This past week, I was invited to attend the WHITE Show in Milan to source resort wear for Dovecote, so on Tuesday afternoon I found myself flying back to Italy for a very quick trip.
When I arrived in Milan, I discovered that my hotel was right around the corner from the Giorgio Armani museum! Since my room was not quite ready, I dropped my bag and walked over. What an inspiring way to begin the trip. Even though we do not carry formal wear, seeing the workmanship, the silhouettes, and the evolution of the designs through the years was simply amazing. It was one of those moments that reminds you how much creativity and craft there is behind great design.
Afterward, I found a little trattoria and enjoyed a light lunch before heading back to check on my room. I managed a quick nap, as I had not slept on the flight, and then walked into the city center to meet a few fellow North Carolinians for dinner.
A few days before I left, I had received an email from a vendor letting me know they would be at Pitti Uomo in Florence while I was in Italy. I quickly checked the train schedules and decided I could make it work. So on Thursday morning, I was up at 5:45 to catch the 7:00 fast train to Firenze.
I arrived in Florence just as the show was opening, and what a treat it was. Pitti Uomo is considered one of the best men’s shows in the world, so I was especially excited to experience it and look for new ideas for Thistle & Oak. I spent about four hours walking the show, collecting information on vendors I thought might be a good fit, and soaking in all the style, color, and energy around me.
Before getting back on the train to Milan, I had one important stop to make: All’Antico Vinaio for their famous focaccia sandwich. Luckily, they had a location at the train station. The line was long, but it moved quickly, and I ordered La Paradiso with mortadella, stracciatella, pistachio cream, and pistachios. Wow. It was completely worth the hype. I ate it on the train back to Milan and enjoyed every bite.
When I returned to Milan, I went straight to the WHITE Show and was able to see vendors for Dovecote. After a very long day, I finally made it back to the hotel, took a long cold shower — did I mention it was hot in Italy? They were experiencing a heatwave with record temperatures — ordered lasagna for dinner, and promptly conked out.
The next morning, I caught my flight home and arrived back Friday night.
It was inspiring and exhausting all at once, but honestly, I would not have it any other way. I love experiencing new places, meeting new people, seeing what is happening in fashion, and gathering ideas for what we can bring back to Fearrington. These trips may be quick, but they always spark something.
I cannot wait for you to see what we found for fall.
