On a visit to South Italy, a visit to the once grand city of Pompeii is a must
Stay tuned for the full story.
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Haunting Ruins of Pompeii
Tag: Italy
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#Milano Never Stops
Italy is reeling from the Coronavirus outbreak. As fate would have it, I was in the country at the time. The Lombardy capital, Milan, went under lockdown. Suddenly a feeling of panic overcame Fashion Week. A deep sense of unease rippled through out the metropolis. All went silent. Milanese stayed indoors. The bustle stopped.
CNN recently added salt to the wound by reporting “affected Global areas from Italy”. Not cute in my opinion. Another example of the channel’s Airport Lounge journalism lacking context.
Recently, the fashion house Etro launched the #MilanoNever Stops campaign to promote a positive spirit for an always proud city.
This is from the brand’s Instagram Account:
MILANO NEVER STOPS: ETRO gifted a statement T-shirt to its friends, who were born in Milan or who chose Milan as their home, as a message of positivity and hope. Not available for sale.
ETRO decided to give its contribution to the ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco Hospital, supporting the scientific research, led by Professor Maria Rita Gismondo and her team, to help overcome this moment of global difficulty.
When the next fashion week happens in Milan. We will be there supporting a city that has been good to us.
Milan Mens Week start June 20th.
A working holiday in Italy alongside Lake Garda, The largest lake in Italy, located at the foot hills of the Alps, at a luxury resort spa. Not a bad proposal. I jumped at the chance. Why not? I did not know much about the region. A chance to visit. The lakeside village of Bordolino dates back to the 10th century. Offering not only striking sunsets, but an enjoy the moment atmosphere.
Working in a Relaxed Space
The Black and Paper collaboration with the Aqualux Hotel Spa in Bardolino started as a casual conversationon how to work together. With eight pools on the property, naturally, swimwear came to mind.
Assembling a team from Milan: Model Elia Cometti from Elite Models. Photographer Ivan Siggillino, Make Up Artist/Hair Artist Lorena Palmieri, and Photographer Assistant Simone Toson. The Black and Paper team shot menswear swimsuit looks over 2 days.
A Room with a View of the Courtyard
The Aqualux Hotel is a modern interpretation of a classic Roman Resort Villa. There are spaces for capturing light and keeping cool. The interior gardens and pools offer relaxation while shielding guests from the outside world. Sadly, due to the fact I was working on the production. I did not have as much of an opportunity to enjoy the hotel.
Outdoor Buffett 
Fresh Pancakes on Tap 
Breakfast Done Right 
What’s on offer?
However, I delighted with other offerings, especially the resturant and dinning setting. To say nothing of a breakfast buffet with an omelet chef, my favourite, then an outdoor dinner buffet. All of this while sitting alongside canals, waterfalls, and small pools.
Pools
Outdoor Pool 
Indoor Pools
Designed to showcase eight pools, Aqualux Hotel features four indoor pools with four outdoor pools. The indoor pools are enclosed inside a glass atrium. The first floor jacuzzi overlooks the pools and outside courtyard. Outdoors, the large main pool in the center of the hotel is the hub for swimming or chilling out under the sun. The patio areas are designed for tranquility.
The all suite rooms have Internet access with terraces facing the courtyard or outward with mountain views.
Finnally, The service was impeccable. The staff was professional and accommodating during our stay. They knew us as if we were worked at the hotel. As a guest, experience the casual luxury of the Aqualux Hotel, Team Black and Paper recommends it. We had a great time shooting the production.
For more information go to: Aqualuxhotel.com
ITALY
What is a holiday in Italy or France without food? Resisting was futile. Good food should be enjoyed! The diet got tossed out the window. Give in to temptation if it tastes good. I guessed I sinned a lot. How many Hail Marys will I have to say is a guess.
While traveling around Italy I learned I am not cooking pasta correctly. Particularly wonderful, a seafood pasta from the Italian Riviera. I usually boil it or over boil it to the point of it being a soggy string. No more of that! I have decided to be more careful. Al Dente is now on the dinner plate with a bit more olive oil.
Lastly, my final plate in Italy shocked me. The best desserts I have EVER HAD! Or at least on the top 5 list. A salty pistachio panna cotta and a White Chocolate cream soup made with balsamic.
FRANCE
In France I had the best baguette of my life. The owner of the hotel said “this is the second best in the area. The best one is a bit more expensive.” Sadly, there was no time to find the “better one”. But there is tomorrow.
The coast is about sea, especially fish. We skipped the front row establishments for the 3 row streets. Finding a very authentic place turned into a fun outing. It must be good place. The same people were there. The waitress was friendly, if not very familiar with customers.
Of course, while in Provence, making time for buying cheese, wines, and herbs started as a simple task but became an endeavor of fun. In a small village, the local shop introduced me to a rosemary cheese. The market hall in Avignon offered a variety of Olive Oils. Buying two flavors, one spicy, the other sweet, mission accomplished.
It goes without saying, throw a rock while driving you hit a vineyard in France. Of course, we stopped, tasted, then bought a case of Red, and a bootle of Sparkling.
Culinary delights traveling for 3000 kilometers. Delightful!
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Garda Dreams
Staying on Lake Garda with all of its romantic charms offers much to travellers. Walking along the shore, watching the joggers at sunset, made for a perfect setting. It is easy to fall under the charm of this Italian destination. A place to unwind in slow mode.
Harbor 
Main Street BORDOLINO 
Residents 
A lake shore cocktail 
Sunset
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Here We Come Gorgeous
Excitement is in the air. Or should we say on a lake. The next Black and Paper fashion production will take place in Northern Italy, at Lake Garda. Preparing the details, the team cannot help but feel excited. A location of spectacular scenery that inspires our imagination.
The collaboration born from a discussion at the ITB Berlin. We said “Yes” after the first 2 minutes of chatting.
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Florence in 3 Words
One word cannot describe Florence. We decided to use 3. Who could not fall in love with an intimate city offering gorgeous landscapes every part of the day, an early morning walk after breakfast, a hike up the hill in the afternoon, a stroll after a late cocktail.
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The Master Shoemaker
During my time in Florence for Pitti Uomo. I had a tour of the Ferragamo Museum.
For the complete story, check back tomorrow.
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Milan Fashion Week
Black and Paper coverage in Milan. Quick images and write ups from Milan Fashion Week. Stay tuned for more coverage.
Casadei-Mr. Casadi was tamed this season in a way but I liked the thigh high boots.
Ultrachic theme this season was Back to School with humor.
Celebrating it’s 90th anniversary, Furla stayed with strength by launching variations of the MyBag, a playful collection handbags with different flaps.
Vladimiro Gioia’s collection of furs might not be for the politically correct but his other looks of organza and silk hit the spot.
Fratelli Rossetti decided on personality this season for the new collection. I am excited to see the brand break out of the comfort zone. It is a masculine collection yet still classic.
A label making strides with its own definition of femininity veering towards the masculine side. I was pleased with this collection.
Roberto Cavalli decadence rock&roll looks are for the adventurous, the label never disappoints.
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Pitti Uomo Images
