It is often said that Italy is a fabled land, and as her natives, Cristina and I have to agree! It is also where the art of making-by-hand still enchants all who come to appreciate its importance. In fact, from the Far East, to the Middle East, and on to the New World, those who specialise in the crafts have enriched cultures for centuries.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary states that an “artisan” is a noun; it stems from the Latin verb “artire.”

“To instruct in the arts, a worker in a skilled trade, especially one that involves making things by hand.”

History tells us that artisans came to prominence in medieval times when Merchant Guilds or trade associations sprung up throughout the region to protect them and their skills.

Centuries later markets changed, and the power of the Guilds dwindled, but artisans proved to be a resilient group. They have successfully defied the arrival of the machine, and industrialisation on a massive scale, and have, of late, begun to flourish.

There appears to be a resurgence of interest in hand-tooled goods, thanks in large part to inspired individuals who seek to harness the uniqueness of wares made by time-honoured methods. At one end of the spectrum there are philanthropic, noble ventures, like the Afghanistan-based Turquoise Mountain Foundation launched by Rory Stewart in 2006 whose mission is to restore hope in a worn torn country by reviving centuries-old crafts that include carving, pottery, glass and furniture making. Ambitious as this project may be, it has received tremendous support; the Foundation’s first UK commission came from the luxury Connaught Hotel in London.

Rory Stewart at the Turquoise Mountain Foundation

Artisan at the Turquoise Mountain Foundation

Meanwhile, in the for-profit arena, adventurous, entrepreneurial types aspire to do good too by ensuring that the multi-generational workshops filled with tailors and seamstresses, cobblers and the like, stay open for decades to come. So be it a goodwill enterprise, an ambassador for peace, or one whose by-product is profit, the message seems to be the same.

In a world so driven by technology, there is still room for a beautiful cashmere wrap spun on an ancient loom, or a piece of jewellery lovingly and meticulously assembled by expert hands. Yet another catching idea is that modern living, gently buttressed by artisanal traditions refines cultural sensibility; and such a respect for the old, while embracing the new, helps to make a country like Italy one of the most seductive on earth.

Lucilla hand-sculpting her jewellery using a method called “cera persa”

The Italian Collection is an entity that, not unlike Rory Stewart’s Foundation, has a noble pursuit; to be another voice for the real artisan. Artisans bring more than tradition to us; they also bring a dash of romance to the mix. Small ateliers, hubs of creativity, evoke warmer images, than those of an impersonal factory producing limitless numbers of this or that. Perhaps, this is one of the many reasons why the demand for non-ubiquitous products, those that stir our soul, is growing.

So why do artisans matter? Because they are a conduit to traditions that have endured; they give us heartfelt pleasure for we love to hold and model their wares, and they represent hope for the future in their timeless designs.

With pride we aver the tag line “il bello e ben fatto”, the beautiful and well-made and the iconic label “Made in Italy”. And, we invite you to take a peek at our unique e-emporium theitaliancollection.com that with a mere click visually transports you to our fabled land.

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What do Jacqueline Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Tilda Swinton have in common? Let us take you back to the 16th century to explain how the Italians came to define and know that special something, which the French call, Bon-Ton.

Galeazzo Florimonte, a bishop, was the first to write a tome on the subject of proper civility and etiquette. After him came, Father Giovanni della Casa, another member of the clergy, who was so inspired by the work of the bishop that he penned his own literary work in 1558, roughly translated as, “Customs and Manners by Galateo.”

Father Giovanni della Casa defined Galateo and Bon-Ton in 1558

This piece greatly influenced behaviour in the palaces and courts throughout Europe. Today, the Italian term “Galateo”, like its French counterpart, “Bon-Ton” refers to a code of politeness, and gracious living.

Bon-Ton: A fashion style born in the 1940s and 1950s respectful of two guiding principles, high-class and femininity. Just think of Audrey Hepburn donned in Givenchy!

We at The Italian Collection are deeply committed to the principle of Galateo (or Bon-Ton) as we represent, in our collection, a style rich in graciousness, refinement and femininity. Our Nicola Luccarini is an artist and designer who instinctively understands colour, design and material, which shows in his ultra-feminine cashmere line.

Cashmere Poncho by Nicola Luccarini paired with Ilora Bag by Valentina Nuzzi

Nicola’s capes and coats perfectly capture the Galateo paradigm. Why not wear them with another Bon-Ton classic, the impeccable leather bags by Valentina Nuzzi. Her designs satisfy our client’s innate desire to be stylish and modern, but in a classic manner.

Pair this with the labour-intensive, top-notch leather belts by Roberto Pansa for San Giorgio, and you will add true elegance to your multilayered look this season and the ones that follow.

Chestnut Leather Belt by Roberto Pansa paired with Fedorami V-Bag by Valentina Nuzzi

In all our products, high-class and femininity prevail, but what distinguishes them is an extraordinary, simple-seeming beauty that is achieved by a rigorous, hands-on craftsmanship and well-thought-out-detailing. It is in this elegant, simple beauty, that we find the hallmark style inherent in the works of our distinguished group of designers.

Truly great design seems effortless; but actually, it evolves from painstaking effort and a lifetime of skill.

Teodora Glitter Clutch by Valentina Nuzzi paired with Fan Motif Necklace by MVA

Discerning consumers who know a product’s provenance are our best clients. At The Italian Collection, we strive to satisfy our customers’ urge for artisanal, one-of-a-kind wearables.

Myriam and Cristina

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