When In Rome...
A weekend trip to Rome is always a good idea. The city offers endless opportunities to walk around, visit museums, eat delicious meals, spend hours conversing in charming cafés. It’s a great place to spend quality time with friends in a spectacular setting.
This weekend happened to be the 92nd Piazza di Sienna equestrian showjumping competition, and I had the pleasure of experiencing it with Loro Piana.
Over the years, Loro Piana has truly mastered the art of creating garments that stand the test of time, clothes that remain desirable for years to come. They recently launched an equestrian inspired jacket—I can already see myself wearing it every day with a pair of jeans and a t-shirt.
To coincide with the prestigious equestrian show, LP launched a bespoke service in their Via Condotti boutique, offering made to measure equestrian technical clothes—a dream for the most elegant of riders.
A must see museum show is Valentino’s exhibition, Rossi, at the Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation, which just opened. Curated with the most exquisite taste, showcasing Valentino Garavani’s archive red couture dresses alongside contemporary art. Sculptural gowns from a Bygone era, created for women to look beautiful, sexy, and elegant all at once, are displayed in a complimentary way in dialogue with works by Louise Bourgeois, Lucio Fontana, Francis Bacon and other artists. The show runs from the 25th of May to June 11th, and I highly recommend seeing it.
Also a feast for the eyes is Caravaggio at Palazzo Barberini, which runs from March 7th to July 6th.
Where To Stay
It’s always lovely to stay at a friend’s house because it allows you to feel like a local in a city. I stayed with a dear friend at Palazzo Colonna, who has been collecting antiques his whole life. Otherwise, I would recommend Hotel de Russie.
Where To Shop
Eleuteri — Antique jewellery that collectors’ dreams are made of.
Schostal Originals — Classic pyjamas delicately crafted from soft, lightweight cotton.
CIR Roma — Embroidered dresses for girls and elegant linen homeware.
Loro Piana Via Condotti — The exclusive destination for made-to-measure equestrian attire.
Where To Eat
A local institution where every dish is to die for. Their mozarella is my favorite one in the world. Everything on the menu is cooked to perfection—this is my go to every time I visit Rome.
Tucked away in the quiet and historic Mon de’ centi square, and renowned for its old school setting, Piperno offers delicious food, and feels like stepping into a timeless corner of Rome.
Violante Guerrieri Gonzaga For an intimate dinner, that feels like being hosted in someone’s home, Violante’s Cooking is a true gem; combining her artistic background with a love for Italian traditions, Vio designs tableware and curates elegant tablescapes. With a stunning view of the city, we enjoyed a private rooftop dinner with LP at Vio’s stunning home. From the beautifully set table to the delicious food, Vio’s hospitality is a feast to the senses.
What To Pack
Flowy romantic dresses for the daytime, a comfortable pair of loafers you’re happy to walk in all day, tailored trousers and a blazer for the evening, worn with black sling back satin flats, jeans, a t-shirt, and a cardigan (always a must in my carry-on)
The Paravel carry-on is always ideal for short getaways.
Here is what my Saturday in Rome looked like:
1- Breakfast at the Hotel de Russie Courtyard / Garden
On the menu: Simple scrambled eggs sprinkled with salt and pepper, and a plate of thinly sliced mortadella , with a latte macchiato, of course.
2- Stroll Through The Streets Of Rome’s Center
When visiting a city, I always look for an authentic shopping experience, focusing on locally crafted finds. As a jewellery lover, I enjoyed window shopping at Eleuteri. Then I popped into CIR Roma where I bought a beautiful floral dress embroidered with smocks for my daughter.
3- Walk Through Villa Borghese Gardens Towards Piazza Di Sienna
Lunch at the Loro Piana lounge at Piazza Di Siena, as we watched the showjumping competition for the Loro Piana trophy. It is a fascinating sport to watch, as one cannot help but be mesmerised by the synchronicity between the rider and the horse. There is something so dreamy about getting dressed up for an equestrian afternoon.
It was a truly magical setting, in the midst of the Gardens, surrounded by trees. Designed by the 18th century architect Antonio Asprucci, Piazza di Siena is a historic oval-shaped square in Villa Borghese and happens to be one of Rome’s most famous parks. Piazza di Sienna symbolises the harmony of sports, nature, and classical aesthetics.
4- Visit Valentino Garavani’s exhibition at the Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti foundation.
5- Walk Home As The Sun Sets In Soft Golden Hues
Stop for an aperol spritz / aperitivo at Ciampini on the way home to freshen up for the evening.
6- Dreamy Dinner At Villa Giulia
Villa Giulia, designed by leading architects, and built between 1551 and 1553 for Pope Julius III as a lavish suburban retreat, is a Renaissance masterpiece in Rome. Villa Giulia embodies elegant courtyards, beautiful gardens, and a spectacular nymphaeum. Today, it houses the National Etruscan Museum, home to one of the world’s most important collections of Etruscan art and artefacts.
We were grateful to receive a guided tour and to visit a courtyard built around a mosaic on the floor from the 1st Century AD.
Long, curved mirror tables were tastefully adorned with fruits and flowers, nestled between silverware and glimmering candles, in a way that is reminiscent of decadent and Bacchanalian time. This set the tone for an enjoyable dinner where wine and conversation flowed.
OUTFIT
Cocooning Cashmere Sweater // Dan Tapered Jeans // Arola Crocheted Cashmere-Blend Cardigan // Rebecca Leather Ballet Flats // Ice Wish Knitted Cotton Polo Shirt // Danielle Jean // Kilda Leather Knee-High Boots // Black And Silver Belt // Muladhara Pinky Ring // The Lotus // Moonrise Diamond Pendant // Samsara Drop Earrings // Leather Saddle Bag