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). §
