge that the world is a wonderful place. The more you learn, the more you want to know. – Tory Burch

The designer hopes she has passed that same curiosity on to her three boys – twins Henry and Nicholas, and Sawyer.

While the demands of her growing global company have her travelling mostly for work, she carves out time as often as she can to go off the beaten path. This is often where she and her team find inspiration for the collection, known for its bold and modern use of colour and print. Read on to see how Turkish Iznik tilework, Paris café culture and Indian mirrors have influenced Burch.

Made in Marrakech

Burch’s love affair with Morocco stems from her childhood. The designer grew up listening to her parents recount fond memories of exploring Marrakech. The pair honeymooned in the ancient city and then returned year after year, bringing art and antiques found in the souks back to the family’s Pennsylvania farmhouse.

Moroccan tiles

Today when travelling, Burch and her design team fill their phones with images like this one – a splash of Moroccan tile they were drawn to because of its vibrant colours and dancing patterns. Photography courtesy Noa Griffel

Later, as Burch studied art history and started working in fashion, her expectations for the city grew. “It’s said that Alfred Hitchcock [was inspired to create] The Birds after staying at La Mamounia and hearing the crows every morning,” she says. “Matisse was inspired by so many of the country’s vibrant colours, which all filtered into his own work.” And, of course, the country’s mark on fashion is eternal, having been a sanctuary for Yves Saint Laurent.

Happily, Burch was not disappointed. “On my first, and every trip since, the city lived up to my imagination,” she says.

“Everywhere you go, there’s a hotel, store or street with a story about how the city, the people and the culture have inspired someone to create something unforgettable.”

Morocco’s brilliant Majorelle blue, especially when set against crisp white, has influenced colour combinations in the designer’s own collections. “And in one resort collection a few years ago,” notes Burch, “we translated a straw hat I found in a Marrakech souk into a conversation print we used on tunics, dresses and swimsuits.”

Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

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En vogue à Paris

It’s fair to say that Burch owes a bit of her success to the City of Lights. After all, it was in a Paris flea market that she discovered the green floral tunic that inspired the Tory Tunic, a staple that’s been in every collection since Burch’s first season. More than a decade later, she continues to visit the iconic city to explore new places, while stopping by her long-time favourites including the Deyrolle, a 185-year-old curiosities shop, and Café Marly, which overlooks the Louvre.

“Paris never ceases to inspire me.”

“Just walking through the streets or sitting at a café, you notice the incredible Parisian sense of style,” says Burch. “It’s in the city’s DNA.” Burch’s Fall/Winter 2016 collection is evidence of her love for the city, having taken a cue from the café scene in Éric Rohmer’s 1972 film L’amour l’après-midi, where stylish women passed by the restaurant, each flaunting a unique look.

Tory Burch Fall Winter 2016 Runway Look

The Tory Burch Fall/Winter 2016 collection took inspiration from Éric Rohmer’s 1972 French film L’amour l’après-midi, which translated into a celebration of classic seventies sportswear on a New York runway. Photography courtesy Tory Burch

“On the runway, that meant that every look was different, whether through print, length or silhouette,” she explains. “But they all had the same subtle nod to great, classic ’70s sportswear.”

Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

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All eyes on Istanbul

“Istanbul is one of those cities where you can stand in one place, whether inside or outside and take in an extraordinary, 360-degree view,” Burch says. The designer opened her first boutique in the Turkish city in 2013, having visited once before.

“It’s magical – from the sultans and pashas to the mix of old and modern architecture, it has such an incredible history and culture,” she says. The self-admitted history and art aficionado appreciates Istanbul’s past, preserved in the city’s streets and buildings, as it blends with the area’s new, vibrant art scene.

“You don’t have to know anything about architecture to appreciate [it],” she says. “If I could go back in time and learn from the Romans, Byzantine and Ottoman artisans . . .”

Blue Mosque, Istanbul

“My design team and I have spent hours in the Blue Mosque, studying patterns and colour combinations,” says Burch. Photography courtesy Noa Griffel

Through the years, as Burch and her team spent time at the Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace, the colours and graphics in Turkish tile work, textiles and architecture found their way into the collections. The designer is especially drawn to the “colourful florals of Iznik tiles, layered textures of Azerbaijani rugs, hammered copper accessories and tassels” found in the historic spaces.

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

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Colour collision in India

“When I’m in India, I’m a tourist in the best sense of the word,” Burch says. “I want to soak up every second.” During her time in south Asia, the designer often fills her days exploring area temples, museums and shops, forgoing sleep in favour of immersion in the local culture.

Tory Burch in India

Inspiration abounds in India, where Burch appreciates the melding of culture and history. Throughout the years, her collections have been inspired by classic Indian patterns, embellishments and techniques she finds throughout the country. Photography courtesy Tory Burch

On one such whirlwind vacation to Rajasthan in 2009, Burch took an elephant ride to the grand Amber Fort, where she and her fellow travellers got more than they bargained for. “At the top, there were several young men who we thought were selling beautiful woven baskets,” she says. “Turns out, they were snake charmers.”

“When I’m in India, I’m a tourist in the best sense of the word. I want to soak up every second.”

Burch’s love for the country is clear in her clothing designs, though it’s hard to pinpoint what she finds most inspiring – the pace of life, the landscape of mountains and jungle, or the artisan details tucked into India’s historic architecture. “Every trip to India offers something new,” she says.

A Tory Burch Design Inspired by India Icon

Burch snapped the photo at left during a trip to India, capturing an intricately carved sculpture dressed in flowers. The icon inspired the design at right, a red floral appliquéd tulle dress. Photography courtesy Tory Burch

Faithful followers of Burch’s designs will recognise the classic Indian patterns, embellishments and techniques appearing on the company’s tunics and totes throughout the years. For example, she says, “The mirror-work details in one season reflected the ornamented rooms in the Sheesh Mahal.”

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai

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Celebrating the past in Ginza

Though she spent a whirlwind week in Japan when opening the first Tory Burch boutique in Ginza, the designer admits that her stay wasn’t nearly long enough. “We packed a lot into a short amount of time, but we barely scratched the surface,” she says.

During her 2010 excursion, the designer explored Tokyo-area markets and temples, including the Senso-ji, a Buddhist temple where smoke from incense burners is said to bring good luck. “It’s a popular and spiritual place for young couples to get married,” she says. “I remember vividly seeing one young bride in a stunning traditional kimono.”

A few seasons ago, Burch found inspiration in a blue woven samurai suit she saw during this trip to Japan, which made its way into a collection of armour-tinged knits and patterns.

Japanese Samurai Suit

“It reminded me of the suits of armour my father and grandparents collected on their travels,” explains Burch, who captured the intricate detail in this samurai suit during a trip to Tokyo. Photography courtesy Tory Burch

On her next visit, Burch hopes to day-trip around Japan’s countryside, learning more about local culture and enjoying the cuisine.

Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo

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Created in partnership with Tory Burch

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floral art installation at Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris

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5 Secrets to Living La Dolce Vita

Posted on by Josephine McKenna

Wisps of mist float above a patchwork of vineyards while the early morning sun paints the sky a soft pink. From the medieval village on the ridge above, you hear the sound of church bells as your convertible zigzags past the vines. It may be early, but you’re already dreaming of fresh pasta al dente and a drop of Barolo for a lazy lunch on a sunny terrace.

For Italians, this is perfection. This is la dolce vita.


In The Good Italian II: The Prince Goes to Milan – a short film presented by the Italian menswear brand Caruso – the fictional Prince of Soragna embodies la dolce vita from the moment his Lancia Aurelia sports car pulls up at the entrance of Four Seasons Hotel Milano. Throughout the film and his stay at the Hotel, the prince (played masterfully by actor Giancarlo Giannini) seeks out and enjoys only the finest in food, entertainment, fashion, accommodations and service. He requests perfection in every bite, in every experience.

And he’s not alone. Italians from Florence to Milan have an appetite for only the finest cashmere, the most fragrant basil and the most handsome sports cars. Together, these are essential ingredients of la dolce vita, a unique recipe for life that locals have been perfecting for centuries.

Fortunately, they’re quick to share their secrets with anyone craving to live like an Italian.

“In Italy we always look to share happiness with another human being and try to make the most of that moment. The food, wine and the experience of living – it is only beautiful if you can share it with somebody.”
– Mauro Governato, Four Seasons Hotel Milano

1. “Liguria is to pasta what Naples is to pizza”

Italians are passionate about food. On the street, you’ll hear people sharing recipes and debating about where to find their favourite ingredients. Vito Mollica, Executive Chef at La Veranda and Il Palagio, is particularly proud of his linguine with pesto, a highlight in the film.


Fresh Basil Pesto

No one makes pesto like Italians from Liguria. Vito Mollica, Executive Chef at Four Seasons hotels in Milan and Florence, learned the secrets to making the perfect pesto in this rocky coastal region.

Photography Courtesy StockFood / Julia Cawley

He learned the art of making linguine in Liguria, the rugged coastal region in northern Italy where it originated. “Liguria is to pasta what Naples is to pizza. You won’t understand pasta unless you have been trained by a Ligurian,” the chef says with a smile.

The linguine is one of Mollica’s most popular dishes, and the chef loves to share his special recipe with guests, who can venture into the kitchen for a private class. And like the prince in the film, he is very particular when choosing the ingredients to go with his signature pasta.

“It’s important to use the freshest ingredients and the best technique so we produce something really amazing.”
– Vito Mollica, Executive Chef

“Liguria is a small, hilly region, so they made terraces on the hills to grow their vegetables,” he says. “They don’t produce a lot, but they produce the highest-quality artichokes, asparagus and basil.”

2. Spezzato is the key to great Italian style

Italians dress to impress, and competition is especially fierce on the streets of Milan, the country’s fashion capital. After all, this is the land of spezzato, a word created especially to describe the artful way Italian men mix and match jackets and trousers versus simply suiting up.


Florence fashion

Spezzato, a signature of classic and effortless Italian style, describes the way men and women put together jackets and trousers that complement each other but are not part of the same suit.

Photography Courtesy Tommy Ton / Trunk Archive

 

Here, style is more than just looking the part – you must live and breathe it through a commitment to top-tier fabrics and tailoring, worn with an air of unstudied, effortless elegance. The prince in the film is the picture of Italian swagger, from that first flip of the scarf as he takes off for the Hotel to the moment when he lovingly caresses the suit he knows is perfect for the occasion.

The best way to start crafting your own Italian style identity is to mimic the masters, and, thankfully, Four Seasons Milano is located in the heart of the city’s fashion district – with big-name designers like Salvatore Ferragamo, Dolce & Gabbana and Tod’s only a short stroll away.

Four Seasons Hotel Milano

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Right next to the Hotel, Caruso has an elegant boutique displaying the finest apparel, worn by the prince as he listens to one of the operas of Italian legend Giuseppe Verdi.

At Caruso, hundreds of fine fabrics are available, including cashmere, wool blends, gabardine flannels, houndstooth and even camel’s hair from the Gobi Desert that is specially crafted for Caruso. Perfection can be subjective, so at Caruso, each suit is completely customised down to every last artistic detail, including individual patterns and hand-stitching.

“Italians are only happy with what they think is the best. You can trace la dolce vita back 2,500 years. The ancient Romans lived such a level of sophistication that it has not been matched. That is who we are, and we do it effortlessly.”
– Umberto Angeloni, Caruso President and CEO

3. Embrace la bella figura

Italians like to create a good impression wherever they go. You might call it showing off; they call it la bella figura. The prince in the film teaches us that the best way to arrive in style is behind the wheel of an Italian sports car – with the convertible top down, sunshine streaming in and opera playing on the radio.


Cruise Lake Como on a Giulietta Spider

In the film, the prince makes an unforgettable entrance at Four Seasons Milano in this red Lancia Aurelia Spider B24. Photography courtesy Sofia Masini

Four Seasons Milano can arrange for guests to take a similar drive behind the wheel of a Giulietta Spider, an Italian classic that experts say is one of the best-kept secrets in the vintage car market.

Hop into the roadster and travel 55 miles (90 kilometres) out of the city, along picturesque, tree-lined lanes and quaint villages, to arrive at the deep-blue waters of Lake Como. Then spend the day zipping around the town’s spectacular pastel-coloured villas, stopping only to admire the views and dine at a lakefront restaurant.

“All you have to do is enjoy the car,” Hotel Concierge Gabriele Conte says of this outing. “We send a mechanic to follow you and to offer personal assistance like taking care of the parking. This is living la dolce vita.”

4. Every moment deserves amore

For Italians, a good meal is not solely about delectable dishes. Flavour goes hand in hand with amore and creating the right setting to indulge in both. After all, the prince wasn’t just after the perfect sprig of basil – he needed the perfect place to share the moment with his niece.


Four Seasons Hotel Firenze takes care of the meal, the magical setting and every detail in between during its Golden Dinner on the Ponte Vecchio experience. The Hotel has exclusive access to the city’s most famous bridge and its only open-air terrace, tucked above the famous jewellery boutique of Dante Cardini. Here, you can enjoy a romantic and private dinner for two.

“You can have a magic moment. We work on every detail so the experience is shared . . . in a perfect way.”
– Vito Mollica, Executive Chef

The crowded streets below are forgotten as soon as the intimate dinner begins with a glass of chilled Champagne. As the sun sets, enjoy a four-course gourmet meal, inspired by the many jewellery stores below, created especially for the occasion by Michelin-starred chef Vito Mollica.

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

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5. Everyone is famiglia

Ask any Italian: The best way to enjoy la dolce vita is with someone you treasure, be it family, friends or a soulmate. Yet Italians are also happy to open their doors and offer hospitality to people from faraway places. Everyone is welcome.

“[Life] is only beautiful if you can share it with somebody.”
– Mauro Governato, Four Seasons Hotel Milano


Young couple on roof of Duomo

Anyone can experience and share la dolce vita in Italy, where language is no barrier and everyone is family.

Photography courtesy David Burton / Alamy Stock Photo

For Paul Lydka, Concierge at Four Seasons Firenze, one of his favourite things about living la dolce vita is stopping in an unfamiliar village to order a bread roll with pecorino and prosciutto, along with a glass of Chianti. “It’s very special,” he says. “You’ll find Italians are very sociable. In the villages, they start a conversation even if you only say ‘buongiorno.’ Language is no barrier.”Angeloni echoes this sentiment: “Italians know how to live well – we know how to create pleasure, whether it’s a dish of pasta or a landscape. It is part of our identity, and it is something we have to share.”

Experience Italian culture and la dolce vita through the Florentine Lifestyle and Milano Lifestyle packages on offer at Four Seasons Firenze and Four Seasons Milano today. In the video below, get a taste of the only-in-Italy art, culture, fashion and dining experiences that await in both destinations.

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