Sophisticated Spectra

Les Jardins d’Etretat: A Historic Restoration by Alexander Grivko

June 22, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

Les Jardins d’Etretat is a remarkable garden nestled in the town of Étretat, Normandy. It was lovingly restored in 2016, on the site of the existing garden of the Villa Roxelane, which dates back to 1905. This restoration, covering an area of 1.5 hectares, was achieved in record time, less than a year and a half. The park's design was inspired by the first French oyster farm of Marie-Antoinette, located at the foot of the Étretat garden in the waters of La Manche. Today, Les Jardins d’Etretat is recognized as one of the "Great Gardens of the World".

LùBar: A Slice of Sicily in the Heart of Milan

June 29, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

LùBar is an enchanting oasis nestled in the bustling city of Milan, offering a delightful escape from the city's fervent heat. Located on Via Palestro, this chic locale is the brainchild of the three eldest children of designer Luisa Beccaria - Lucilla, Lucrezia, and Ludovico.

A Luxury Escape to Lake Como with Dior at the Legendary Villa d'Este

July 5, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett

Let's transport ourselves to Lake Como and immerse in the elegance of Dior at the legendary Villa d'Este. This luxurious locale offers much more than just an opportunity to shop the autumn collection.

The Most Expensive House in Spain Goes on Sale for a Whopping 55 Million Euros

July 14, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett

The most expensive house in Spain has just hit the market with a staggering asking price of 55 million euros. This sumptuous villa, located in an elite residential complex in Marbella, is on sale for a price that places it in the bracket of the ultra-rich.

The Ongoing Restoration of Versace Designer Ashley Fletcher's 16th Century Italian Villa

July 16, 2023 in Design & Décor by Julian Everett

Versace designer, Ashley Fletcher, has been immersed in an ongoing labor of love for the past eight years, intricately restoring his 16th-century villa located in Piedmont, Italy.

HIBRIDE: A Colorful Ode to Agritourism Between Cucuron and Aix-en-Provence

July 29, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

Nestled in an idyllic setting between Cucuron and Aix-en-Provence, HIBRIDE emerges as a vivacious alternative to the often neutral tones dominating interior design trends. A project conceived by seasoned hoteliers Philippe Chapelet and Patrick Elouarghi, HIBRIDE blends agritourism with their company HI's established track record in the hotel industry.

The Farnese Villa: A Canvas of Historical Grandeur

Aug. 5, 2023 in Arts & Culture by Julian Everett

Situated in the heart of Italy, the Villa Farnese in Caprarola is an iconic emblem of Italian Renaissance architecture and design. However, it's not just the villa's architectural splendor that makes it a must-visit historical site; it is equally renowned for its richly decorated interior frescoes, presenting a visual narrative of the Farnese family's glory.

Hey, Wanna Sleep in Yves Saint Laurent's Old Digs? Get Ready to Empty Those Pockets!

Aug. 8, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

Okay, fashionistas, hold onto your designer hats, because this news is BIG. The one and only villa in Tangier, Morocco, where the legendary Yves Saint Laurent (you know, the guy with the fabulous glasses) once lived, is being transformed into a hotel. Yup, you read that right! A. Hotel. 🏨✨

Experience Complete Digital Detox at Adrère Amellal in Egypt's Siwa Oasis

Sept. 19, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett

Looking for the ultimate digital detox? Your search ends at Adrère Amellal, an eco-luxury lodge situated in the tranquil oasis of Siwa, Egypt. Remarkably, this 40-room oasis operates without electricity. Yet, the absence of electricity does not equate to low comfort; on the contrary, this high-end lodge intentionally avoids modern amenities to offer an experience akin to stepping back in time.

Emilio Pucci's 1956 Bikini Collection Showcased at Sicily's Ancient Roman Villa

July 5, 2024 in Models & Actresses Photos by Charlotte Sinclair

In a striking blend of ancient artistry and mid-20th century fashion, Emilio Pucci's 1956 bikini collection was uniquely showcased against the backdrop of Sicily's renowned Villa Romana del Casale. This innovative photoshoot, captured by photographer Elsa Haertter, juxtaposed modern swimwear designs with the villa's famous Roman mosaics, creating a visual dialogue between past and present.

Ferrari Sparkling Wine: A Legacy Unrelated to the Car Brand but with a Unique Connection

Sept. 3, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett

While Ferrari sparkling wine may be a sponsor of Formula 1, it has no direct ties to the famous car brand. However, there’s an interesting connection between the two.

Carlo Mollino: The Eccentric Visionary of Italian Design

Jan. 25, 2025 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

Carlo Mollino (1905–1973) was far more than a famed Italian architect—he was also a photographer, skier, racing driver, pilot, and an unforgettable eccentric figure. Renowned for his groundbreaking furniture and visionary buildings, his creations are hailed as part of Italy’s “gold reserve” of design, epitomized by the celebrated Royal Opera House in Turin.

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