Ciao Italia! Escape to Italy through a new virtual gateway
Bringing the holiday home, Yoox gets curious with its summery Italian selections
This writer was supposed to be summering in Sardinia right now. Instead, she is enjoying a sunless south London, under the (unseasonably quiet) flight path; plans curtailed, as so many have been by the pandemic. Offering respite, retail platform Yoox has created a virtual Italian vision, to be enjoyed from anywhere.
Announced today, Yoox's ‘Ciao Italia!' initiative brings a taste of authentic Italian experience to the corners of the web, and into your wardrobe, through what it's calling a ‘digital gateway'. Split into four sections, ‘Dolce Far Niente’; ‘Buon Appetito’; ‘Al mercato’; and ‘Ferragosto', the online retailer has curated the best of Italian boutiques and ateliers in a tight edit of clothing and homeware.
Particular emphasis has been placed on the curiosities you might stumble across off-the-beaten track. We particularly like the selection of hand-painted plates in the ‘Buon Apptetio’ gallery, and the rustic home textiles featured in the ‘Dolce far Niente’ edit.
Elsewhere, colourful glass straws from Yali – a brand we've had our eye on for some time – will brighten a sundowner wherever its sipped, and tumblers from Nason Moretti will authenticate any classic Negroni.
As Italy begins to raise its head from the pandemic, the Made in Italy ethos is a pertinent one – it celebrates the particular charm of Italian design, inspired by an enviable Italian summer (even if many of us can't be there to enjoy it in person).

Plates from the ‘Buon Appetito!’ edit
Cushion from the ‘Dolce far Niente’ edit
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Elly Parsons is the Digital Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees Wallpaper.com and its social platforms. She has been with the brand since 2015 in various roles, spending time as digital writer – specialising in art, technology and contemporary culture – and as deputy digital editor. She was shortlisted for a PPA Award in 2017, has written extensively for many publications, and has contributed to three books. She is a guest lecturer in digital journalism at Goldsmiths University, London, where she also holds a masters degree in creative writing. Now, her main areas of expertise include content strategy, audience engagement, and social media.
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