The look: the wear-anywhere blazer
With a long history of artful tailoring behind them, Italians are renowned for having an enviable way of wearing formal pieces with a cool and relaxed attitude. A manner they even coined a word for: sprezzatura, which can be loosely translated as doing something extremely well, but with seeming effortlessness. Heritage fashion house Max Mara has sprezzatura in spades; the 69-year-old label epitomizes Italian quality and craftsmanship in a luxurious yet understated way. Case in point: its exquisitely tailored, walnut-colored ‘Pagoda’ blazer. Sleek and totally seasonless, it is the very definition of an investment piece. Precision cut but made from a silk blend, it perfectly espouses structure and ease, while its softly padded shoulders mean it can be considered a power piece, too. Pair it with the matching, wide-legged pant and subvert formality with a sporty tank top and sneakers.
For accessories, look no further than Bottega Veneta (it is with very good reason that creative director Daniel Lee scooped the Accessories Designer of the Year accolade at last year’s Fashion Awards). The brand’s blunt, oversized, square-framed sunglasses are bound to be on every fashion editor’s wish list this season. Lee is a color connoisseur, too, so add a bold pop of orange with his cult, cloud-like pouch.
For aperitivo hour, shrug the blazer on over Etro’s elegant paisley maxi dress, which can be paired with slouchy leather boots in cooler climes and strappy sandals on balmy evenings. Gucci’s ‘1955’ bag complements the vintage feel of the dress, while chunky gold jewelry will ensure a modern finish.