Nestled between the stunning Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and the charming town of Sciacca, the Verdura Resort is a masterpiece of modern luxury and traditional Sicilian charm. This expansive resort spans 230 hectares, featuring lush olive and orange groves and a pristine private coastline stretching over 18 kilometers. The resort’s idyllic setting is just an 80-minute drive from the airports of Palermo and Trapani, making it an accessible yet exclusive destination.

Designed by the acclaimed architect Flavio Albanese and with interiors curated by Olga Polizzi, Verdura Resort combines bold modernist architecture with a deep respect for its natural surroundings. The use of local materials like terracotta, ochre, stone, sand, and wood ensures that the resort blends seamlessly into the Mediterranean landscape. Strong geometric lines echo the design of traditional Sicilian houses, while the interiors reflect the island’s rugged and vibrant character through warm colors and handcrafted details.

Sustainability is at the heart of Verdura Resort’s operations. The resort features solar panels for hot water production, a comprehensive water recycling system, and a policy that limits automobile circulation to preserve the natural beauty of the landscape. These eco-friendly practices have earned the resort numerous accolades, including the “Committed to Green” environmental award supported by the Italian Ministry of Environment.

The resort boasts 203 elegant rooms and suites, each offering breathtaking views of the sea from private terraces. The accommodations range from Deluxe Rooms, with their contemporary Sicilian style and private sea-facing balconies, to the expansive Acacia Suite, featuring a private pool and spacious outdoor terraces perfect for dining and relaxation. Each room is adorned with handcrafted Sicilian ceramics, colorful local textiles, and luxurious amenities designed for ultimate comfort.

Under the creative direction of Chef Fulvio Pierangelini and Executive Chef Emanuele Riccobono, Verdura Resort’s dining options celebrate the rich flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. The resort’s restaurants use fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including produce from the resort’s own organic farm. Highlights include the Zagara restaurant, offering elegant Mediterranean dishes with stunning sea views, and the relaxed Amare, where guests can enjoy freshly caught seafood on a beachfront terrace. The Granita Bar, with its vibrant decor and extensive cocktail menu, is the perfect spot for a refreshing drink with panoramic views.

Verdura Resort offers a wealth of activities for guests of all ages. The Verdùland Kids Club provides engaging and educational programs for children, while teenagers can enjoy a dedicated area with sports and entertainment. For golf enthusiasts, the resort features two 18-hole championship courses designed by Kyle Phillips, complemented by a state-of-the-art Performance Institute approved by the European Tour.

Fitness and wellness are integral to the Verdura experience, with facilities including a fully equipped gym, yoga sessions, and extensive jogging and cycling trails through the picturesque landscape. Water sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the resort’s private beach and diving center, offering a range of exciting activities.

For those seeking an even more exclusive experience, the Rocco Forte Private Villas provide a perfect blend of privacy and luxury. These 20 modern villas, inspired by traditional Sicilian architecture, are set on a hillside overlooking the bay and offer the finest amenities, including private pools, dedicated housekeeping, and concierge services.

The Irene Forte Spa, set amidst the serene orange and olive groves, offers a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. The 4,000-square-meter spa features 11 treatment rooms, including a double suite, and offers a range of innovative treatments using products from the Irene Forte Skincare line. Guests can enjoy hydrotherapy pools, a Finnish sauna, and a range of holistic therapies designed to nourish both body and mind.

Adding to the resort’s allure, the Missoni Mare Beach Club offers a chic and colorful retreat where guests can relax in style. With custom-designed sun loungers and cabanas featuring Missoni’s iconic patterns, the beach club perfectly encapsulates the vibrant spirit of Italian summer.

Established in 2014 out of a passion for local produce and a deep connection to the land, Verdura Società Agricola aims to highlight the bounty of Sicilian agriculture. The estate’s 230 hectares are home to over 3,000 olive trees, nearly 4,000 orange trees, and an array of other fruit-bearing plants. The resort’s organic farm produces a variety of vegetables and herbs, ensuring the freshest ingredients for its restaurants. Guests can participate in hands-on experiences at the Casina nell’Orto, where they can harvest and cook their own produce under the guidance of skilled chefs, enjoying the true essence of Sicilian cuisine.

The resort also prides itself on producing its own extra virgin olive oil from traditional local varieties. This high-quality oil, rich with the scents of orange blossom, artichoke, mint, and basil, is a staple in all the resort’s kitchens and is renowned for its exceptional flavor.

For golf enthusiasts, Verdura Resort offers an exceptional experience with its two 18-hole championship courses and a 9-hole par-3 course, all designed by the famous golf course architect Kyle Phillips. The Verdura Golf Club, host to the Rocco Forte Sicilian Open and part of the prestigious European Tour Destinations network, is known for its stunning coastal views and meticulously maintained greens. The recent addition of the East Course provides a new challenge for players, complementing the existing West Course.

Verdura Resort is more than just a luxury destination; it is a celebration of Sicilian culture, sustainability, and refined elegance. Whether exploring the rich history of the region, indulging in world-class dining, or simply relaxing by the sea, guests are sure to experience an unforgettable stay that embodies the very best of Italy.

Maison Ruinart, the oldest Champagne house, has unveiled its latest cuvée, the Ruinart Blanc Singulier Edition 19. This release showcases the brand’s ability to adapt to climate change while maintaining its signature freshness and elegance. With rising temperatures in the Champagne region, Chardonnay grapes are revealing more pronounced, aromatic, fruity, and spicy profiles. Chef de Cave Frédéric Panaïotis and his team have crafted the Ruinart Blanc Singulier to explore these unique expressions. This cuvée highlights Ruinart’s skill in adapting its expertise to a changing natural environment.

Edition 19 follows the success of Edition 18, responding to 2019’s record summer temperatures. Despite these extremities, the 2019 harvest displayed intense character and distinctive aromatic profiles. The blend includes 77% wines from the 2019 harvest and 23% reserve wines from previous years. The Champagne features a bright golden-yellow color with green reflections and aromas of nectarine, nashi pear, and candied citrus. The palate reveals notes of white fruit, floral tones, and a slightly bitter grapefruit finish, highlighting the wine’s tension and structure.

Ruinart is dedicated to sustainable viticulture, adapting to climatic challenges with innovative methods. By observing and questioning traditional practices, Ruinart has developed a modern vision deeply rooted in its historical expertise. Ruinart’s Champagnes are paired with culinary creations from renowned chefs like Armand Arnal and Claire Vallée, offering a unique gastronomic experience. Founded in 1729 during the Enlightenment, Maison Ruinart continues to blend centuries-old craftsmanship with contemporary sustainability, producing signature cuvées that reveal the best characteristics of Chardonnay.

Taken place in the vibrant and viridescent setting of Casa degli Artisti in Milan, The recent “D. Fermentati” event held at the art center’s bistro Degustazione Ristoro e Dispensa on Monday, June 17th was a celebration of culinary innovation and tradition. Aiming at showcasing the art of fermentation in a way that was both educational and delightful to the senses, “D. Fermentati” left a lasting impression on all who attended.

Founded in 1909 by the Bogani brothers with the vision of building an artistic community, Casa degli Artisti hosted workshops and ateliers for artists from various disciplines. Reopened in 2020, Casa degli Artisti is now an international and interdisciplinary space where artists of different fields connect, converse and collaborate. The three-story building houses 11 ateliers, an open-to-public exhibition space on the ground, an outdoor space overlooking the greenery and a bistro, which is the space where “D. Fermentati” was hosted.

As guests entered the urban oasis, they were greeted by the harmonious blend of industrial architecture and lush garden, setting the stage for a gustatory discovery. The electric atmosphere, filled with the hum of excited conversations and the soothing notes of live music, provided the perfect backdrop for the evening’s festivities.

The star of the event was undoubtedly the array of fermented delicacies crafted by the talented team at Degustazione Ristoro e Dispensa. Tables were laden with a vibrant assortment of tempeh, bread, rich miso, kombucha and wine. Each plate reflected the careful craftsmanship and deep understanding of fermentation techniques, transforming simple and common ingredients into complex and flavorful creations.

Degustazione Ristoro e Dispensa’s dedication to simplicity, economy, and familial care guides their culinary vision. Their focus on rare varieties, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and artisanal transformation is evident in every bite. By maintaining a strong network of ethical producer, manufacturers and suppliers, Degustazione Ristoro e Dispensa ensures that every product is a true reflection of the bistro’s commitment to a new culture of food and the principle of prioritizing quality over quantity.

In addition to the in-house offerings, several external producers were invited to the event to showcase their own fermented products. The collaboration highlighted the diversity and versatility of fermentation, bringing together a wide range of flavors and textures that delighted the palates of attendees. Guests moved from table to table, sampling the unique contributions of each producer and gaining insights into the processes behind these culinary wonders and the delight of this nomad-like gourmet experience.

Overall, “D. Fermentati” was a testament to the vision of Lorenzo Castellini and his team. It displayed their commitment to reviving lost spaces, promoting local producers, and advancing a new culture of food that values sustainability, quality, and creativity. The event was a resounding success, leaving guests inspired and eager to see what future culinary adventures Degustazione Ristoro e Dispensa will offer.

For those who attended, the evening was a journey through the transformative power of fermentation — a journey that deepened their connection to the food they eat and the land it comes from. “D. Fermentati” was more than an event; it was an experience that celebrated the art of fermentation and the joy of coming together to share in the fruits of careful, passionate labor.

This special collection, inspired by the enchanting allure of Capri, beautifully integrates the island’s iconic landscapes and marine motifs into both womenswear and kidswear. The pieces feature vibrant depictions of Capri’s colourful houses and the majestic Faraglioni cliffs, adorned with playful polka dots and marine imagery such as corals, shells, and starfish. This thematic fusion is designed to evoke the blissful, sun-soaked summers of the Tyrrhenian coastline.

The collection offers an array of glamorous ready-to-wear ensembles along with chic accessories, encompassing everything from dresses to jumpsuits, all designed to elevate summer wardrobes with a touch of Capri’s iconic style. Moreover, the collection extends to ‘mini-me’ styling options with matching dresses and shoes for children, showcasing bold colours and dynamic prints that capture the vibrancy of Capri.

The Dolce&Gabbana x Mytheresa Capri Exclusive Collection it’s also featured an exclusive editorial story crafted by Mytheresa’s Chief Creative Officer Julian Paul and captured by photographer Jorin Koers. This collaboration not only highlights the enduring partnership between the two brands but also reinforces their commitment to blending high fashion with iconic cultural elements.

Available globally on Mytheresa.com  from May 1^st, 2024.

Leading Franciacorts winery Ca’del Bosco proudly announced the winner of its first-ever Ca’del Bosco Sculpture Award at an intimate dinner event in Venice on May 3, 2024.

Held every two years, the Ca’del Bosco Sculpture Award is the first competition in Italy for local Italian artists under the age of 40 who create large-scale outdoor sculptures. With the support from Venetian Heritage, an international non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the legacy of the Republic of Venice, the award aims at providing a platform for young talents with a vision for contemporary sculpture.

Emerging victorious from a pool of outstanding young sculptors was Irene Coppola with her work, “Handandland”, followed by Giulia Cenci’s “Crescita Secondaria” garnering the second prize and Benni Bosetto’s “Perle” snatching the third price, marking a triumphant moment for female artistic expression.

Born in Palermo in 1991, Irene Coppola has been exploring the nuanced intersections between nature and culture, employing various mediums ranging from sculpture and video to environmental installations. Her impressive track record includes participation in numerous artistic residencies and exhibitions both in Italy and abroad, as well as receiving prestigious awards that highlight her innovative approach to contemporary art.

With an extension of 18 meters and 2,7 meters height, “Handandland” is a poetic trace in neon light that will be installed on the external steps of the production area of ​​Ca del’Bosco’s winery, located on the picturesque hill of Erbusco. The cursive script of the words “hand and land” is an imitation of the tendrils, that are typical of climbing plants such as grape vines, or rather the tactile extension that allows them to support themselves and grow beyond the stem. The shape of the tendril is ubiquitous in the vineyard of Ca del’Bosco, which perfectly echoing the surrounding natural landscape.

Under the leadership of President Maurizio Zanella, Ca’ del Bosco interweaves the essence of art with its foundational spirit, aiming to forge a strong link between art and wine. The relationship between Ca’ del Bosco and the arts has been profound, dating back to the 1970s when Maurizio Zanella first recognized the deep connection between wine and artistic imagination—a magical union of nature, thought, soul, and senses. This ethos is epitomized by the iconic Solar Gate, commissioned from noted sculpture artist Arnaldo Pomodoro in 1985 and erected in 1993, which welcomes visitors into a realm where the Renaissance of Italian winemaking harmoniously coexists with a modern, technologically advanced winery and a sprawling open-air art gallery.

Ca’del Bosco Sculpture Award embodies the dual goals of reinforcing this connection and institutionalizing the existing relationship through patronage that empowers the boundless creativity and potential of the new artistic generation. With this award, Coppola not only crowned with a cash prize recognizing her creativity but also received financial support towards the actual creation of her sculpture. The inauguration of Irene Coppola’s winning artwork “Handandland” will take place in October 2024. The sculpture will be a permanent installation in the sculpture park of Ca’ del Bosco, thus becoming an integral part of the winery’s esteemed art collection.

Milan-based luxury leather goods brand Valextra launched an outstanding multi-channel design exposition for this year’s Milan Design Week. Titled as “Valextra Vocabolario”, the exhibition is an intriguing in-store immersive experience in collaboration with Bergamo-based Studio Temp, showcasing at the brand’s flagship store on Via Manzoni.

Valextra’s flagship store, designed by noted British architect John Pawson in 2019, was transformed into an unprecedented scene. Aluminum sheets rise from floor to ceiling, turning this minimalist haven into a maze of intersecting slabs. This brutalist intervention by Studio Temp from the street creates a bold play of abstract geometries that seamlessly integrates into the store, offering special pieces and new metallic finishes. The graphical language of the project pays tribute to Valextra’s rich history of avant-garde design collaborations.

A highlight of the initiative is the 3D-printed “Iside Onda” bag. This curvilinear and futuristic rendition of the classic trapezoidal design of the iconic Iside bag, first conceived in 2011, is crafted from a biodegradable corn-derived filament. The bag’s striated surface, a product of the pliability of its organic and renewable materials, showcases the potential of blending 3D printing technology with traditional leather-working techniques. The rigid, sculpted body is hand-painted and finished with elegant black-on-black leather and metal details, elevating the fusion of cutting-edge technology with artisanal luxury.

In occasion of this world-class design event, Valextra introduced “Valextra Assoluto,” a new unisex capsule collection made from regenerated nylon, featuring sophisticated, ergonomic designs and monochromatic metal inserts. This high-performance luxury line embodies Valextra’s dedication to progressive technology while preserving artisanal traditions. The collection includes a multi-pocket Shopper, a Fanny Pack inspired by the iconic 1968 Tric-Trac bag, and a V-draped Backpack, all designed to speak the “Valextra Vocabolario.”

Further innovating the retail experience, Valextra SPA, offers a dedicated repair and restoration service. This playful wellness center-themed installation, complete with customized workstations next to a futuristic sauna clad in aluminum, reflects the brand’s commitment to extending the life cycle of its products.

As part of MiArt and Salone del Mobile, Valextra proudly integrates itself among Milan’s most renowned icons with a bold display across the entire facade of La Rinascente. Each of the eight arched windows features a large gray letter from the brand’s name, with eye-level slits revealing Valextra products within a dramatically lit setup. On the first floor, the men’s luxury department hosts a pop-up of Valextra Vocabolario, echoing the angular structures and logo carpet of the Via Manzoni installation.

This temporary setup complements the permanent female Valextra section at La Rinascente, ensuring the brand’s innovative and traditional crafts remain a significant part of Milan’s luxury landscape.

For this year’s Salone di Mobile, Saint Laurent’s new cultural destination and creative retail Saint Laurent Rive Droite teamed up with the Gio Ponti Archives and the Fundación Anala y Armando Planchart on an exclusive collaboration. Situated in Brera, Milan’s artistic and cultural neighborhood, the exhibition showccases an impressive collection of porcelain plates curated by Saint Laurent’s creative director Anthony Vaccarello.

Hidden in the heart of Milan, the exhibition takes place in a serene and solemn 16^th century ancient cloister, Chiostri di San Simpliciano. Amid the excitement of Milan Design Week, the exhibition is a tranquil stage where the tradition and modernity encounter. Hand in hand with historic Italian porcelain house Ginori 1735, Saint Laurent Rive Droite presents 12 original plates, reissued from Villa Planchart Segnaposto collection designed by the legendary Italian architect Gio Ponti in 1957. Hand painted in Ginori 1735’s Italian Manifattura, the plates are the culmination of artisanal heritage and luxury excellence, and a tribute to Italian design and craftsmanship.

The story of the plates dated back to 1953, when successful Venezuelan automobile dealer Amrando Planchart and his wife Anala reached out to notable Italian architect Gio Ponti on a special commission. As avid lovers of art and culture, the couple invited Gio Ponti to build an avant-garde villa on the highest hill of Caracas, Venezuela. Named as Villa Planchart, the residence was designed as a “light and graceful butterfly nestled on a hill”. Filled with creative inventions and bright and vivacious colors, the villa overlooks magnificent panoramic views of Caracas, perfectly fulfilled the Plancharts’ vision to modernity.

To finalize the interior decoration of the villa, Gio Ponti invited outstanding Italian artisans with traditional expertise. Among them was the Florentine porcelain manufacturer Ginori 1735, of which he had previously worked an artistic director. He designed a set of porcelain tableware, each piece a testament to his deft combination of functionality and artistry. Decorated with the symbols and motifs of the villa, the plates demonstrated Gio Ponti’s artistic flair and eye for detail. The Sun, the Crescent Moon, the Polar Star and magnificent iterations of the letter “A” – an homage to Anala and Armando, these elements elegantly presented a harmonious balance of color and form, evoking the villa’s altitudinal elevation and natural surroundings.

Not mere a homage to Gio Ponti’s legacy, the exhibition is a showcase of the finest Italian craftsmanship and design, as well as Saint Laurent’s exceptional taste and aesthetics. Open to public from April 16th to 21st, the Gio Ponti – Villa Planchart exhibition will be on view at Milan’s Chiostri Di San Simpliciano, coinciding with the Salone del Mobile 2024.

For those interested in owning the reissued Gio Ponti plates, they can find them accessible only on ysl.com, at Saint Laurent Rive Droite Los Angeles, Saint Laurent Babylone in Paris and, for a limited time and by appointment, at Saint Laurent’s Milan flagship on Via Montenapoleone during Milan Design Week.