Designer Spotlights

Felicity Irons of Rush Matters has revived the centuries old British craft of rush working: “Rush is a fantastic material; practical and durable but also beautiful. You get such fantastic colors–vibrant greens, dark browns, purples, pinks–and it’s naturally aromatic.”  The process from harvest to finished product is done entirely by hand using traditional techniques.  During the summer months, Irons and her team collect freshwater bulrush on the rivers of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and...

A favorite of Grace Kelly, Liz Taylor and Maria Callas, Chantecler epitomizes the glamour of La Dolce Vita.  The first Chantecler boutique opened on the island of Capri in 1947 steps from the Piazzetta.  Today Chantecler’s jewelry is celebrated around the world for its workmanship and quality.

Growing up near beaches and lakes, founder and designer Tamara Comolli spent every spare moment of her childhood walking barefoot in the sand, admiring the fascinating marine landscape and collecting shimmering seashells. She has been drawn to the ocean ever since, and the inspiration for many of her jewelry designs comes from the soft flowing shapes the water creates.  Her colorful jewelry is crafted to the highest levels of quality...

Simone Crestani started working glass at the age of 15 at the Massimo's Lunardon glass factory near Venice. After an apprenticeship that lasted ten years, he opened his own studio, where he continues to work, dedicated to research and innovation. An introspective and self-taught artist, Crestani eventually broke away from the traditional glass of Murano and developed a special technique of working with borosilicate glass, for which he is known...

Best known as the designer of the Olympic medals, Elena Votsi, creates jewelry that is uniquely detailed and carefully crafted.  Her renditions of hearts, evil eyes and fish are whimsical and joyful.  Elena Votsi’s shop on the picturesque Greek island of Hydra is a not to miss destination for jewelry lovers everywhere. 

Benedikt Bolza, is the owner and chief architect of Castello di Reschio, a 1500 hectare family estate in Umbria, bordering Tuscany.  Over the past 20 years, the family have been restoring abandoned farmhouses on their estate and turning them into elegant light filled homes for their discerning individual owners. Whilst respecting the integrity of the vernacular architecture the houses have all the most modern utilities and systems and interiors are...