Roberto Cavalli Opens First Nightclub in Florence, Italy

Designer Roberto Cavalli opened his first nightclub in the beautiful city of Florence in Italy this past week. Cavalli chose a 15th century deconsecrated church as the location of the club which was in a desperate need for a restoration. The church, and now his nightclub, is near the 13th-century Basilica di Santa Maria del Carmine, and it is adorned with Renaissance masterpieces by artists such as Masaccio and Masolino. “I feel I helped recover a real jewel,” says Cavalli of the recovered church which is now turned into a luxurious nightclub. Cavalli along side with architect Italo Rota took full advantage of the high ceilings of the original building and also added additional level. A lounge bar is located on the ground floor; a stage with a piano is placed in a niche where the altar used to be, and a 50-seat restaurant is on the upper floor. The decor is greatly nature inspired including steel leaves decorating the columns, a huge twisting steel snake on the side of the bar, an aquarium, an oversize shell on one wall, and seats with the designer’s infamous animal prints. Cavalli will open two more nightclubs in the upcoming year, one in Dubai at the end of January 2009, which will have a “a huge stairway” and plenty of glittering Swarovski crystals, and the other in Milan in February 2009. The designer is also working on renovating Milan’s former Just Cavalli Café and turning it into a Club.

Roberto Cavalli House by Italo Rota

Designers create stunning pieces on the runway, but have you ever wondered what their houses must look like? Here is a small preview of Roberto Cavalli’s new house by Italo Rota. The house was especially designed for Cavalli and it is located on the beautiful hills of Florence in Italy. The house’s color can be changed to match the personality of the owner and knowing Cavalli’s love for wild prints and bright palettes, it is only natural that the exterior looks exactly like this. This wildly printed glass house has a modern interior and a breath taking view of the romantic Florence city.

Versace Opens on Via Veneto in Rome

Italian fashion house Versace seems on its luxurious rise as it just opened a 200-square metre store on Rome’s Via Veneto, making it the fourth Versace store in the fashion city. The luxury brand is debuting a new architectural concept with a beautiful white exterior and it is the first luxury brand to open on the infamous Via Veneto, a street which is famously associated with Italian cinema. The Versace Group says, “Via Veneto is the ideal location for our new boutique, given the many ways the street epitomises Italian glamour – the cinema, the celebrities, a world Versace understands so well. Via Veneto has also become a street synonymous with luxury and our Maison is the first to open a store there. We are confident that the location is a perfect expression of our current development strategy.” Donatella is going luxury all the way as she also launched a $2,100 fragrance “Gianni Versace Couture.”

Water Jewellery: Carolina Bucci Exclusive Limited Edition

The Florence-born and raised jewellery designer, Carolina Bucci has created a limited edition collection to support WaterAid’s work. WaterAid is a charity which helps some of the world’s poorest people to have access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education. The exclusive jewellery Italian designer has created two pieces; a drop pendant necklace and a bracelet, both of which will be on sale from the end of July until the end of December of 2008.

The lucky tie bracelet is made of 18 carat gold and soft grey silk and it is priced at £295. Each bracelet bought would guarantee safe water and sanitation to a family of four. The drop shaped pendant necklace is made of 18 carat gold and covered with white and blue diamonds, costing £2595. An entire village is equipped with a lasting supply of safe water and sanitation when somebody buys one of these necklaces.

“I am really excited to be collaborating with WaterAid on these pieces of jewellery”, says Carolina. “WaterAid’s vision of a world where everyone has access to clean water and sanitation is one which I believe passionately in.”

The beautiful pieces are available from the Carolina Bucci boutiques, Browns and other selected retailers worldwide. For more information, visit her website.

“Valentino: The Last Emperor” Movie Clips

I cannot wait to see this film. Here are two clips from the movie taken from youtube.com. In the first clip, we can see Valentino’s cute dogs. It seems that the film will be with a great sense of humor too! And the second clip shows us a glimpse of the relationship between Valentino and Giancarlo.

Valentino: The Last Emperor is a documentary about the life, career and dramatic closing of last fashion show of one of Italy’s greatest designers, Valentino Garavani. The film is produced and directed by Matt Tyrnauer who is a New York writer and filmmaker. The documentary is both intimate and engaging and has received great reviews from its premiers. At the heart of the film is a touching life long love story between Valentino and his partner in both business and life of 50 years, Giancarlo Giammetti. Although, it was not Tyrnauer’s intention to center the documentary around their relationship, things just happened that way. ” [Valentino] is a born dreamer and the last true couturier, who let us in on his creative process and also let us in on the life he built around him to sustain this process,” says Tyrnauer. Truly, Valentino’s designs are not just known for their glamour and elegance but for their attention to detail and delicacy; qualities that only a great designer with devoted love towards his work could possess.

* Valentino: The Last Emperor Clip 1

* Valentino: The Last Emperor Clip 2

Armani Opens Largest Boutique Yet in Milan

Giorgio Armani has opened his largest boutique to date in Milan’s Palazzo Taverna which was once home to the city’s most famous poets, none other than Carlo Porta.

Situated on Via Montenapoleone 2, the store is over 2,000 square meters and has three floors. The concept of the store is by Giorgio Armani in collaboration with his in-house architects.The store’s design is in sleek black lacquer and dove gray fabric. Very classic, very beautiful, just like Italy’s greatest Giorgio Armani.

The ground floor has accessories and clothing for women as well as Giorgio Armani Privé fragrances and Crema Nera and Skin Minerals skincare products. The Armani Casa collection features products designed exclusively for the new store, and will be sold only at this store. The first floor has the men’s clothing and accessories’ collections like the Classic Giorgio Armani and Made to Measure lines. The second floor features the evening wear and accessories for women and luxury goods including Giorgio Armani Privé precious jewels and Giorgio Armani Borgo 21 watches.

So, in case you are passing through Milan, make sure you go on Via Montenapoleone 2. Below are photos from the store at the courtesy of Sfilate.

Fashion: Yachting

Going on a yacht and sailing away is becoming more and more about fashion than the sport itself. We have seen famous designers, such as Roberto Cavalli and supermodels, such as Kate Moss indulge in this hot lifestyle over the summer. Yachts are also the set for many designer photo shoots and music videos. Yachting has also inspired many design collections with its crisp whites and linen long dresses. And who can forget the never-ending nautical trend? Many designers have also made collections especially for cruising and “boat dressing.” Whether you will chose to sail from Positano to Provence or from Venice to Santorini, the sun-drenched coasts, the azure waters and the Mediterranean breeze will be the perfect combination to your upscale fashion sense. Now, here are a few tips for your yachting adventure.

Hot Bikini: Chose a beautiful and glamorous bikini. Softer colors and golden tones are preferable. You may chose bandeau, triangle or a one piece bikini. Keep in mind that the most important thing for a bikini, is to feel comfortable and sexy. You can slip into some tiny Brazilian cuts like Rosa Cha or chose from the variety of swimwear at Victoria’s Secret.

Cover-up Essential: As it gets quite windy on the yacht, you need to have a cover-up. Remember to chose wisely in order to be color coordinated with your bikini. If your bikini is neutral, chose a pattern and bolder cover-up. You can be more elegant with a Kimono-style or crocheted cover-up.

Hat Must-Have: Hats are very important and here is your chance to experiment with an extravagant hat. You may chose over sized crocheted hat with large decorations. Just remember that it should fit you well, so that you do not have to chase it in the sea.

Sunscreen: You should enjoy the sun to the fullest but be extra careful. Sunscreens are extremely important to ensure that your skin will be youthful and glowing. Remember to apply the lotions regularly throughout the day and do not forget to protect your face, lips and hair also. If you chose to wear lip gloss, be sure to apply sunscreen on top of it. As an alternative, the Balm Shelter Lip Gloss is a moisturizing, sheer gloss with SPF to protect and it comes in all shades. Aveeno offers good face and body sunscreens and Fekkai has some great leave-in-conditioners with activated UV shield to protect your hair!

Accessorize: Sunglasses are your absolute most important accessory. Remember that fashion and protection will go hand in hand. Over sized glasses are still in but you can experiment with the patterns and colors. Bags are a necessity. Louis Vuitton offers great beach bags, large but classy enough to show your fashion sense and practical side. Jewelry becomes more important as the sun sets. Chose one center piece and remember that less is more. You may decide to wear a large turquoise ring or a white pearls necklace.

Dress Appropriately: When on the yacht, fancy dresses and shoes are not needed. However, when stopping at ports and going to the fancy coast restaurants, note that cotton, linen and silk materials are impressive. White is the queen of chic but do not underestimate all shades of blue. You may chose longer or capri linen pants and short silk dresses. Shoes are preferably wedges or comfortable high slides. The materials can be colorful fabrics and even decorated with crystals or flowers for a more fancy look. Remember that gold tones are especially stunning with a golden tan during summer. If you are looking for high fashion, Chanel never disappoints with Resort wear and its Cruise Collections.

Sea Scent: When going out at night, make sure you bring your sea adventure to the inland. Eau d’Italie from Positano, Italy is a collection of shower gels, scented soaps and perfumes inspired by the world famous five-star Positano hotel La Sirenuse hotel on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. This fragrance is so cultural that it is sold only at the hotel and a few London boutiques. It has a fresh and seductive scent especially for the summer months.

Bring Your Camera: You will be spending unforgettable moments at sea. The adventure-romance combo should be pictured. Explore the coasts and azure waters, and at night have some fun time in your fashion outfits and golden tan.