Roman Holiday

With our successful Spring/Summer 2019 pop-up finished, I had the opportunity to travel to Italy, but this time for pleasure instead of just work.  A good friend invited me to her beautiful wedding in Rome and I jumped at the chance to return to this ancient city after 16 years.  Following a hectic few months of work, the goal was to focus on relaxing with delicious food and wine.

Although I had no plan for sightseeing, I managed to pass by and appreciate many of the famous sites during my time in Rome.  I was within walking distance to the Trevi Fountain, which I passed on my way to lunch on my first afternoon and every day thereafter.   The scale of the sculptures, especially the central figure of Neptune, makes a strong impression as you turn a corner and see this imposing fountain which took over 300 years to build.

Handbag Designer Stacy Chan at Trevi FountainLarge Ava Pouch in Noir Saffiano Leather

Handbag Designer Stacy Chan Lunch near Trevi Fountain

 

 I had an amazing lunch serenaded by an accordian player in a nearby piazza, the perfect start to my Roman Holiday.

The next day I had a relaxed shopping day, which I supplemented with a stroll to the beautiful Piazza Navona with its Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, or Fountain of the Four Rivers, designed by Bernini and constructed in 1651.

Handbag Designer Stacy Chan in Piazza Navona Rome Medium Ava Pouch in Fuchsia & Small Ava Pouch in Stone

I avoided the bulk of the afternoon heat and in the early evening, headed to the Colosseum.  I was very lucky to arrive when there were no queues whatsoever and walked in on my own time.  Built in 80 A.D., it is extraordinary how a structure of this size was built so long ago.

Colosseum in Rome

Roman Colosseum - Handbag Designer Stacy ChanVeronica Tote in Peony Saffiano Leather 

My friend’s beautiful wedding in the seaside town of Santa Marinella was the next day.  Following the ceremony, we walked the red carpet to Castello Odescalchi to the reception with an abundance of delicious food and wine served while the sun set on a gorgeous day.

Castella Odescalchi in Santa Marinella w Handbag Designer Stacy Chan Sophie Clutch Bag in Noir Saffiano

Castello Odescalchi Santa Marinello Wedding

 

The following day, I woke early for a day of wine tasting.  As I have had the fortune to taste a variety of Italian wines in my previous travels, I decided this time to focus on the wine area of Montalcino, producing world famous Brunello wine.  Using only Sangiovese grapes, the wine is aged at least 3 years, with normalebottles released to the market 50 months after harvest and the riservaanother year after this for a total of over 5 years of aging.

The first winery I stopped at was Castiglion del Bosco, owned by the Ferragamo family and producing beautiful wines in stunning premises, including the members’ cellar of its elite wine club tasting room. 

Castiglion del Bosco 1100 Members Cellar

Next, I visited the small organic, biodynamic vineyard owned by the Illy Group called Podere Le Ripi. Their uniquely shaped cellars were designed using the golden ratio and culminated in a dome-shaped centre resembling the Parthenon.  It was a beautiful way to spend my last full day in Italy.

Brunello Wine Tasting Tuscany Handbag Designer Stacy ChanMedium Ava Pouch in Navy Saffiano

Podere Le Ripi Wine Cellar Brunello Wine Tasting Tuscany

 

The following morning was my last morning in Rome and, of course, I fit in one last delicious lunch before walking up to Villa Borghese to look over this vast and wondrous city that I will no doubt have to find an excuse to visit again.

Spaghetti alle Vongole in Piazza Navona Rome

 

Villa Borghese Rome w Designer Stacy ChanMedium Fuchsia & Small Stone Ava Pouches

 

Note: In many of the photos, our pouch sets are paired with our new reversible leather bracelets and reversible leather belts that are coming soon to the website.  Stay tuned...