Month: July 2017

Fashion illustrator and Fashion Consultant, Natalia Resmini combines a strong sensibility for fashion and a lightness with colour. Her experience as a portraitist and textile designer reveals itself with every brushstroke. Thanks to surfing and her love for the sea she has traveled all over the world. This aesthetic maturity is apparent both in her free drawings and in the story, illustrated by the photographs, where she suggests the unmissable places to go surfing. I’ve had this great passion for a lifetime, which made me travel around the world. Surfing is a golden ticket, because all surfers sooner or later travel for long periods, and get the opportunity to learn about other cultures. We Italians are a people of idealists, dreamers and travellers, that’s what I always say! We are lucky because, although we don’t have many waves, we go seeking them, discovering a lot of other things in the process and expanding our horizons. And we stand out all right! Exclusively for MANINTOWN here’s a selection of the best locations discovered during my travels.

MEXICO
www.mexilogfest.com
I recommend Sayulita and Saladita, and Punta de Mita, on the Nayarit coast. A hippy atmosphere, perfect temperatures especially in winter months, both challenging and easier waves. The coolest time of the year is during Mexi Log Festival, which brings together the world’s finest surfers in the Longboard category. (www.mexilogfest.com) For accommodation I would recommend Casa Love, located in the heart of Sayulita. Right on the main beach, facing the rolling waves and a few tourists looking for a good margarita, lies the welcoming patio of Nathalie Mignot, the owner. The architecture of the house reveals itself in a clever balance of sunlight and shade. Ten “open space” rooms, are furnished with singular taste, for a really special stay: you will always feel caressed by the wind and lulled by the stars at night. The attention to ecology and the “raw” lifestyle of the owners will win you over. Casa Love is part of a broader concept including the “Pachamama” boutique and the homonymous art gallery, both on the lower floor where you will find boho-chic unique pieces of clothing amongst the colorful works of young artists and tons of lovely jewellery.
For more info and to discover curiosities about the owner’s family: pachamamasayulita.com.mx/casa-love/

SARDINIA
My absolute favourite, where I pass several months a year and the waves are the best in the Mediterranean, because the island has a 360 ° exposure to the seas. Of all the coasts, the one in the west is the one with the most frequent waves, because the northwesterly wind is predominant. As for the rest, the island offers many options that can be exploited, hence why Sardinia has become an international destination for surfing tourism. For beginners, I recommend the school IS BENAS SURF CLUB (www.isbenas.com), which offers custom packages with qualified instructors and surf house rentals. An unmissable experience, fabulous nature and excellent A to Z customer service. Also, worth mentioning is Maona Sailingboat, in the south, at Villasimius, owned by Sebastiano Concas, one of the best Italian surfers, who organises sailing boat charters and surf trips, an original formula for a memorable holiday in the heart of the marine protected area. www.facebook.com/Maonasailingboat/

MOROCCO

I’ve been to Morocco many times now, but every trip always brings new emotions. There is something magical, a special perfume in the air. Arab culture fascinates me, as an artist and as a woman. My creativity is stimulated by the decorations of the tiles, the colours of the earth interspersed by argan plants, the architecture designed to be lived inside and out. I have a lot of Moroccan friends, and putting aside misconceptions and prejudices, I have found an enlightened people. Culture, pride, hospitality and a mystical atmosphere are a constant. In the West, we are always running and we no longer believe in anything. Sometimes we don’t even have five minutes to watch a beautiful sunset. We have clocks and they have time! I was there for almost two months recently, south of Essaouira. I painted and surfed, immersed in a pleasant “mal d’Afrique”. Moroccans believe in their land, in the wind, in the sea, in the food. I can’t forget some winter nights, when we would eat together around the fire with our hands, assimilating the energy of food, in religious silence. I’ve come to believe that forks and knives are a kind of filter between us and what we eat. I think  back to the freedom I felt and I smile, because I can’t forget the depth of the colours of the sky, as I chased the last waves of the day. I think back to the deserted beaches, to the freshly caught sea bass, to the olive oil almost better than the Italian one. In Morocco the place I recommend for surfing is the coast from Essaouira to Agadir.
Here are two of my favourite hotels: Hôtel Résidence le Kaouki www.sidikaouki.com; Olo Surf & Nature www.olosurfnature.com/
The coolest surfcamp of the moment!

BIARRITZ and HOSSEGOR
It’s the California of Europe! I have been so many times that I do not even remember how many anymore. It’s the heart of the European surf scene, where the best shapers and underground artists go. The prices are a bit high and the water very crowded, but the nature is wonderful! In the summer you can surf till 11pm in the evening, as the days are long. Also, there are beautiful surf shops and inland, various surf schools operating on stunning endless beaches.Check out: m.facebook.com/tfr.hossegorsurfhouse/

Gucci Places is an initiative designed by the Florentine maison to unveil locations around the world that reflect the taste and values peculiar to the House and that have inspired it. Whether private or public, hidden or evident, Alessandro Michele’s contemporary aesthetic can be at the tip of one’s fingers simply through the App. The aim is to encourage people to discover interesting and unexpected stories about these places, and so become part of a community, built around a network of locations that are able to surprise, arouse interest and inspire creativity. The very first Gucci Place to be unveiled will be Chatsworth in Derbyshire, England, which is where Gucci is currently supporting an extensive exhibition of clothing and memorabilia entitled House Style, curated by Hamish Bowles. New functionalities will be added to the Gucci App to involve customers in the story of each designated Place, for example through the use the geolocation. The App will allow users to check-in and win the badge associated with it, also providing a detailed description of the Place, featuring texts, pictures and/or videos.

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Sensuality is woman. It is no coincidence that as Managing Director of Coco de Mer, one of the most renowned luxury lingerie brand and erotic fashion house, we find a woman, Lucy Litwack, with a huge passion and experience in this field. Not only products to reach pleasure; Coco de Mer offers also education and guidance for a personal erotic experience with a decadent allure. MANINTOWN interviewed Mrs Litwack, asking her some questions about her experience of more than ten years in the industry and about themes that are still considered a taboo.

Why did you choose to work in the field of luxurious lingerie?
Lingerie is my passion. I fell into the industry by chance from a client I had at a design agency I was working for after University. I went to work for this lingerie start up in house and the rest is history! After over 17 years in the industry, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.  Lingerie can create magic. It has the power of transformation. I have worked for many incredible brands from Victoria’s Secret to La Perla, but when I started at Coco de Mer 3 years ago I knew I had found something very special. A brand that has always punched above its weight, but is yet to realize its full potential. A brand that so seamlessly blends fashion and erotica; sophistication and sensuality. A brand that emphasizes the importance of female pleasure, yet appeals to both men and women.

Which is the most representative item of Coco de Mer?
Everything we design combines luxury and beauty, often with a touch of the audacious.  For instance, the Coco de Mer Spanking Knicker. This item is luxurious, beautiful and a little bit naughty – with the added option for play with your partner. The Sylph bra is also an iconic Coco de Mer style. It has been in the business for over 10 years and continues to be a best seller. It is perfect for the underwear as outerwear trend with its strappy detailing. In luxurious black silk with front fastening and a seductive half cup that barely covers the bust, it takes its inspiration from the empowering work of Helmut Newton and the world of the dominatrix.

According to you, which is the link between fashion and sensuality?
People are pleasure seekers. They seek pleasure in a myriad of different ways, one of which is fashion. The delights that fascinate our senses such as cuisine, design, fashion occupy the cultural psyche in many different ways from books to magazines to tv. Matters erotic however are more limited and repressed. Coco de Mer encourages a more progressive viewpoint. To open up a more playful conversation on the subject and thus encourage people to delve deeper into their fantasies. We want to create a more beautiful sensual landscape to explore. Engaging in this conversation, we can use fashion and lingerie to reach a better understanding of, and connection to, what is truly sensual. As purveyors of sensuality, Coco de Mer both creates and curates irresistible objects and experiences to celebrate mutual pleasure and individual satisfaction.

What do women look for when choosing lingerie?
Women have many different faces. One day, they will be looking for comfort – perfect fit, soft fabrics. One day they will want something that makes them feel empowered with the knowledge that only they are aware of what lies beneath the exterior. Other times they may want to be a classic femme fatale. Lingerie can transform you and your mindset. But overall, women want good fit, beautiful materials that caress the skin and silhouettes that enhance their form.

Instead, what do men appreciate the most?
Men appreciate any effort you want to make.  They love the idea that you have dressed up for them (even if it is just as much for you) and will worship you whatever you choose. We find at Coco de Mer that men will often purchase the three piece set – in addition to the bra and knicker, they will pick the suspender belt too. They generally prefer the more classic colours of red and black. And beautiful nightwear is always popular –  a lace chemise, a silk robe.

Can lingerie make women more confident?
Absolutely. Lingerie can transform your body and your mind which in turns gives you the confidence to do whatever it is you want to do – whether that is to rule the world or your partner!

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Half British, half Dutch, of Ugandan descent, Martin Foru will be representing the UK at the 2020 Olympic Games and we couldn’t think of a man more suitable to don some of this season most compelling sportswear. Armed with buckets of charm and a killer smile, we set him off to explore Paris’s most colourful and exotic neighbourhood, La Chapelle, and got to know him a little better along the way.

When did you start training to become a boxer and who/what pushed you?
I always wanted to do any form of martial arts because my 2 older brothers used to say I couldn’t fight. Unfortunately my mother never allowed me. But when I was 13 I bumped into my cousin as he was just coming from a boxing training. He told me to come with him and so I did, I fell in love with the sport ever since.

What would it mean for you to represent the UK at the 2020 Olympic Games?
It would mean the world to me! There used to be a rule that professional boxers were not allowed to compete in the OGs, but now that they changed the rule and pros are allowed to compete, there is nothing that holds me back from turning pro.

You grew up in Holland and moved to London recently, what is your favourite aspect of living in London?
I literally love the people! Most people I speak to seem to be so open minded and just love to enjoy and spend time with others.

Do you watch what you eat? What’s your favourite dish?
When I’m not having a fight anytime soon then I just eat whatever I like, but I’m naturally a healthy person so I wouldn’t poison myself with all sorts of bad food anyways. Then when I’m coming up to a fight I sure do watch my food. I’ve got a nutritionist who sets up a diet plan for me which adjusts as I get closer to a fight.

Who was/is your role model in becoming a man? And in becoming a boxer?
My role model, mentor and father figure has always been my first boxing coach over in the Netherlands, Thomas Mboua. He helped shaping myself into the man I am today! In becoming a boxer it has always been Roy Jones Jr, because of his knowledge, style and confidence. I’ve been watching his fights ever since I’ve started boxing.

Do you practice any other sports? What do you love the most about boxing?
At the moment it’s just boxing but I always love to play a game of basketball, shoot some pool or play golf. Besides the fitness I get from it, boxing allows me to bring out everything that’s inside of me. The part I enjoy the most is the sparring just because it’s the closest you’ll get to an actual boxing match.

You seemed very comfortable during the shoot in front of the camera. Do you get nervous before a fight?
Well, I get a little nervous when I hear when I’m fighting next, but then as soon as I hit the gym and start training for it my confidence grows with each session. Also when I’m in the dressing room and I feel a bit fatigued or something is physically bothering me I get nervous. But then as soon as I step in the ring and the bell rings it’s all gone!

Besides physical training, what sort of mental preparation do you go through before a match?
I try and clear my mind from all negative things and focus on when I’m entering the ring. I think of every possible situation I can get myself into and also naturally tell myself that I’m much faster, stronger and fitter than my opponent.

You have some very cool Valentino sneaks on today, what are your other favourite brands / designers? and who/where did you get your sense of style from?
DSquared2! Such a great brand, really comfortable and looks amazing. And no idea to be honest, I think just from seeing celebrities wearing certain things and then try it myself because I must’ve thought it looked really good.

There’s a ton of sports style infiltrating every aspect of fashion at the moment, are you enjoying that? Do you think it’s here to stay?
Yes yes yes I love it! Obviously as you know I’m an athlete and to combine fashion with sports, to me is just two of the best worlds colliding. Today we even made the boxing gloves look fashionable LOL. I’m not sure if the sporty look will stay in the fashion as fashion is always changing. But I do think that fashion will stay in sports and that sportswear will try and keep up with the fashion.

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British classics that combine the signature bold and graphic design esthetic of JW ANDERSON with UNIQLO‘s Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity, fit and functionality. The result is a collection that offers the best of British styling that is at once traditional and modern while providing daily lifestyle options for men and women of all ages. The collection’s focuses are design, the silhouette and comfort. All the pieces incorporate traditional British materials combined with UNIQLO trademark fabrics. There are Tweed coats in signature herringbone and shirts in extra fine cotton that feels smooth and natural, as well as knits in Extra Fine Merino for an elegant, glossy sheen. The silhouette is also a key feature for the line. The look ranges from long coats with contemporary button and waist belt styling to jackets that give a modern, slim and sophisticated look but also allow for layering, and includes a turtle neck sweater with boxy silhouette and an oversized item.

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There are two main trends that distinguish the current international panorama of the watch industry today: a return to the great classics of the past, accompanied by a creative and mechanical offering in keeping with the times, and the celebration and appreciation of mêtiers d’art, with a sanctification of the most sophisticated techniques, both mechanically and functionally. An artistic passion with the finesse of decorative workmanship. The most important showcase for discovering the latest novelties and creations is without question Basel World, which for industry insiders and passionate watch and jewellers enthusiasts alike is an event not to be missed. It is an exhibition always rich in novelty, and sought-after originals, yet suitable for any style and wrist. Begun in 1917, this year the event reached its first centenary. The recent edition was characterized by strong brand positioning, especially for historic brands, aware that the new structure of international economics requires effort and innovation to satisfy an increasingly demanding clientele on the quest for the novelty.

Among the first big trend- with an homage to the classics- the absolute protagonist is Tag Heuer, which presented alongside a range of novelties a re-edition of the Autavia watch. The return of this iconic model is the result of an innovative participatory event, the Autavia Cup, organized in the Spring of 2016 aimed at dialoguing with the community of enthusiasts and brand collectors, consulting with connoisseurs and offering them the choice of which historical model should inspired the new Autavia. Thus, a timepiece with a retro look, revisited with touches of modernity: raised buttons, knurled crown, Tag Heuer logo and the strap in aged calfskin, keeping that vintage feel. It has a contemporary-style with the addition of a datary window and sapphire backing and the luminescent coating is beige, matching the stitches on the strap.

Gucci, in the height of its creative renaissance, presented an astonishing series of watches this year that reflect Alessandro Michele’s extravagance and creativity. The new modifications of the G-Timeless mark an interesting return to the iconic shapes of the past. For men, two original timepieces with automatic movement and GMT function (40 mm): the brand’s unmistakable snake symbol is the GMT hand, pointing to the second time zone, while iconic bee, star and heart motifs orbit around the dial as pointers. The movement and engraving of the Gucci bee on the oscillating weight can be seen through the transparent backing.

For Bulgari, mêtiers d’art is a strong theme celebrated with the launch of Octo Finissimo Tourbillon in the Squelette version, the world’s thinnest tourbillon. The new Squelette features an ultra-slim tourbillon with 253 fully visible components, including 13 rubies and eight ball bearings, which help to reduce the overall thickness of the timepiece. It operates at a rate of 21,600 vph (vibrations per hour) with 62 hours of reserve charge. Decorating this timepiece justly, the new Octo case (40mm) is platinum (waterproof up to 30 metres) and the strap is in black alligator hide with a pronged buckle.

Jaquet Dros, on the other hand, presents Loving Butterfly Automaton, a masterpiece of elegance and savoir faire, precisely because this watch combines the complexity of the mechanical movement with the beauty of the miniature horseman and butterfly that animate the movement of time. Offered in an extremely limited run of only 28 pieces, the pink gold case and the 43mm dial make this timepiece bold, yet intriguing.

In this panorama of interesting novelties, also notable is Swarovski who at this year’s exhibition extends its collection of women’s Crystalline timepieces, now including models of Crystalline Hours in red, black and two white versions. The dial contains nearly 2000 crystals, confirming once again the brand’s ability to build and wisely evolve the concept of the faceted crystal cut. The brand is also taking a leading position in the world of watchmaking, which grew by more than 30% in 2016. As Robert Buchbauer, CEO of Swarovski Consumer Goods Business says, launching new products at Basel World enables the brand to become more established in this area and to pave the way for further novelty in upcoming editions, like the forthcoming announcement of the launch of its first timepieces for men.

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Filippo Nigro is the model anti-divo: amiable and extroverted. Good-natured and not the least bit self-centred, he struggles to explain his own success because he has never felt particularly gifted: and yet, in his role as an actor he has received various recognitions. Among which, for example, the Italian Golden Globes for “La Finestra di Fronte” by Ferzan Ozpetek, the director with whom he worked for both for “Le Fate Ignoranti” and that for which he won best actor at the Taormina Film Festival for “Dalla Vita in Poi.” All that without counting his nomination for a David di Donatello award as best supporting actor for his role in “Diverso da Chi?” in which he acted alongside Luca Argentero. Filippo Nigro, a Sagittarian, enjoys the challenges of an intense life made up of stimulating experiences and a grueling life on the sets of a movies, television or in theatrical work. In that way, Filippo doesn’t like to “sit still.” While he takes horseback riding lessons in preparation for a role in the film “The Book of Vision” with Charles Dance (himself also catching public attention, for among other roles, his part in “Il Trono di Spade”), he has just finished filming “Suburra” the first TV series created in Italy for Netflix, directed by Michele Placido, in which he plays a politician. Wearing a white tee shirt and a pair of green chinos, never without his vintage style tortoise frame sunglasses, the one touch of cool in his basic, casual look, Filippo Nigro speaks to MANINTOWN in an exclusive interview.

More movies or more theater in Filippo Nigro’s career?
Whenever I can, I feed my passion for the theatre, which I love. My last piece, “Candide,” dates back to over a year ago. In any case, I think that today television series offer interesting opportunities for career actors.

You said that in your opinion acting is like training for life. Can you explain this statement?
Acting helped me to define various aspects of my character. Today I feel calmer and more aware, I have more fun, I’m less impulsive, and I don’t take things as seriously.

What was your most challenging role?
There hasn’t been any one in particular. I guess I would say that of a professor who was victim of his student’s trap in the movie “Un Gioco da Ragazze.” In general, I love playing characters who are contradictory, somewhat insecure, who change their mind easily.

What part does your physicality have in your roles?
Not much. It comes about because I practice a lot of sports, but I would also have liked to play action movie roles pumped with testosterone; in general I love that genre.

 Must-have garments in your wardrobe?
A leather jacket, I have two of them: a black one and one in brown leather, more lived in, both with a ‘biker’ look.

What piques your curiosity?
If I like a person, I love to deeply understand him or her intimate side. I’m curious about the behavioral evolution of my three children, Alessandro, Olivia and Claudio, and I am curious about getting to know new people, although I am a very distracted person by nature, except when on the set, where I am very focused. Being distracted at university nearly cost me an exam (smiles).

What are your “male” passions?
I love sports and I practice many. I should start by saying I love to be outside in the open air and I hate gyms; I like football, swimming, tennis and running. When I can, I like playing chess because it relaxes me.

Your ideal place for body and mind?
For my spirit, I love being in the game, travelling for work and engaging in new projects. As far as a physical place, I think about my family, my wife Gina whom I love, because being with them is the place where I always feel safe and secure, like being in a nest of well-being.

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Photographer| Roberta Krasnig
Stylist| Stefania Sciortino
Photographer Assistant| Jacopo Gentilini
Grooming| Samia Mohsein@makingbeauty using KIEHL’S Age Defender Cream
Location| Coffee Pot, Roma

Ruinart_Dom Pérignon_Moët & Chandon

Everyone knows that champagne is best enjoyed cold. However, in Italy many believe this great wine is reserved for only New Year’s Eve, rather than summer. A mere myth. So, here are six choices for spoiling oneself at aperitif hour, on a boat or perhaps, in the sun.

ART COOL

“For the fifth consecutive year we serve our Cuvée Ruinart on all the beaches of the White Summer Ruinart circuit,” says Senior Brand Manager, Andrea Pasqua, who met MANINTOWN during the opening week of the 57th Venice Biennale, where he is divided his time between the Woven Forms vernissage, Louis Vuitton Foundation dinner, and parties at Fondaco dei Tedeschi and Palazzina G. “We are the champagne of contemporary art,” he stresses, “and throughout the Biennale, we have a welcome service at the Venice airport and a Ruinart Bike Bar at Cipriani.” And just in time for the arrival of summer, “from the 21st to the 23rd of June, we open the hidden gem of the Redentore terrace at Gritti Palace, where, upon enrolment on our site, www.maisonruinart.com, guests will have access to a dinner tasting menu or an aperitif, paired with ‘cicchetti,’ the Venetian street food, reinterpreted in a gourmet version by starred Chef Daniele Turco of the Club del Doge restaurant.”

ON THE ROCKS

Want to drink champagne under a beach umbrella without letting it get too warm? There is a solution. Champagne on the rocks? Mais oui! Moet Ice Impérial breaks the taboo of tradition and inaugurates a new style, a true drinking experience combining ice cubes with the unexpectedly effervescent bubbly. “Moët Ice Impérial champagne has been been made into an art form, rendering its flavour even more intense and fruity and introducing a completely new way of drinking champagne, without letting it get diluted by ice,” explains Benoît Gouez, Chef de Cave of Moët & Chandon.

MIXOLOGY

Inspired by a new and fresh vision of contemporary drink culture, Veuve Clicquot has worked with expert mixologists to create a whole new champagne: Veuve Clicquot RICH and Veuve Clicquot RICH ROSÉ, with a higher dosage for more sweetness and aroma. Highlighting the Maison’s savoir-faire in wine production, Veuve Clicquot’s Chef de Caves, Dominique Demarville, explains: “super in champagne is equivalent to spices in a recipe: if used properly they allow specific aromas to come out, playing with flavour variety.” In short, transforming it into the basis for a fresh cocktail.

GRAPHIC ICE

Graphic Ice, the new cuvée by Nicolas Feuillatte, exalts the joy of summer living. It is served in a large glass with ice where its floral notes and sweet freshness unite with lime and pineapple. A new elegant and sophisticated cocktail for summer to be enjoyed both day and night, when even the bottle of its special packaging becomes truly luminescent.

SUMMER SYNOPSIS

Krug Grande Cuvée is created beyond the very notion of millennialism, building upon the various wines of several vintages. Each year, when preparing the composition, Eric Lebel, Chef de Caves of the Maison, is faced with around 400 different wines. Within every bottle of Krug Grande Cuvée there are over twenty years of passion and dedication. As Lebel explains, “when we taste the first wines that remind of of the grapes as they were in the vineyards, it’s as if a single violin is playing. Our concert begins. The work gains depth and breadth, as our musicians merge into a single, clear and elegant symphony, a new Krug Grande Cuvée”.

ICON ON BOARD

In July and August, on the shores and along the crystal-clear beaches of Sardinia, Dom Pérignon Yacht P2 Delivery will offer a special service for on-the-sea delivery of its precious bottles. The maxitender, designed and built by Capelli Shipyard on the Tempest 900 model, keeps the champagne on ice and delivers it at the correct temperature. An exclusive service suitable even for one of the brand’s historic clients, Marilyn Monroe, who Pérignon celebrates with an exhibition, Imperdibile Marilyn, at Rome’s Palazzo degli Esami until July 30th. Her preferred bottle? The 1953 Vintage, which faithfully accompanied the actress on the set of her films.

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His powerful and mysterious appeal has conquered the audience in theatres and on TV, his clear eyes and his engaging pleasantness make him irresistible, while he sits down with MANINTOWN to tell us about himself. He is Lino Guanciale, a well-know character of Italian fiction, with a consolidated theatre career that started with Romeo and Juliet, directed by Gigi Proietti. Passionate about literature, but with a rock soul, the actor from Abruzzo loves grabbling with roles that are very different one from another, from the good-looking and arrogant guy of the comedies, down to the surreal and somewhat Pirandellian roles of police commissioner Leonardo Cagliostro in La porta rossa, mysteriously lingering between the world of the living and of the dead. Besides theatre, his first and inalienable love, and TV, Lino Guanciale teaches acting to young people. A truly Italian chameleon-like, multitasking talent.

Where do you draw inspiration to interpret your characters?
It depends, often from the books I have read, rather than from movies, although they too play a role in it. Often from literary references, from comics to Dostoevsky, I am rather omnivorous. When I am reading a script, the first thing to cross my mind is a reference, which can range from Walt Disney to Crime and Punishment. Plus, I observe people a lot, in the streets on public transport, in any situation.

The most thrilling memory in your career?
This year, apart from seeing I Peggiori in the theatres, it was the TV success of La porta rossa, as none of us expected such a hit. The night of the last episode, because in Trieste they insisted that we should screen it in a cinema, with people in it, as if it were a film. A way of celebrating the fact that the series had a pretty much Trieste setting. It was extremely exciting.

What do you learn, as an individual, from your profession?
Trying to walk in someone else’s shoes. This is the most difficult part ever. I have recently noticed that also other actors share my view, I was happy to hear what Elio Germano said on Fazio about Kropotkin, also because I was convinced that I was the only one to have read it (he laughs, Ed). Seeing that many artists and professionals of my generation are trying to develop a certain background is good. Gramsci used to say that theatre helps develop people’s dramatic phantasy, and better understand how to walk in someone else’s shoes.

Which is the irresistible side of theatre?
People watching you live. This kind of relationship forces you to do your best in playing someone else, without forgetting that while you have to identify with a character, you should avoid having your audience fall asleep. You have to grab the audience’s attention, and this, in so many ways, makes me feel alive, while I am acting. Maybe this is the reason why I need to go back to theatre as often as I can, and I never want to give it up. It is also terrifying, in a beautiful way.

You teach in schools. What is the most important piece of advice you give to the young people who want to act?
I am currently teaching at Accademia del Teatro in Modena. First of all, I try to show them that, if they work hard, they can do more than what they actually think they can do. For an actor it is very important to try and explore different territories, as each one of them has a face and a body that pigeonholes him or her in a type of role. The question of the physique du rôle is unavoidable. But it is necessary to try and shatter this dogma, to convince those who may give you a role, that you can do different kind of things. The satisfaction lies in abandoning your comfort zones, what you know you can do well, and take risks. Doing what you still cannot do, can be challenging and illuminating. This profession is beautiful, if you manage to find reasons to be surprised, when it becomes a routine, it is the most alienating job ever.

What do your students teach you?
To question my assumptions. The best way to understand something is to try and explain it to someone else, therefore, every time I find myself “teaching”, I am forced to question my assumptions, in doing so I learn new things for my profession.

Which are your other passions?
A little anecdote: I have recently taken part, for the promotion of I peggiori, in the show I soliti ignoti, where I was asked about my passions and hobbies to build the game. I realized that I have no spare time, no hobbies, no private life beside my profession ( laughs, Ed). Joking aside, there are many things that I enjoy doing. But every time I am reading or every time I watch a movie or listen to music, in one way or another, it is as if I was working, because there’s always a connection with my work. I am also keen on sports; I was once an amateur rugby player. I enjoy walking, I am a big fan of all flâneur writers, who recount about the worlds one can discover when walking, also because I feel a physiological rejection for cars, although I actually really like them. I have to say that this is another passion of mine, driving helps me relax.

What is the garment that best represents you?
I have some t-shirts of music bands I like, like R.E.M., Joy Division, The Stooges, Velvet Underground, the Smiths, the Cure, bands ranging from the rock punk of the ‘60s to the new wave of the ‘80s. I have had these t-shirts for twenty years and these are the ones I wear compulsively. These are the garments I love best and that represent me. Instead, a garment that seems to suit me is the jacket. I think that a nice jacket with a Joy Division logo would represent me (he laughs, Ed).

An object that you always carry with you?
Everyone has his/her lucky charms, mine is a watch that my parents game me when I was thirty and I had just made my debut in cinema, but I was mainly a theatre actor, and I had not started with television yet. When they gave it to me, I got the message: “Time to get going!” (he laughs, Ed). I always wear it, as some of the family members who gave it to me have left us, this is a way to still have them with me.

A talismanic gesture?
Many! To do this job I had to learn to control a number of neurotic tics, nothing serious, but some of them have become like a trademark: snapping my fingers, stepping onto the stage with my left foot. Obviously, whenever there are needles on the stage, I have to gather them all and put them into my pocket; sometimes I collect as many as ten, as they are said to be lucky charms. Pavarotti reportedly had a 2-3thousand needles collection, which he had gathered on the stages around the world. Before and after a show I have to greet the theatre, and caress the stage. They all sound like rather stupid things to do, but, actually, they help me familiarize with the place where I am working. Standing on a stage has somewhat something to do with an execution, with the audience’s “guns” pointed at me. It is a dangerous place, so it is better to try and tame it before working on it.

A secret wish?
I have many, actually. I’d like to have more time to write, to publish something, a finished work. Also I’d like to make a trip on the Silk Road. I love travelling, even though I haven’t travelled much, because I have prioritized a profession that has me move non-stop (I rarely sleep two consecutive nights in the same bed). I’d also like to go the United States, especially the East Coast, the most “European part”.

Photographer| Manuel Scrima
Stylist| Stefania Sciortino
Grooming| Carola Sofia Retta 
Assistant Photographer| Sergi Planas and Lorenzo Novelli

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cover_Bandidos Illuminados

A silent dialog that fills the dense plot of our days, leaving an indelible trace of fondness. That of our relationship to objects, those artifacts with which we surround ourselves, in which we instil meaning. Speaking with Humberto Campana of the famous design duo of Brazilian brothers, it is clear how his personal experience has a strong influence on design, which thus become like a travel journal, a snapshot of daily life or even the signature of social commitment. These iconic objects, children of this sustainable design, best represent Humberto and Fernando Campana: unique, inspired, contemporaries and wonderfully humble.

What is the current condition of design?
Today, it is like a political hardware store; a form of humanitarianism aid and aid to the planet. We must pay attention to all the rapid changes happening worldwide. In this way, designers hold a very powerful tool in their hands because their product is in continuous interaction with people’s lives. Think of the communities in northern Brazil: these social aggregates are disappearing along with their traditions, thus carrying them forward by way of design would mean a lot. Therefore, it is clear that design has implications that go deeper than pure aesthetics.

How does a city like Sao Paolo respond to the demands of contemporary design?
San Paolo and Milan are almost like twins, the energy is very similar, tough but extremely fascinating; it is a city that never sleeps, almost like the Manhattan of Latin America, full of skyscrapers and helicopters. It is not a metropolis that opens itself up easily, like Rio de Janeiro; you have to get to know it, discover all its nooks and crannies alongside its inhabitants. For the last 10 years the design scene in Sao Paulo and all over Brazil has changed very rapidly, and the Campana brothers are not the only ones demonstrating this evolution; there is also a whole new generation that we have influenced with the culture of design our ideas of free expression. More people are talking about this “design language” because they understand it, and globalization has certainly contributed to that.

The modus operandi of Campana: do you use a single, systematic approach to all your projects?
It is a challenge to treat every current projects differently; whether they are huge or microscopic, my approach is always the same: passion and love. Having the freedom to choose what I love to do is the engine that drives me every day; I was a lawyer and I left the profession to have this freedom. An artist has to have it. To be able to dabble in different universes: fashion, design, art, or any other that inspires me. The 21st century, above all, continuously reinforces the idea of hybrid figures that break barriers; what has to remain is the passion in affronting any job challenge. On a daily basis, I approach all projects with my gut and with lots of intuition. I allow myself to be inspired by dreams and suggestions, that sometimes become real and personal obsessions. Often these ideas turn into projects, but it doesn’t happen automatically.

Do you have very defined roles in your professional partnership?
No (he laughs). To tell you the truth, we’ve never defined any type of role. It is a relationship between brothers that isn’t easy to manage in the scope of business partners, you need to reach compromises, and luckily in our case, the perpetual conflicts have always been positive and stimulating.

Cannes film festival provided the backdrop to MANINTOWN’s meeting with belgian actor Jérémie Renier, where he graciously took the time to sit for this series of pictures during a hectic press schedule promoting his latest release, Francois Ozon’s L’Amant Double. No stranger to the croisette, he made his debut there with La Promesse in 1996, and more recently was in Le Gamin au Velo, which won the Grand Prix in 2011. We later caught up with him on the telephone to talk about style both on and off camera, acting influences, and his latest releases.

What is your favourite aspect of being an actor?
Preparing for a role. I love discovering new worlds and different professions – for example learning to dance, sing or play an instrument, it can be quite exhilarating.

How exactly do you go about preparing for a role, then?
Of course it varies according to the part and depending on the movie and director, but I like taking a month or two to read and rehearse a script, either alone or with a coach, and fully immerse myself in the story.

Who are the actors who inspired you in your career?
The first actor I looked up to was Jean-Paul Belmondo. I was fascinated by his freedom and panache, and the way he could be at once explosive, sensitive and physical. I also liked Sean Connery with his english sense of class, as well as other anglophone actors such as Joaquin Phoenix, Daniel Day-Lewis, Christian Bale, and Philip Seymour Hoffman – the types who end up in unexpected movies. I love Tilda Swinton and her physical transformations for films: We need to talk about Kevin, Io sono l’Amore, or a Marvel movie – she’s always so fresh and powerful that it completely astonishes me.

Is there a director you would love to work with?
There are many interesting female directors at the moment – or maybe its just that they are finally getting the recognition they deserve: Maiwenn, Celine Sciamma, Valerie Donzelli, Kate Quillevere and Julia Ducournau. I always find their films more stylish, beautiful, intelligent and transporting than those of their male contemporaries – vive les femmes!

It’s not your first time at Cannes – would you say it’s been a good springboard for your career?
I wouldn’t say it’s been an explosion as such; I’ve always been more of a slow burner than ‘a la mode’ . I was very young being sixteen the first time I came here, but over the years I’ve had the chance to return often with diverse projects and meeting different directors – I guess it’s just not in my nature to explode.

You also starred in Potiche by Francois Ozon which was more comedic in tone, especially your portrayal. Do you feel as comfortable in comedies as you do in dramatic roles?
I’d love to say I feel equally at ease with both, but I have to be honest and say that comedy is something that comes less naturally, perhaps because of the specific rhythm it takes. It’s something I’m attracted to but it comes less instinctively and spontaneously, at least for now.

When reading the script for this year’s L’Amant Double, what convinced you to accept the role?
It was the originality of the project, and Francois’s idea of playing twins with contrasting characters in such an edgy thriller that quickly drew me in. The sulphurous, sexually charged element attracted me and I knew that it would be respectful and tasteful with Francois behind the camera. I felt safe and excited to work with him for the third time because besides counting him as a friend, he is also an incredibly gifted, prolific and versatile director.

You play twins, sometimes depicted on the screen at the same time. What was the biggest challenge in playing them? Is there one you enjoyed playing more?
To find subtlety and to keep them disparate and not make caricatures out of them, especially with Louis the more tyrannical, intense, arrogant and aggressive of the two. As for Paul, the other brother, I was trying not to be too linear or soft, but to give him dimension and complexity. What was most interesting as the story progresses and as the character of Chloe loses her grip on reality and her ability to tell the twins apart for me was to switch between them with a smile or a change in expression, for example just in the eyes. But I enjoyed playing both characters equally, from the simple, sweet, and complex Paul to the pretentious, perverted, sexual and physical Louis.

Up next we have your film Carnivores, co-directed with your brother Yannick Renier, a story of two sisters. How was it working with your brother as co-directors, having already worked together as actors?
It happened very naturally. The project has been in the works for many years so we had a lot of time to talk about our respective desires and concerns, so we were able to make sure that it went smoothly – plus we know each other so well that it was quite instinctive and natural.

How would you describe your personal style? Who are your favourite designers at the moment?
It varies, quite casual in general but I do like designers such as Comme des Garcons, Acne, Ami and Margiela. I’m not eccentric, loud, or fashion-forward, I like mixing textures, an old pair of jeans with a cool t-shirt for example. I rarely buy clothes but when I do I tend to look at the materials and fabrics.

Off set, have you ever been inspired by one of your films’ characters in the way you dress in real life?
I would have loved that just as much as reversing it and informing the look of one of my characters myself, because often the costumes aren’t particularly inspiring, apart from in L’Amant Double, where I wear a lot of suits and Francois flattered me greatly with the framing and lighting. But in the upcoming film with my brother, the male characters dress a little more as I’d want to look on screen. I’d actually love to play a character with a strong look but we tend to be quite conservative in France when it comes to style – there’s a fear of portraying trendy or beautiful characters. Sometimes when prepping a film I’ll try on a costume that I think looks good and I’ll be told that it’s too flattering and “he looks like a model” even though I’m clearly not. There’s a fear of doing something excessively beautiful, but I’d say I’m the opposite, to me aesthetics and beauty are important in cinema.

Photographer| Stefania Paparelli
Stylist| Nicholas Galletti
Hair Stylist| Cindy Faugeras for Franck Provost Paris.
Make up artist| Aurélie Payen for Franck Provost Paris
Location| The JW Marriott, Cannes

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Emirates Palace

Escaping without running away. Giving in to the luxury of leaving everything behind to depart, knowing that you live every journey three times: when you dream of it, when you live it, and when you remember it. In a dream-worthy global itinerary, we depart from Italy and head east toward Abu Dhabi, the country of wonders, where tradition and innovation run alongside talent and extraordinary harmony. The Emirates Palace is one of the few hotels in the world to boast a spectacular 7-star rating. Now an established iconic location- perhaps because of the visual beauty of its real gold detail decor contrasted with the rich green of the surrounding gardens- it is most likely recognized for the supreme services offered to clients, including a private marina to dock one’s yacht, the possibility to withdraw real gold coins and gold bars from the ATM Gold and its helicopter landing pad.

Travelling further eastward on the trajectory of this extraordinary itinerary leads to the exotic and energetic Malaysia, a mosaic of a country, inlaid with culture and ethnicity, that offers bewildering landscapes, unexplored jungles and islands rich with uncontaminated beaches. The Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, set along the Tanjung Rhu coast, astonishes guests with its mix of traditional Malaysian architecture combined with Moorish design, and for its refined approach to the most adrenaline-inducing water sports such as jet-skiing, wake boarding, windsurfing and kayaking.

Continuing toward the Orient, in an atoll among the islands of Fiji we find Laucala Island, private property of “Mr. Red Bull,” Dietrich Mateschitz, a resort among the Leading Hotels of the World, comprised of twenty-five villas that embody contemporary luxury, each unique from the others, with private pools, exclusive beach access and a breath-taking view of the surrounding barrier reef. The island, the destination of Elle Macpherson’s wedding, is a place where dreams are made and the perfect location for a romantic getaway, far away from everyone and everything.

In nearby French Polynesia, The Brando resort offers an experience of extreme comfort, in harmony with the uncontaminated atoll. It owes its name to Marlon Brando himself, who founded this Tahitian paradise in 1966 after shooting Mutiny on the Bounty on location.

Hopping from Oceania over to the Americas, the Journey of (Im)possible Dreams continues to the Land of Fire, Argentina, atop a majestic mesa that takes your breath away. A silence interrupted only by the sounds of nature, vast and luminous spaces, waterfalls, fjords, glacier peaks and enchanted lakes welcome guests to the land of Magellan. The Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, another of the Leading Hotels of the World, situated in the Cerro Alarkén Natural Reserve, dominates in hospitality, service and linearity. The hotel impresses guests with its sustainable design including huge windows framing a snow-capped landscape, warm wood-burning fireplaces, unpolished stone and natural fabric decor. A far corner of the world that feels like home.

Moving north for an immersion of festivity and excitement we reach Miami, the metropolis by the sea. Latin rhythms, Hollywood style pools and a futuristic skyline transmit joy and a carefree spirit, of which the Faena Hotel Miami Beach is the perfect embodiment.  Co-conceived by famous director Baz Luhrmann and his wife, costume designer and scenographer Catherine Martin who personally curated the interior design, the hotel surprises with its pop details, bright coloured furniture and Art Deco style. A unique hotel, whose spirit brings to mind Satine from Moulin and the Grande Gatsby.

Before returning to Europe, a stop-over on the African continent is a must. Located in Serengeti National Park, the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti offers its guests the opportunity to get up-close and personal with the local people and culture in an unforgettable stay in the heart of the savanna. This Safari Lodge, situated in the heart of Tanzania, is the ideal spot for those who want to see the true Africa without sacrificing comfort. This safari destination offers the possibility to organize a tour through the savannah with Masai guides on the look out for elephants, lions and leopards.

On to Marrakesh, an imperial city strongly influenced by France and Spain during the years of its colonialism, which offers a stay in one of the most famous hotels in the world: La Mamounia. The hotel was created as a palace with surrounding gardens that King Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah gave to his son on the occasion of his wedding. State leaders and film stars are among its exclusive visitors. In the hotel’s Moroccan-style guest rooms, Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt have slept, in addition to stars such as Salma Hayek, Orlando Bloom, Gwyneth Paltrow, Dalida, Elton John and the Rolling Stones who, here, wrote the famous “Marrakech Express”.

On the way back home, in our own Bel Paese where the Itria Valley gently descends towards the Adriatic Sea, we make a stop at Borgo Egnazia, a place of wonders whose design is liberally inspired in its shapes, materials and colours by the typical Apulian countryside. A place unlike anywhere else consisting of a courtyard, a hamlet, and 29 villas surrounded by the spectacular San Domenico Golf Club and Vair Spa, a temple dedicated to nurturing the body and soul.

Finally, in choosing last leg of our Journey of (Im)possible Dreams, we couldn’t imagine anything else but staying Italy, where The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is the perfect place to end our tour.  Packed to the brim with history and art, situated in the stillness within the walls of the largest private park in Florence, this complex, which was once a papal residence, a convent and the luxurious residence of the Florentine nobility. Today, it charms its guests with its frescoes, bas-reliefs and stucco decor with a triumph of original artworks and precious architectural details that inevitably remind us of the Renaissance era.

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Endurance races are competitions in which drivers are submitted to high levels of physical and mental stress, forcing them to maintain concentration and dizzying average speeds for many hours. Model race cars used in races such as the European LeMans Series, held in Monza, undertake technical adjustment and experience, whose influence then trickles down into the cars we drive every day, starting with the tyres.

Monza. Temple of Speed. The sun warms the asphalt and the clouds passing through the skies of Brianza don’t seem to bother it. The scent of high-octane gasoline intoxicates the air and, along with the smell of burnt rubber, creates an explosive mixture. Thirty-six vehicles, both models and competitive race cars, warm up their tyres, making quick and precise zigzags behind the safety car. When the last one pulls into the pit-lane, the uniform group is facing the parabolic curve, revving engines on the verge of darting into the straightaway. It is the green glow of the traffic light, a few seconds later that unleashes hell. The roar of engines fills the stands and within seconds the cars reach the first manoeuvre, battling with ease.
The Monza Racetrack is the oldest track in the world along with that of Indianapolis. It is legendary. Its high-speed curves, shaded by the leaves of nearby trees, and the infinite straightaways like the Serraglio that, after a long descent ends in the violent separation into the Ascari chicane, are planted in the heart of anyone passionate about racing. The fastest cars here exceed 300 km/h, cyclically, four times each lap. Drivers and cars are put to the test for over seven hundred kilometres and four long, intense hours: more than one hundred and fifty laps with very few pit stops.
This is the European LeMans Series, a continent-wide endurance championship capable of guaranteeing its winners access to the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans. As Dunlop Motorsport Director Jean Felix Bazelin explained to us during his interview, “the endurance race is the automotive competition where tyres are exposed to dynamic stresses similar to those of cars we drive every day.” Reliability and constant performance over time are the two key qualities necessary for both. Bazelin tells how his company has passionately, and by now traditionally, chosen to focus on the endurance race where, “in the stalls at the pit box, the number of mechanics per wheel is limited to two, not as in the Formula 1 race where we there are four men a tyre.” Each pit stop loses tens of seconds and therefore the choice of the right set is fundamental. A choice that Dunlop, with the experience of a good family man educating and caring for four very unique children, knows how to handle well: here in Monza, the first six classified cars utilise the British tyres. Just as in Silverstone, the chequered flag that separated the first cars by a mere few seconds confirms the brand’s superiority in this type of race.
In 1888, John Boyd Dunlop patented pneumatic tyres after experiencing with their functionality on his child’s tricycle a few years prior. Not long after, the supremacy of the Dunlop tyres resulted in numerous victories for bicycles using this typology of rubber tyre. Ayear after its birth, the brand was already fervently engaged in outfitting the competitive racing world. Today, Dunlop, in addition to ELMS, is the official provider of the British Touring Car Championship and the V8 Supercars Championship, but its reach is not limited only to the world of 4-wheelers. The brand is also the only supplier for all teams involved in the Moto2 and Moto3 world championships, the two classes in which racing bikes most resemble those of the street. Passion, determination in affronting challenges and know-how are therefore the underlying values of this historic and victorious brand. And in response to the question about which victory Bazelin feels most connected to, he answers, smiling: “the next one we win.”

Photos by Leo Iannelli

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Hexagon, produced by Mühle

It’s all about character and identity, not to mention functionality. The work of Mark Braun– German designer with sky blue eyes- could be described as such. His collaborations range throughout many industry sectors and the projects he has designed and created have been produced for companies such as Authentics, Covo, E15, Lobmeyr, La Redoute, and Nomos Glashütte, Thonet, and Bonacina, just to name a few. Men’s grooming products, furniture, glass objects, lamps and watches: there aren’t much that Mark hasn’t designed, and for that reason he has also been the winner of several awards, including the Design Plus, Interior Innovation Award and the German Design Award, in addition to having the honour and occasion to exhibit in famous international galleries the likes of the Saatchi Gallery in London. The magic happens in Berlin, where Mark opened his studio in 2006 in a space resembling a creative hub, with huge windows and common spaces. He is defined as a “slow designer” because often he accepts challenges that require him to start from scratch and to discover new creative worlds. We met up with Mark during Salone del Mobile in Bonacina’s showroom in Milan, for whom he created a new collection of bamboo lamps that are both Asian and yet equally European in style.

How did you become a designer, where did you start?
My background is in carpentry. I would say I started by making models of my own work. The first was a tableware set for a German company, a great success. Then from there I began to branch out into other products, which I enjoy so much, from lighting to furniture and even watches. It’s important to be open to change, that is for sure.

The world of product design is very competitive, what do you think of it?
Yes, that is true, there are many challenges. On one hand it is true, there is a lot of competition, but the older I get, the further I move from that, because I have become so much more conscious of my choices, my taste, and the design I want to create. The important thing for me is to stay curious: if you can manage to be curious, you have everything you need to stay ahead, the client trusts you, and you can work at your best.

How was the watch design project with Nomos Glashütte born?
From my drinking glasses. One of their managers was in a restaurant one night and drank from one of my glasses- he liked it, and thought I worked well with glass- so contacted me. They asked me what type of watch I would buy and to create a prototype. Not being a watch designer I made a few errors initially, but fortunately they liked the overall character of my watch. It was a success story that happened by chance.

What is style, for you?
I believe in some part that it is linked to education, but in general I think that having style means feeling good about oneself, enjoying what you have without going overboard. It’s about making rational decisions, because people with style don’t do anything without thought. You have to know who you are and what works for you.

What do you think about style in Milan?
My first memory of Milan reminds me of my uncle. He has always supported me, and when I signed up for design school, he bought me a ticket to Milan, telling me that I wouldn’t know anything about design until I came to Milan during Salone del Mobile. Just an airline ticket, not a hotel room: obviously there were no hotel rooms available. I was 25 years old and I just wandered around the city, meeting so many wonderful people by chance that I stayed out all night. Today, for me Milan is mainly a city where I work and I find it beautiful because it has it’s own style that hasn’t changed much over the years. The Lambrate neighbourhood is very interesting, it has a strong industrial vibe, a bit abandoned- it’s where you find avant garde style, but I think Brera is the neighbourhood where you find quality.

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Born in Milan, but with an international mind-set and background, Matilda Lutz is a talented artist who is living her American dream. After she met Muccino and moved to Los Angeles, the career of young Matilda (26 years old) started rocketing, so much so that Giorgio Armani picked her to be the protagonist, with James Jagger, of a series of short films directed by Fabien Constant for the launch of two new Emporio Armani fragrances. We met her in Milan and we asked her to tell us about her love for cinema, her life in Los Angeles and her upcoming projects.

 How was you passion for acting born?
Actually, a little by chance. I attended the scientific high school and I was very shy, I was afraid that acting was not my calling, the mere thought of standing before an audience terrorized me. After high school I went to New York, were I attended an acting course, just to try and defeat my shyness. That’s when I realized that I felt really free when I acted and played roles. I did not feel judged. I was free to say and do whatever I liked, because people were not judging me, Matilda, but the character I was playing. This feeling of utter freedom had me fall for acting.

How was your encounter with Gabriele Muccino?
I was working in an Italian restaurant in Los Angeles and he was there, having dinner with his wife. The restaurant’s owner, who knew me very well, knew that I like Muccino, so he introduced me to him. I used to follow the posts he wrote on his Facebook page about the differences between American and Italian people, on things he likes and dislikes about the United States and Italy. So I wrote a few lines inspired by one of his posts, but I couldn’t imagine he would read it. Instead it grabbed his attention, and he invited me for a screen test for his movie.

How did you like working with him?
An incredible experience. Especially if you consider the locations where we went to film the movie. We went to Cuba, San Francisco, Rome and New Orleans, with Brando Pacitto and Taylor Frey, whom I immediately befriended. We have created, outside the set, that special chemistry that is perceivable in the film too. We used to go out together and spend evening chatting and chilling out together. One night in Cuba we went to attend a live music performance and it was really like being in the same film.

How was your encounter with Armani?
The first time I met Mr Armani was at the Milan’s premier of Muccino’s film L’estate addosso, with friends and family. He was in the audience and I was anxious (ride, Ed.). Following the film screening, he came and complimented us. My father, moreover, had worked on a campaign for Armani. The other coincidence is that when I was 17, I was asked to interview Beyoncé in Madrid before her gig. A project that was conceived for the launch of the perfume Diamonds by Emporio Armani. I wrote three diary pages in which, as a fan, I interviewed her and I was the youngest correspondent of the time.

When did you move to Los Angeles?
I have been living there on a regular basis for three years. During the first three months I travelled back and forth from the USA to Italy, because I was playing in a series. One year on, the first film arrived.

The Ring, your first American film, a 3D horror movie…
Actually, I am not a big fan of horror movies, because I get pretty scared, I start seeing and hearing things and can’t get any sleep, so I generally avoid watching them. But playing in one was really fun, most of all the action scenes. Since it was my first American movie, I rehearsed a lot with the stunt coordinator, one of the most prominent in Hollywood. Then there are all those backstage tricks, the special effects: the mere make-up of Samara takes six hours.

How are you getting on in Los Angeles?
When I moved there, everybody had something negative to say about Los Angeles. My brother was already living there so I went to visit him and then I decided to stay. I immediately liked it very much owing to its energy and because you can really enjoy nature, despite being in a in city. Also one can lead a healthy lifestyle: everybody wakes up early, goes to bed early, because clubs close at 2am, almost everybody eats healthy and makes a lot of outdoor sports. The best thing about Los Angeles is that in every district there is a different lifestyle: a Silver Lake you can find New York’s lifestyle, underground and rock and roll; in Santa Monica you have the sea, surfing, jogging at dusk, in West Hollywood there are more clubs and social life.

Do you miss Italy?
I terribly miss the food, after many months in the States one almost forgets the taste of true food, like strawberries. I miss the aperitif with my fiends and walking in the narrow alleys of our cities.

When you are not working, what are your passions?
What I enjoy the most is travelling; indeed I have just taken a week off and everyday I am going to a different place. I like discovering new places. I also enjoy visiting and living the cities and places while I am acting in a movie, this grants me the chance to stay in the same place for two months, not as a tourist, but as a local, as I can get around with part of the local crew.

Your last journey?
I went to Lerici, Sestri Levante, Portofino. Then I visited Florence and Pietrasanta. In Florence I went to the Teatro della Pergola, which I had never seen, then I hired I bike and cycled around town, with no specific destination, just getting lost and discovering unexpected corners, with no plans.

Together Stronger, the series for Emporio Armani. How was the feeling with film-director Fabien Constant and with James Jagger?
Both James and Fabien, the film-director, made the atmosphere on the set really laid-back. There was a screenplay, but no written lines, hence Fabien granted us enough freedom for improvisation. James and I gave birth to all those magic moments between us, while we were playing, running after each other in this love story. James is a fantastic person and we played like when one falls in love and feel a little child again.

The series is set in New York and you are Laura, a writer.
Yes, I play the part of a writer, who is also keen on photography. That’s how I feel, actually. I love creativity, photography, acting, writing, I’d like to try directing one day. Laura is a carefree woman, self-confident, she does what she feels like doing, she follows her instincts.

Of all the scenes, which one did you find most entertaining?
I enjoyed the taxi scene very much, I felt I was in one of those movies from the ‘60s and a bit in Sex and the city. Running on high heels, while generally I wear jeans, t-shirt and Converse.

A secret wish?
In my future I see direction. And I’d like to be a Bond girl, playing in an action movie. I’d also like a dramatic role too, may favourite actress is Meryl Streep.

Have you found love? Where do you imagine yourself to be in a few years?
Maybe (she giggles, Ed). I find it difficult to think about finding love. Although I am partly American, I feel very much European, and many things have me think that one day I’ll come back to Italy. Not very soon though, because I am happy to be living in Los Angeles, where there’s a wealth of opportunities, and I am learning a lot. In some auditions I find myself competing with very important and famous actors, which can be intimidating, but at the same time this provides me with the stamina to keep going and improving every day, and keeps me with my feet on the ground.

Matilda Lutz @Elite Milano
All photos by Luigi Miano

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@WHERESMYOFFICENOW, EMILY, COREY AND PUP PENNY ROSE ADVENTURES ON INSTAGRAM

Sometimes it happens that what begins as an attempt for a simpler life becomes a lifestyle, a media gamble, and a real social movement. It happened for Foster Huntington, a young New York designer who in 2011 abandoned his job at Ralph Lauren, bought a 1987 Volkswagen Syncro van and began to travel, exploring and photographing his new adventure along the Californian coast. Instagram was at its dawn, but already promised to become one of the best social media platforms alongside Facebook, so the transition to success was brief. #homeiswhereyouparkit, #LiveSimply, and #vanlife are the hashtags that lifted him into a media frenzy that perhaps Foster himself didn’t even expect, and today, more than 1,200,000 Instagram posts have been tagged by #vanlife. Astonishing numbers. In 2013, Huntington used the crowd funding platform Kickstarter to raise funds to print “Home is where you park it,” a collection of his #vanlife photographs, now in its fourth edition, and will soon be accompanied by his second Van Life book, this time edited by Black Dog & Leventhal in New York (release scheduled for October, 2017).
Choosing #vanlife means choosing a state of mind, a search for an aesthetic and a lifestyle, besides being a trend initiated during the global economic crisis a few years ago. In fact, in a recent New York Times interview, Foster explained: “I think there is a sense of despair in my generation with regards to work, and it is cheap to live in a van.” Synonymous with precariousness, but also with flexibility and high adaptation ability, today this choice moreover wouldn’t exist without the enormous help of social media (media and economic). Perhaps drawing from the early Beach Boys songs, many people identify this culture, mentality and attitude with that of surfers. Even in its clothing taste. To demonstrate the ability to live that free, sporty, open-air lifestyle that so many people dream about while sitting in their closed, grey offices has proven to be a winning ticket, thus the number of followers grows. And with it, the possibilities of sponsorships from likeminded industry brands.
That was precisely the idea behind King and Smith’s Where is my office now, started by a young couple who decided to follow Foster’s footsteps after meeting him in Nicaragua. Their new and simple idea was dictated by the desire to blend travel with work: “We wanted to see if it was possible to combine this hippie nomadic lifestyle with classical 9-5 work,” Smith explained to New York Times From the start, they structured project not only as a naturalistic and lifestyle choice but also as a digital and commercial venture. After all, it wasn’t such a bad choice: a recent study estimated that the social media influencer market was worth $500 million in 2015 and that is expected to increase to at least $5 billion by 2020.
Begun out of necessity to fulfil a disappointed and discontented generation, like all the best marketing concepts, “vanlife” represents a fluid group of contemporary trends: a renewed interest for the Road Trip (no matter where), a culture of sporty hippies with a great passion for the outdoors, and a lifestyle free from the tyranny of the 9-5 office day.
10 not-to-be-missed places that make Portugal the Surfer’s European Paradise.
An ideal location for its mild climate, ocean winds and a great variety of waves: Portugal is the perfect destination for surfers of all abilities, so it is not surprising to discover that all along the coast you can find ideal spots, surf houses and seafood restaurants relaxing in the cooler evenings.

1. Sagres

Perhaps the most famous destination for surfing, because the waves are perfect in spring, autumn and winter. Sagres, the queen of the Algarve, also offers visitors other interesting activities to choose from: if you like diving and the exceptional diversity of marine life, make sure you visit Divers Cape for a fantastic underwater experience. Whale- and dolphin-watching are also available in the area.

2. Arrifana – Costa Vicentina
   Surrounded by cliffs and near a small fishing village and harbor, Arrifana Beach is a popular destination among surfers and bodyboarders. Accessible by car and by foot, it is an isolated, quiet beach with violent, turbulent waves, perfect for surfing. In addition to enjoying the breath-taking sea, it’s also worth taking a long walk through the Costa Vicentina National Park.
   

3. Praia do Amado – Costa Vicentina

Here the strong currents and steep waves are the real stars, so Amado Beach regularly hosts international competitions and is very popular during the summer. It is easy to access and offers plenty of parking, perfect for vans or for staying the day to sunbathe or go for a swim in its clear waters. It is a very popular destination for surfing, so even out of season you’ll find people walking along the wooden boardwalks that run on the coast, but you can also safely walk along closer to nature.

4. Ericeira

This fishing village north of Lisbon allows you to choose from the best surf spot: S. Lourenço, Coxos, Pedra Branca or Foz do Lizandro. If you’d like to take a break from the ocean or keep your feet on dry land, it’s only 15 minutes from Mafra, where you can enjoy some great traditional pastries.

5. Praia do Norte – Nazaré

Praia do Norte became famous for its giant waves in 2011, after Garrett McNamara rode the biggest wave of the year during the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards, which gabe Nazaré’s stormy sea an even more international notariety. While passing through, make sure to visit Miradouro do Suberco, an overlook from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the coast and the sea. Also, try the regional cuisine: barbecue sardines or the traditional “caldeirada,” a rich, thick Portuguese fish stew.

6. Peniche

It is these beaches that created Portugal’s reputation as the surf capital of Europe. The most legendary contribution is perhaps from that of Supertubos Beach, world-famous for its powerful waves, which many surfers call the “European pipeline.” Once a year the ASP World Tour hosts competitions in this otherwise quiet fishing village, bringing crowds from around the world to witness Peniche’s impressive waves.

7.Saude
It is the first part of a long beach just south of Lisbon. Sprinkled with fishing lodges and small bars just behind the dunes, it is a very appealing place to surf. When fishermen drag in their nets at sunset, thousands of gulls flock to the water and the sky. Magical.

8. Monte Clerigo

The beach of this eponymous village is filled with bars and restaurants and great waves for surfers. Must eats are Restaurante O Sargo, or just further inland, Aljezur is outfitted with hostels, B&Bs and surf schools.

9. Malhao
   Wooden boardwalks leading to the beaches, one large one more rustic. This destination is perhaps the first real beach after the industrial area of Sines, definitely to be avoided.

10. Paúl do Mar – Madeira
    Also known as Ribeira das Galinhas, this beach is quiet and secluded, with great waves, making it one of the sites selected for the 2001 World Surfing Championship.
    It is a remote spot on the island of Madeira, and while there is not a wide variety of restaurants and snack bars to choose from, the food is wonderful, very local and different from the cuisine of continental Portugal. Don’t forget to try the “bolo do caco,” a bread made from wheat flour served hot with garlic butter, and to drink “poncha,” a traditional alcoholic beverage made from honey and lemon juice

®Riproduzione Riservata

Photographer| Francesco Barion
Fashion stylist| Fabio Merche
Photographer assistant| Daniele Colucciello, Thomas Carla
Stylist Assistant| Nadia Dahan
Groomer| Shukeel Murtaza @ Untitled Artists London
Production| Jane Everett @ Prana Production
Model| Clement @ Whilelmina London

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His talent in the water earned him the title of Italian record holder in the 100 metre freestyle, his bright eyes and statuesque body made him a model “by chance.” We’re talking about Luca Dotto, born in 1990, a young swimmer with a list of successes under his belt: at only 21 years he won his first silver medal at the World Aquatics Championships and since then he’s swum a number of races until finally in 2016 breaking 48 seconds in the 100 metre sprint without the help of a polyurethane swimsuit. Between one training session and the next, in anticipation of the forthcoming World Championships in Budapest in July, the European champion answered some questions for MANINTOWN.

When did you realise that swimming would become your profession?
When I realised that swimming was the thing I knew how to do best, and that it came naturally to me.

How do you prepare for an important competition?
It takes months of preparation in the water and in the gym, eating healthy, and above all, resting well.

What has been the best moment of your career so far?
Being able to break 48 seconds in the 100 metre. Even though I won the European and medalled in the World, that was the most thrilling moment because I will always remember that I was the first man in Italy to break that wall.

Do you have any superstitious routines?
I wouldn’t say superstition, but before a race I have a routine for warm-up and concentration that I follow meticulously every time. Not because I think it will bring me luck but because by doing it I am able to reach total concentration.

What are your passions outside of the swimming pool?
Scuba diving is without a doubt my biggest passion, plus I like to read, specifically adventure novels.

What was the most exciting vacation you’ve taken?
Last summer I went to the Bahamas with my girlfriend and it was like discovering paradise. I have travelled a lot and visited many exotic places, but without a doubt that archipelago has become my favourite destination.

You’ve modelled in several advertising campaigns for a very prestigious international brand. How did you get into the fashion world?
By chance. I was “discovered” in 2012, during a campaign for the London Olympics, and from there I began collaborating with some very important brands. I consider myself very lucky to have had this possibility.

What garment best represents who you are?
Without a doubt the dress shirt.

Do you have a style icon who inspires you?
I try to have my own style, but my unconditional style icons are Steve McQueen and Marlon Brando.

What is the grooming routine of a sporty person like yourself?
The only routine I follow is taking care of my skin, because the sun and chlorine can easily ruin it, so I try to keep my skin hydrated.

One of your unfulfilled dreams??
To have a family one day.

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Antica Pizzeria da Michele

There are places in which tradition never grows old.  There are places in which, when you sit at a table, you hope to find the flavours of your grandmother’s cooking, without giving up the gourmet experimentation of modern cuisine.  There are places to which you continue to return, not because of habit but by choice.  The fact that Italians are closely linked to their culinary tradition is not to be discounted, but today it doesn’t end there.  The wave of experimenting with memorised recipes and bold re-elaborations is, in fact, an increasingly recognizable leitmotiv. One notable name? L’Osteria Francescana in Modena that, under the expert control of Chef Massimo Bottura, was awarded second place this year among the World’s Best Restaurants in Europe.
Here are 6 locales that go from pizza to gelato to gourmet, rediscovering traditions and creating new tastes.

Antica Pizzeria da Michele – 125 Church Street (London)
From Naples to London via Tokyo.  In the Forcella neighbourhood of Naples, the Condurro family- who for the last 130 years has provided culinary respite from the chaos passing outside its windows- has recently decided to share itself with the rest the world. The idea was Alessandro’s, a descendent of the founder, who has turned Michele‘s pizza into a start-up called “Michele in the World.” In the English capital, in addition to the historic menu choices (margherita and marinara), there are also dishes designed to please and delight the British palate.

Antica Osteria La Rampina – Frazione Rampina, San Giuliano Milanese (Milan)

 

More than just a historic restaurant in the Milan area, it is a landmark of Lombardy cuisine. Strictly family run, today this trattoria has gone through a rebirth thanks to the direction of young Executive Chef Luca Gagliardi who amalgamates highly experimental dishes with the more traditional menu offerings of his father Lino. Luca, who gained experience at Le Buerehiesel in Strasbourg under the guidance of triple-starred Chef Westermann, offers his sensibility, close attention and knowledge of the most technical innovations on tradition to everyone who enters La Rampina’s dining room built in the 500s.

Restaurant Passerini – Rue Traversière (Paris)

Once in awhile they return, and when they do, they return big. We are talking about Giovanni Passerini, 40-something chef who, after being absent from the French culinary scene, returned one year ago with his very personal new restaurant. If you’ve already forgotten the out-of-this-world pumpkin ravioli and the sea urchin served in his former bistrot Rino, in his new benchmark Italian gourmet restaurant just behind the Bastille, it is a splendour to discover the perfection of Italian cuisine and restaurant flair- from the pasta, to which an entire menu section is devoted, to the management to the strong matriarchal fingerprint.

VesYouVio e Frie ‘N’ Fuie – Via Spontini (Milan)

“Revolution often derives from the need to rediscover old traditions,” is the leitmotiv of Vincenzo Di Fiori, Neapolitan by birth, with an international vision. The desire to rediscover one’s own roots is a growing trend in the world of food and the recipes created exclusively for this little Neapolitan restaurant in Milan are the proof. Don’t be fooled, the fried bites contain entire recipes of Neapolitan tradition that will delight even the most pretentious palate.

La Bottega del Buon Caffè – Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini (Florence)

From nature to the plate. With one Michelin star. The cuisine of Antonello Sardi is authentic, honest and exceptional. He began as an assistant, but in no time his culinary skills caught the eye and the palate of those around him.   His natural ability, along with his unique ingenuity deserve recognition as one of Tuscany’s talented young chefs. This harmony strengthens his dishes that are inspired by the regional and seasonal traditions that manage to be daring without going overboard.

Gelateria Tasta – Corso Garibaldi (Milan)

The only place that offers 100% natural classic hot chocolate, made directly from chocolate bars. Gelato shop, and also a bakery with a strong Sicilian influence, they are new arrivals to Milan. The raw ingredients are of excellent quality, like green pistachio DOP from Bronte or Piemontese hazelnut IGP, and the recipes are the emblem of experimentation between pairings, flavours and unique tastes created by the TastaLab that confirms its success every day. Here as in all over the world.

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Carne y Arena, Virtual reality exhibit @ Fondazione Prada, from June 7th

If there is a glamorous and enchanting place where the cinema struts as if on the runway, it is at legendary Cannes Film Festival. There, the most glorified fashion designers not only dress the stars to walk the legendary Red Carpet but also promote real, personal projects in cinematic collaboration, synergising with the Seventh Art. In this regard, the Prada Foundation presented one of the most stimulating contributions this year. At the 70th edition of the cinmatic Kermesse, the cultural body organized by Miuccia Prada, the foundation presented “Carne y Arena“, a virtual reality installation conceived by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, produced and supported by Legendary Entertainment and the Prada Foundation. Based on actual events, the project confuses and reinforces the subtle line between subject and audience, allowing visitors to walk in a vast space and intensely experience a fragment of the journey of a group of refuges. “Carne y Arena” uses the latest and most innovative never-before used virtual reality technology to create a large multi-narrative space that includes real characters. The visual, experimental installation, an individual experience lasting six and a half minutes is a collaboration between Alejandro G. Iñárritu and the three-time Oscar winning Emmanuel Lubezki, produced by Mary Parent and MxLAB. This project can also be experienced in Milan at the Prada Foundation, where from the beginning of June until January 15, 2018, the first virtual reality project ever included in an official selection of a film festival will be presented in its full version. We also we a strong blending of fashion and cinema surrounding the conversation about women’s issues: That’s precisely what the Kering Group has always done in Cannes. The multi-million Euro luxury conglomerate that owns brands such as Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, and Bottega Veneta just to name a few, hosts Women in Motion, a program of initiatives, events and conferences that celebrate the relationship between women and film. During an exclusive gala on the Croisette, actress Isabelle Huppert was awarded the Women in Motion Award and director Maysaloun Hamoud was recognised with the Young Talents Award. Rounding out the examples are fashion houses that not only choose famous actresses as their brand ambassadors but also exercise their support for the talented filmmakers. That’s the case with Chanel. The maison on Rue Cambon, which even during Coco’s time supported art and artists, today chooses Alessandra Mastronardi as its Italian brand ambassador. It also has established a strong relationship with Kristen Stewart, linked to the brand since 2013, who not only stars in the current advertising campaign for the famous “Gabrielle” bag, but was also the star of Olivier Assayas’s’ “Personal Shopper” movie that won him the Golden Palm for Best Director at Cannes in 2016. In addition to providing financial support for the film distributed by Academy Two, the maison lent some wardrobe pieces and allowed the director to shoot scenes at Rue Cambon, which according to Assayas gave more credibility to the character Maureen, an American personal shopper who is also a medium and loves esotericism just as Gabrielle Chanel once did. The director himself also confesses not to be a stranger to world of fashion. “I’m the son of a costume designer,” says Assayas, and “I’ve always been interested in fashion, a means of expression which I perceive to contain truth and depth. Gabrielle Chanel was the first to understand how modern, stylish and serious women could be, and played an important role in the epoch turning point in society regarding the key role that women assume in this revolution.”

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If so far you had abandoned the idea of listening to music during an extreme rafting session, Ultimate Ears Megaboom will change your mind. For all enthusiasts of outdoor, “wild and free” vacations, the design of this portable amplifier is what you’re missing: a waterproof jacket that sustains underwater pressure for 30 minutes and the ability to connect to multiple devices at once, for a Dolby Surround effect. Thanks to its cylindrical design, the sound diffusion takes place at 360 ° and renders a perfect sound, even the most demanding users will love.

Whether in town, countryside, or in the middle of the desert, a vacation is doomed without the perfect suitcase. Super-equipped and highly technological, the one proposed by Arlo Skye for their Carry-On is highly versatile and practical, as the name suggests. Equipped with an invisible embedded smartphone charger, a smartlock to replace tedious zips and a lightweight aluminum alloy for an ultra lightweight body.

A new and definitely ambitious brand, which in a short time has shoved the competition with its highly performing, attractive and most affordable items. Huawei celebrates its success in the Western world with the release of the new P10 and P10 Plus Greenery smartphones, in collaboration with PANTONE, which declares a light green tint “Color of the year 2017”. Among countless technical specifications, the collaboration with Leica stands for exceptional photographic quality.

A dive in the deep blue, the coral reef and filling your lungs with air. H2o Ninja proposes a snorkelling mask inspired by deep diving professionals, full of small ingenious details that allow those who wear it to breathe freely as on land. To best enjoy your underwater discoveries, its shape bestows a 180° view, which will make you forget the uncomfortable sub-amateur masks.

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Histoire de Parfums, 3 Golds Collection

Either with its cool and sparkling citrus notes, or with the artfully hypnotic presence of deep amber notes, for centuries the perfume has inspired daydreams and unconscious olfactory memories. In a dimension that crosses the boundaries of fashion and personal style, the perfumer’s craft has always been considered to be a noble and refined form of art, practiced by the most capable masters, able to turn a few drops of shimmering vanity into a quintessential olfactory pleasure. Head, heart and bottom are like musical notes to be simultaneously modulated and masterly blended to give birth a rich and composite symphony, to be discovered in all its unexpected facets. This is the real raison d’être of a perfume: a sensorial window on universes materializing with unexpected immediacy. Six maisons de parfum have chosen art as their exclusive view on the land of elsewhere, drawing inspiration from painting, sculpture, poetry and music to create shapes, shades and essences. A boundless milky limbo, consisting of dreamy visions between art and parfum, where one can plunge and be carried away. 

HISTOIRES DE PARFUMS
An olfactory library telling stories to be read on the skin. The perfume is turned into the refined and sensual means to spread poetry, the collection’s inspirational fulcrum. 3 Golds d’Histoires de Parfums, created by the French perfumer and founder of the brand Gérald Ghislain are the fragrances perpetuating the ancient art of the French perfumers, its luxury, prestige and creativity. The absolute protagonist is the gold, each type of this precious metal recalls a timeless, eternal and ever topical concept. VENI, represented by the yellow gold, symbolizes eternity; a gift by the immortal deities, with the woody notes at the core of the essence that recall a dreamlike journey on an adventurous ship crossing lively waves of grey amber. ROSAM is an ode to wisdom, being traditionally associated with the moon’s shade, like the colour of white gold. The shades highlight the radiance of a delicate and sophisticated rose emerging from an oud bouquet and emanating incense. In FIDELIS, gold merges with copper, the metal dedicated to Venus, the goddess of love and seduction: a persistent kiss with notes of coffee, saffron and spicy amber.

ARGAGN

Art can come in many different forms. One of its many manifestations is the craft, the daily practice of an ancient handicraft ritual, quality at the service of the others. The art of the barber is no exception. The latter has found its original character in a little space in Brescia, Argagn, far from the frenzy of the city centre, a place where one can relax, savouring the bliss of every single moment. This is a place for polyhedral passions: not merely a barber’s shop, but also a modern lounge bar with an international feel and an art gallery. A concept arising from the travel memories of its owners Mattia Guandalini and his wife Barbara, who have decided to bet on a format that is unique in Italy. Argagn is a bridge between past and future, creating an innovative space, where anyone can rediscover customs and art of a time past. The double nature of the barber shop / art gallery is also expressed in the exclusive collection of Argagn products, where nothing is left to chance; each and every ingredient, aroma and packaging is personally selected by the owners of the brand from Brescia.

ROADS

Roads, spreading in front of the individual in every direction. They are as infinite as Art, which cannot be pigeonholed into watertight compartments, but is free to flow, moved by a variety of inspirations. ROADS Fragrances is grounded on its author’s, Danielle Ryan, idea to merge several artistic ingredients in one essence; hence the collection Africa, a cultural collaboration in which African influences are harmoniously combined with inspirations from the world of literature, art and dance. Each fragrance is enclosed in a package that, like a canvas, displays the works by artists from different African countries. The perfume I am dance reproduces the rapid and complex rhythm of the Pantsula dance, Big sky portrays the vast African skies, Past | Present draws from the meditative tones of the Nigerian modern literature, while Afropolis celebrates the multiculturalism of the different cities dotting the African continent.

AGONIST

An essence can also be held in unique art objects, like the genderless fragrances AGONIST, Swedish brand launched by the artistic couple Christine and Niclas Lydeen, the former has a fashion background, while the latter is an Art Director and visual artist. Authentic sculptures, specially created by Åsa Jungnelius, award-winning glass designer, hold the 100% natural essences, sculptures recalling the clear climate of Northern Europe and its culture, imbued with the transparent lightness of the air. The ampoules are turned into pieces of a collection boasting flowing and elegant lines, suggesting the content of the bottles. Arctic Jade recalls a frozen landscape, with cold and transparent hues, which well represents the cool feeling on the skin, enhanced by the Brazilian Orange. Black Amber, instead, plays with darker tones of the Atlas Cedar Wood. Solaris is the sun that never sets and brightens up the nights of the Nordic lands: a warm and citrus fragrance, with a bottom of Patchouli.

EXTRAIT D’ATELIER

A tailor’s atelier, the laboratory of a shoemaker, a goldsmith’s workshop; like Proust’s madeleine moments, sharp and sudden olfactory memories are brought back to memory by primordial fragrances holding unexpected light reflections, silences, gazes, emotions. These are EXTRAIT D’ATELIER’s suggestions, proud brand from Veneto, symbolizing the Italian industriousness and drawing from the French allure. The label makes use of the most delicate wild flowers’ notes and merges them with ozone aldehydes ones to recall moments of life. The art of the craft, of the most meticulous handicraft is both inspiration and method for this debut collection. The workshops, with their allure of a time past, are celebrated in the label’s bottles, the fragrances EXTRAIT D’ATELIER are held in iridescent bottles, in ampoules enclosing the history of a great past and the noble “essence du savoir faire”. Through a refined olfactory path, they vouch for joy and flair, inspiring in those who wear them the desire to feel a Master too, a master of life, of the subtle art of living.

VERDÚU

Art-house essences for the new collection VERDÚU: Made-in-Germany brand with a vanguard flair, stemming from the creative mind of Alexander Botov. A set of art-house fragrances conceived by four fashion designers. A portrait in a bottle crafted by world-famous perfumer Mark Buxton, who has sketched with poetic sensitiveness the most ineffable corners of the personalities of his four colleagues and artists. A liaison of different experiences, arising from the will to create a multi-faceted, absolutely original “all-round” in which design, fashion and parfum are hand in glove. Wearing the scented creations of the protagonists of this olfactory encounter is not like wearing their dresses, rather, it is an introspective, exceptionally personal experience. Needle and thread won’t be needed, a cloud of intense vaporized aroma is all you need to feel bespoke.

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Leather coat DIRK BIKKEMBERGS; Jacket and Jeans Y/PROJECT; Shoes DSQUARED2

cover_Sartoria Orefice_Cernobbio_Como

What happens when award-winning fashion and a Made-in-Italy traditional segment like menswear tailoring encounters the web? How can needle and thread and a passion for bespoke garments go hand-in-hand with the network’s speed and with its global character? If, on the one hand, the World Wide Web is a communication tool for worldwide expansion, on the other hand, it also allows new opportunities for development, also for the most customized crafts, like hand-made tailoring. Today it takes the best to titillate men’s vanity, both in terms of fabrics and sartorial mastery. Hence the web is used not only to promote workshops dotting the Beautiful Country, but also to spread their cutting and sewing expertise. How? One of the most interesting tool currently online is Aplomb, a platform resulting from the passion and phantasy of three very young entrepreneurs, Federico Grasso, Luigi Ugge and Massimiliano Invernici, going to show that bespoke tailoring is not just “an old guys business”. In a matter of months, this “virtual tailors’ atelier”has become a rapidly growing business, aiming to create a network of sartorial appeal for real gentlemen. The goal is clear: not to bring the tailor’s atelier to the user’s place, but to bring client to tailor together through a painstakingly selected network of Italian tailor’s workshops, so that the new dandy can pick the one that is most suitable for him, both in terms of style and location, without running the risk of coming across a fake. Today, this portal comprises fifteen tailors’ ateliers in Lombardy, Veneto, Piedmont, Lazio, Apulia, Campania, Sicily and Basilicata, but the goal of the three entrepreneurs is to double the number in a very short time. Not a bad result, if we consider that Grasso’s, Ugge’s and Invernici’s combined years of age are far from totalling one century. The pre-selection of the sartorial ateliers occurs through an advisor, then there’s the interview. These strict criteria guarantee the user to find in Aplomb only the best, with practical info as to who guarantees a bespoke or made-to-measure service. It is possible to book a visit to a tailor’s workshop from the website, and soon a style advisor service will be available, allowing users to receive precious advice – the service is currently undergoing some testing. Aplomb is not only at the service of the connoisseurs, but also of the tailor’s workshops, indeed the platform allows them to promote themselves through articles, pics and videos: an outstanding way to illustrate a great passion for sartorial culture. Aplomb is likewise active on the social networks, which are used as communication tool to spread info, bring together the enthusiasts and share ideas and passions. The Facebook community totals approximately 2 thousand followers, and it is growing by 10% per week, while the Instagram profile has already reached 8k followers. The network has been selected to be part of the Start Up School/Y Combinator and is now part of the Founder Track program, a worldwide accelerator for the internationalization of websites, online activities and start-ups. The three managers have a forwards-looking mind-set, both in terms of time and space; their next step is the British market: to virtually join the two main marketplaces for the tailor-made, Italy and England. Faster than the Channel tunnel, they cross France with a click.

cover_Blazer PORTS 1961; Coat ACNE

Ryan Cooper easily alternates fashion photoshoot sets and movies’ red carpets. He is the new face of international cinema. With his great screen presence and his statuesque body- he was also a carpenter-, this guy from New Guinea has convinced all and, starting with the advertising campaigns of Armani Exchange, DKNY, Hugo Boss and Trussardi Jeans, he has moved to the big screen and soon we can see him acting with Scarlett Johansson in Crazy Night.

Tell us about your roots and family. How did this influence your life?
I grew up without a lot of things, living in 3rd world countries with people who don’t have a lot, but were very happy and generous. It makes you appreciate the things that you do have but do not need. I remember we used to often eat our breakfast that had bugs in it due to the humidity. My dad was a missionary and really instilled his beliefs in us. He was a super hard-working guy, and that’s one thing that has definitely helped coming into this business. Treating people right and working hard, we work a lot of long days so you need stamina. I have done 20 hour days doing construction work in the past so that’s prepared me for 12 hours onset.

How did you start your modeling career?
Modeling was a bit of luck. A friend asked me to do a shoot for an outdoors store in New Zealand when I was in construction. Then another friend wanted to set me up with an agency that when I met with them they said “you’ll never work!” However, my current modeling manager saw my photos and from there on championed me to travel and work which allowed for a fun few years traveling and shooting around the world.

When did you decide to start cinema and how did it happen?
In New York, I met my now manager, who asked if I was interested in acting and has had my back ever since. Honestly, I had not thought of it since doing school productions as a kid. My dad encouraged me to “get a real job”, so I did, in construction. And now that I was traveling/modeling, I had the opportunity to learn from some wonderful coaches in NY and LA, and now have been able to work which is wonderful.

What was your debut in fiction and cinema?
My first jobs were smaller parts in indie movies then a brief stint on the soap, “One Life to Live” before that long-lasting production breathed its last breath. I kind of feel a little responsible for that death (laughs)!