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1950s Italia

The promptRome and the coast, always about to be photographed.

Rome, 1954. A Vespa idling outside a bar on Via Veneto, a moka pot going cold since six, a Borsalino tipped low against the flash. The coast runs from Portofino to Amalfi and nobody there is in a hurry to get anywhere.

54 objects · 5 rooms · updated August 2026

A small white car parked against a weathered stone wall on a cobbled street.

How the look works

Brioni opened in Rome in 1945 and defined what the fifties called the Continental look: tightly fitted, tapered at the waist, and with no padding at all in the shoulder, which is the exact opposite of what London was doing. Pitched shoulders, narrow hips, narrow trousers. If a jacket has structure built into the shoulder it is English rather than Italian, whatever the label says.

They also brought colour into menswear by taking cloth from the women's side of the trade for its hand and its drape, and were the first men's tailors to use raw silk and brocade. An Italian suit of this decade is lighter, softer and more coloured than anything being made for men anywhere else at the time.

The house staged the first menswear fashion show on record in 1952 and fitted Clark Gable, Cary Grant and John Wayne at the atelier on Via Barberini. That is the actual mechanism by which a Roman tailoring shop became an international look inside a single decade.

The rest is the boom. The Fiat 500 and 600, the Giulietta, the Vespa and the Lambretta gave the country a new rhythm, and the objects follow it. Everything is small, light, and made to be used outdoors and in public. Nothing in this world was designed for a large room.

The Institutions

Nine names that actually built the look: Vespa, Bialetti, Borsalino, Persol, Gucci, Ferragamo, Brioni, illy, Lavazza. Not a costume department. An inventory.

Most of these houses are still trading and still making the same objects, which makes this the rare room where buying the reference and buying the real thing are the same act.

Bialetti

Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker

The little man with the mustache runs ninety percent of Italian kitchens. Has since before your parents were born.

This classic Bialetti Moka Express stovetop espresso maker has been a staple in Italian homes since the 1930s. Crafted from durable aluminum, its two-part design allows water to boil in the lower chamber, creating pressure that forces the water through coffee grounds in the middle, producing a rich, full-flavored espresso at the perfect temperature. Designed for use on gas and electric stovetops, it's easy to hand wash and offers a timeless way to enjoy café-style coffee at home.

Classic stovetop design for rich, aromatic espresso · Simple, reliable, and easy to use · Durable aluminum construction · Handle and knob stay cool on the stovetop · Available in multiple sizes (3-cup to 12-cup) · Brews espresso in just a few minutes · Easy to maintain with hand-washing · Classic two-part cast aluminum design · A staple in cafés and homes around the world since the 1930s · pressure forces the water through the coffee grounds

$49.95 Buy at surlatable.com

Bialetti

Moka Express 4 Cup Espresso Maker

A premium stovetop espresso maker (Moka pot) that brews rich espresso in a compact 4-cup size. Classic Italian design in durable aluminum with a silver finish. The product is open-box or new condition from the listing and is sold by Bialetti. The included image shows the iconic octagonal aluminum body with a black handle and a top vent, typical of Moka Express models.

Capacity: 4 cups · Material: Durable aluminum construction · Color: Sleek silver finish · Easy to use: Simply fill the bottom chamber with water and coffee grounds for a delightful espresso experience · Classic design: Maintains traditional Italian espresso brewing method

$33.99$44.99 Buy at fromrebel.com

Borsalino

Alessandria Leather-Band Wool Fedora Hat

Alessandria's finest export, worn low by men who preferred not to be quoted.

A high-end fedora hat crafted from felted wool with a leather hat band bearing a logo patch. Pinched crown and stiff brim, Made in Italy. Classic Borsalino design intended for adult men, available in color black.

Alessandria traveler fedora hat · Leather hat band with logo patch · Pinched crown · Stiff brim · Made in Italy

$285 Buy at bergdorfgoodman.com

Borsalino

Borsalino Felted Fedora Hat

A classic Borsalino fedora hat made in Italy from 100% wool. This hat features a traditional indented crown, a wide brim, and is finished with a contrasting ribbon detail around the base of the crown. It is described as brown but also shows black color possibilities.

Made in Italy · ribbon detail · fedora style · wide brim

$308 Buy at farfetch.com

Persol

Sunglasses

Built for Turin's tram drivers in 1957. Somehow ended up on every terrace in the country.

The Persol Sunglasses feature a stylish butterfly shape and a striped brown acetate frame, crafted in Italy. Designed for women, these sunglasses offer a unique blend of fashion and quality.

Butterfly shape · Striped brown acetate frame · Made in Italy · Unisex design

$346$538 Buy at baltini.com

Persol

Persol Sunglasses PO3316S 11884E

Stylish and classic Persol squarish sunglasses, model PO3316S 11884E, featuring a MATTE DARK GREEN acetate frame and green lenses. These unisex sunglasses are crafted in Italy and offer a timeless look.

Model Number: PO3316S 11884E · Frame Shape: Squarish · Frame Color: Matte Dark Green · Lens Color: Green · Frame Material: Acetate · Country of Origin: Italy · Gender/Style: Unisex (Note: Shopify tags list as Women > Accessories > Eyewear) · Product ID: 00_538173604_PO3316S_11884E · Warning: Contains Nickel (Metallic) - California Proposition 65 Warning

$3 Buy at sunglasshut.com

Gucci

1953 Horsebit Loafers

Aldo Gucci's father loved horses more than shoes. The buckle remembers both.

Classic brown leather loafers for men, featuring the iconic Gucci horsebit detail. These slip-on shoes are made from supple leather and have a durable dark brown sole. Perfect for a sophisticated casual or business casual look.

horsebit detail · slip-on

$470 Buy at shop.rebag.com

Gucci

Horsebit 1953 leather loafers

These classic Gucci Horsebit 1953 loafers are crafted in Italy from soft black leather. They feature a timeless moccasin-inspired design with a signature gold-toned horsebit detail across the vamp and cushioned insoles for enhanced comfort. A versatile staple, they can be paired with casual denim or professional tailoring.

Almond toe · Top horsebit plaque · Made in Italy · 10% Leather · Gold-toned horsebit hardware · Moccasin-inspired stitching · Cushioned insoles · Slight heel · Slip-on style · Smooth calfskin leather

$475 Buy at therealreal.com

Brioni

Brioni Men's Wool Sport Jacket

Rome's tailors put menswear on a runway in 1952. Nobody has dressed the same since.

Brioni sport jacket in heathered wool. Notched lapels, two‑button front, chest welt pocket, side patch pockets. Made in Italy. Model is 6'1"/185cm.

two‑button front · notched lapels · chest welt pocket · side patch pockets · heathered wool

$2,950 Buy at neimanmarcus.com

Brioni

Wool Sharkskin Suit

This Brioni suit is crafted from high-quality wool sharkskin fabric, offering a sophisticated and timeless look for the modern man. The suit includes a tailored jacket and matching trousers, designed for a comfortable and stylish fit.

wool sharkskin fabric · tailored fit

$3,220 Buy at neimanmarcus.com

Salvatore Ferragamo

Vidette Patent Leather Wedge Sandals

He shod Hollywood before he came home to Florence. Then Florence returned the favor.

Step out in style with these vibrant yellow Vidette Wedge Heel Sandals from FERRAGAMO. Featuring a glossy patent finish, a dramatic sculptural wedge heel, and a secure ankle strap with buckle closure, these sandals offer a bold and fashionable look. The 4 1/4-inch heel provides an elevated silhouette, while the leather upper, lining, and sole ensure quality and comfort. Made in Italy, these designer shoes are perfect for adding a pop of color and unique flair to any outfit.

patent leather construction · wedge heel · open toe · Adjustable ankle strap with buckle closure · high-shine finish · 4 1/4" heel · Leather upper, lining and sole · Made in Italy

$459.97$980 Buy at nordstromrack.com

Salvatore Ferragamo

Nena Woven Leather Flats

Ferragamo Nena Woven Leather Flats in black. Slip-on flat with a woven leather lattice upper, rounded almond toe, and an oval gold-tone buckle detail. Made in Italy. Upper: cow and lamb leather; lining: lamb and goat leather; insole: lamb leather.

Heel height measures approximately 20mm / 1 inch · Buckle fastening · Low slip-on flat with rounded almond toe · Woven leather lattice upper · Made in Italy

$1,150 Buy at modaoperandi.com

Sunglasses set out on lit shelves in a dark shop.

Via Veneto

Tailoring, ties, a cigarette case, a dress for after dark. The boulevard where being seen was the whole point.

What separates this from an English wardrobe is weight. Everything is lighter, softer and cut closer, with nothing in the shoulder, because it is worn outdoors in a warm city by people who expect to be looked at.

Marni

Cotton Striped Sport Coat

Cut close enough to survive a scooter ride and a photographer's flash on the same evening.

A tailored single-breasted sport coat crafted from cotton with a navy base and thin red vertical pinstripes. It features a double-breasted closure, peaked lapels, six front buttons, notched lapels, structured shoulders, and a jacquard lining. Designed for men, this luxury piece provides a sharp, formal yet modern silhouette. Estimated measurements hint at a chest around 40 inches and a length around 33 inches.

Jacquard lining at interior · Dual vents at back · Peaked lapels · Double breasted closure at front · Tailored fit · Structured shoulders · Flap pockets · Single vent

$475 Buy at therealreal.com

Mango

suit jacket

A premium slim-fit suit jacket from the Selection Collection, crafted in Portugal from 100% Italian virgin wool. This navy blue jacket features a notched lapel collar, a chest welt pocket, rear flap pockets, and a double back vent for a timeless and sophisticated look.

Slim fit · Notched lapel collar · Welt pocket on the chest · Pocket with flap on the back section · Interior pocket · Double back vent at the hem · Lined interior · Front button closure · Made in Portugal

$299.99$430 Buy at shop.mango.com

Canali

Sport Coat

A sophisticated sport coat crafted from premium Italian wool, featuring an ombré check pattern in deep blue and navy hues. This regular fit coat is designed for the discerning individual, offering a smart finish for semiformal occasions. It features traditional notched lapels, a single-breasted button closure, and a tailored silhouette for a polished look.

Notched lapels · Button cuffs · Chest welt pocket · Front flap pockets · Interior pocket · Side vents · Lined · 100% super 130s wool · Made in Italy

$399.97$1,850 Buy at nordstromrack.com

Banana Republic

Tailored Slim-Fit Italian Wool Ventile Suit Jacket

This is a tailored slim-fit suit jacket for men. It is made from Italian wool ventile fabric and features a notch lapel with a two-button front closure. The jacket has three exterior pockets and two interior pockets, with a single back vent for breathability. The sleeves and shoulders are lined, but the back is unlined to keep you cool in warm weather. The fabric is sourced from Italy's Marzotto mill, known for its quality textiles.

Tailored Slim Fit · Italian Wool Ventile fabric · Notch lapel with 2-button front · Three exterior pockets · Two interior pockets · Single back vent · Unlined back for breathability

$349.99 Buy at bananarepublic.gap.com

Canali

Solid Silk Tie

Narrow, dark, and worth ironing. The width says more than the shirt does.

A shimmering silver tie crafted from 100% Italian silk. This versatile accessory features a subtle, lustrous finish, making it suitable for both formal and business casual occasions. The tie measures 58 inches in length and 3.25 inches in width, and is designed for a standard adult male fit. It is recommended to spot clean this tie to maintain its quality and appearance.

Solid color · Silk fabric · Subtle shimmer finish · 58" x 3 1/4" · 100% silk · Spot clean · Made in Italy

$99.50 Buy at nordstrom.com

BOSS

Tie

A luxurious and contemporary necktie crafted in Italy from pure silk, featuring a subtle jacquard weave for versatile styling. This accessory offers a sophisticated finishing touch to formal ensembles. It is noted for its slim/skinny width.

Made in Italy · Crafted from pure silk · Subtle jacquard weave · Slim/skinny width

$99 Buy at hugoboss.com

Suitsupply

Round Cufflinks

For the cuff that closes a deal nobody wrote down.

These classic round cufflinks are crafted from polished silver and feature a luminous mother-of-pearl inlay. The design includes a sturdy silver post and a convenient toggle back for a secure fit. The high-polish finish on the metal complements the iridescent quality of the mother-of-pearl, making them a sophisticated accessory for any formal attire.

Round shape · Silver construction · Mother-of-pearl inlay · Toggle back fastening

$119 Buy at suitsupply.com

Dior

Christian Dior Vintage Logo Tie Clip & Cufflinks Set - CHR531745

Gold‑Plated & Palladium‑Plated. Includes Designer Box.

Gold‑Plated & Palladium‑Plated · Includes Designer Box

$147.50 Buy at therealreal.com

Armani

Stainless Steel and IP Gun-Plating Cufflink

Emporio Armani cufflinks crafted from stainless steel with IP gun plating, featuring a sleek and modern design. Perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any formal attire.

Stainless steel construction · IP gun plating · One size fits all

$95 Buy at armani.com

For Love & Lemons

Pink Cocktail Dress

Built for a table at midnight, not a desk at nine.

For Love & Lemons A-Line Dress Pink Pleated, Ruffle & Bow Accents Short Sleeve with V-Neck Concealed Zip Closure at Side Designer Fit: Dresses by For Love & Lemons are typically designed for a slim fit. | For Love & Lemons V-Neck Mini Dress in Pink, Women's M

Ruffles Neckline · Short Length · Short Sleeve

$46 Buy at therealreal.com

Quince

Italian Leather Box Shoulder Bag

Small enough to swing, hard enough to matter.

Elevate your style with this luxurious Italian Leather Box Shoulder Bag. Crafted from premium top-grain leather, this structured bag offers a chic, rectangular design with a secure flap closure and elegant gold-toned hardware. The versatile convertible strap allows you to wear it as a shoulder bag or crossbody, making it perfect for carrying your essentials in sophisticated style. Inside, you'll find a well-organized triple compartment interior with both slip and zip pockets.

Triple compartment interior with one slip pocket and one zip pocket · Flap with clasp closure · Adjustable shoulder strap · Structured construction · Dust bag included

$154 Buy at quince.com

Marc Jacobs

The Sack micro top handle bag

A compact, top-handle leather bag in a soft rose tone featuring a minimalist silhouette. Crafted from pebbled leather, it showcases a curved, integrated handle opening and a compact shape suitable for daily carry. Brand imprint visible on the front, giving it a signature Marc Jacobs aesthetic. Stylish and versatile for day-to-night wear with a modern, luxe vibe.

Full grain leather · Magnetic closure · Top handle · 1 interior pouch · Dust bag included · Mini sack bag silhouette · Pebbled leather exterior · Soft rose color · Brand embossed logo on front · Compact everyday bag

$27.50$325 Buy at marcjacobs.com

Quince

Mini Bowler Crossbody Satchel

This mini bowler crossbody satchel is crafted from premium Italian leather, offering a blend of modern design and timeless craftsmanship. It features a structured silhouette with a top handle and a removable, adjustable crossbody strap for versatile wear. Accented with metal hardware, this bag exudes understated luxury and is perfectly sized to carry your essentials.

1 interior zip pocket · 1 interior slip pocket with snap closure · 2 interior card slots · Zipper closure · Removable leather key-ring holder · Protective metal feet · Dust bag included · LWG certified tannery · Sedex certified factory

$140 Buy at quince.com

Louis Vuitton

Ombre Epi Leather Top Handle Bag

This pre-owned Louis Vuitton Ombre Tote Bag is crafted from signature Epi leather, recognized for its distinctive textured grain. The bag features a striking black finish and is carried by unique resin top handles, offering an open top design for easy access. Inside, there is a practical slip pocket. Please note this item is in "Good" condition and shows visible signs of wear consistent with its pre-owned status, including creasing, out-of-shape areas, and scratches on various parts of the exterior and interior lining, as well as staining in the interior pocket.

Top‑handle bag designed for women · Open top design for easy access · Black epi leather with LV monogram · Cut‑out handles for a structured silhouette · Alcantara lining and single interior pocket · Tonal hardware · From the 2001 collection · Black Ombre coloring · Resin top handles · Serial number MI0041

$348.75$995 Buy at therealreal.com

Rows of blue and white striped parasols on a beach below a town.

The Riviera

Portofino down to Amalfi. Stripes, straw, rope soles. The coast that made jet set a compliment instead of an insult.

The rule here is that nothing is precious. This is a coast where expensive people wear cheap materials on purpose: stripes, straw, rope soles, and linen that is expected to crease before lunch.

Minquiers

Breton Striped Shirt

Stripes borrowed from the harbor, worn well past the boat.

This modern Breton striped shirt is crafted from a soft knit fabric and features a classic crew neck and long sleeves. The casual fit makes it perfect for everyday wear.

long-sleeve · crew neck · striped pattern · soft knit · casual fit

$139 Buy at nordstrom.com

Les Deux

Lawson Stripe Short Sleeve Shirt

This is a men's short-sleeve button-down shirt with a classic camp collar and a wide stripe pattern. It features embroidered brand lettering on the sleeve and a regular fit. Made from 100% cotton, it's designed for the onset of summer.

Classic camp collar · Wide stripe pattern · Short-sleeved · Embroidered brand lettering on sleeve · Regular fit · 100% Cotton

$115$192 Buy at next.us

Saint James

Breton Striped Top

The uniform of every terrace between Portofino and lunch.

A classic French-inspired Breton striped top made from soft, comfortable cotton. Featuring a flattering women's fit, this versatile tee has 3/4 length sleeves and a timeless crew neck, making it perfect for a variety of styles from casual to chic.

3/4 length sleeves · Crew Neck · Fitted waist · Feminine touch

$50.99 Buy at thredup.com

L'Agence

Stripe Boat Neck Top

This L'AGENCE top features a classic boat neckline and three-quarter sleeves. The horizontal stripes in burgundy and white offer a nautical-inspired look. Made from a comfortable rayon-spandex blend, this top is perfect for everyday wear.

boat neck · three-quarter sleeves · striped

$74.97$165 Buy at nordstromrack.com

Mint Velvet

Suede Espadrille Shoes

Rope soles for pavement that used to be a dock.

These Shani Neutral Suede Espadrille Shoes from Mint Velvet offer a sophisticated yet relaxed look. Crafted from neutral-toned suede, they feature a classic round toe and a flat sole with an espadrille-style braided trim. Adding a touch of bohemian flair, the shoes are accented with a fringed trim along the sides and secured with a lace fastening. With a subtle 2cm heel, they provide a comfortable lift for everyday wear.

Round toe · Flat sole · Fringed trim · Lace fastening · Heel height: 2cm / 1in · Neutral suede upper · Made in Spain · Lining and sock made from 100% leather · Espadrille sole

$110$220 Buy at next.us

Drake's

Espadrilles

These Green Herringbone Cotton Espadrilles from Drake's are the quintessential summer shoe, blending timeless style with breathability and comfort. Handmade in Spain, they feature a distinctive herringbone cotton canvas upper and a sturdy rubber sole accented with traditional jute rope detailing.

Herringbone Cotton Canvas Upper · Rubber Sole with Jute Rope Detail · Handmade in Spain · Breathable and comfortable design

$104 Buy at drakes.com

Lotus

Wedge Espadrille Shoes

Step out in style with these elegant white wedge espadrille shoes from Lotus. Featuring a comfortable leather upper, a secure adjustable ankle strap, and a jute-wrapped wedge heel for a touch of height and texture. The lining and sock are also made of leather for added comfort, while the sole is crafted from other materials. Perfect for a summer day out or a casual evening.

Round-toe espadrille shoe · Jute-wrapped wedge heel · Adjustable ankle strap · Heel height 9cm · Upper - Leather · Lining and Sock - Leather · Sole - Other Materials

$100 Buy at next.us

A.L.C

Woven Straw Tote Bag

Holds a towel, a bottle, and whatever gossip made it down the coast.

A rectangular woven straw tote bag with a classic checkered pattern in brown and cream. Features integrated cutout handles for easy carrying and a textured, structured yet flexible design. Perfect for beach days or everyday use.

Intricately woven straw · Built-in handles · 15" x 13" · Lined · Imported

$129.97$295 Buy at nordstromrack.com

Tommy Bahama

Raffia Tote Bag

Embrace effortless island style with the Tommy Bahama woven straw beach tote with pineapple charm, a beautifully crafted carryall designed for sunny days and relaxed adventures. The woven raffia exterior pairs with smooth PU trim to blend natural texture with refined tropical elegance. This spacious tote offers ample room for all your essentials, ideal for beach days, travel, shopping, or everyday outings. It features a magnetic snap closure, a signature Tommy Bahama logo plaque, and a removable pineapple charm. The interior is organized with a backwall zip pocket and two front wall slip pockets, while the exterior includes a back slip pocket. Finished with gold hardware and comfortable shoulder straps with a 5.5" dual handle drop.

Magnetic tab top closure · Top handles · Lined · Removable pineapple charm · Gold hardware · Exterior back slip pocket · Two interior front wall slip pockets · One interior backwall zip pocket · 5.5" dual handle drop

$69.97$140 Buy at nordstromrack.com

Valentino

Valentino Womens' Straw Sun Hat

Big enough to hide behind, which was rather the point in Portofino.

A quality Valentino straw wide‑brim sun hat featuring a leather band. The hat is brown with a solid pattern, designed for adult women and measured at a 12‑inch brim width.

wide brim · leather band

$76.50 Buy at therealreal.com

AllSaints

Willow Straw Hat

A wide-brimmed hat made from intricately woven straw, perfect for warm weather styling. The hat features a textured, natural beige finish with a rounded crown and a moderately wide brim.

Wide brim straw hat · Head circumference: 57.4cm · Crown height: 15.2cm · Brim width: 11.9cm · Made in: Indonesia

$64$129 Buy at allsaints.com

Faherty

Straw Sun Hat

The Faherty Floppy Sun Hat is a lightweight, beach-ready accessory designed for maximum sun protection. It features a woven raffia-style construction for breathability and a wide 4.5" flexible brim that covers the face and upper body. Packable and easy to wear, this one-size hat offers a relaxed, coastal aesthetic perfect for summer outings.

Woven raffia-style construction for lightweight comfort and breathability · Wide 4.5" floppy brim for extended sun coverage · One-size fit with approximately 22.5" circumference · Flexible, packable design for travel and beach days · Classic coastal styling

$98 Buy at dickssportinggoods.com

BOSS

Lace-detail boat shoes in suede

For a deck that may or may not have a boat attached.

Lace-detail boat shoes in suede for men in beige. Suede upper with lace-detail and metal eyelets. Low moc-toe silhouette with rope-like laces and cream rubber outsole. Made in Europe.

Lace-detail · Moc-toe styling · Slip-on design · Flexible outsole · Made in Europe · Suede boat shoes · Lace-up closure · Padded collar · Logo embossed at outer side and heel · Crepe rubber midsole

$199 Buy at hugoboss.com

Mango

Deck shoes with laces

Bovine hide. Suede. Flat. Lace-up closure. Inner lining.

flat · laced · tassel · silver eyelets

$139.99 Buy at shop.mango.com

An espresso machine on a bar counter under warm lamps, cups stacked on top.

The Espresso Bar

Small cups, coupe glasses, a cart that never stops moving. Bitter first, sweet after, always standing up.

Everything in this room is small and made of metal or glass, because the entire ritual is designed to take four minutes standing up. Buy the small version of everything and none of the seating.

L'OBJET

Soie Tressee Platinum-Plated Espresso Cup & Saucer

Small cup, strong opinion. Refills are a foreign concept.

Espresso cup and matching saucer from L'Objet in Soie Tressée collection, featuring platinum-plated rims and handle. Cup capacity 4 oz; saucer approximately 5 inches in diameter. Crafted of porcelain with platinum-plated detailing; dishwasher safe but not microwave safe. Made in Portugal.

Cup capacity 4 oz · Saucer diameter approx 5 inches · Dishwasher safe · Made in Portugal · Platinum-plated rims and handle

$140 Buy at neimanmarcus.com

Wedgwood

Espresso Cup & Saucer

A luxurious espresso cup and matching saucer from the Renaissance Red Collection by Wedgwood. Made from fine bone china, the set features a striking white base decorated with a bold crimson interlocking oval pattern accented by gold dots. The base of the cup and the rim of the saucer are adorned with an intricate gold laurel leaf motif, and the set is finished with elegant gold gilt edging.

Classic bone‑china construction · Geometric pattern with gold banding · Part of Wedgwood’s Renaissance Red collection · Includes espresso cup and matching saucer · Neoclassical pattern · Dishwasher safe · Comes in Wedgwood giftbox

$125 Buy at dillards.com

MATCH

Espresso Cup with Ceramic Saucer

This elegant set includes two espresso cups, each featuring a finely crafted pewter base and a porcelain insert to maintain the perfect temperature for your espresso. The set comes with matching ceramic saucers, adding a polished finish. Designed for both beauty and function, this set is perfect for enjoying espresso daily or when hosting guests. Each cup holds 2.7 fl oz, the ideal size for a traditional espresso. Handcrafted in Italy by Match Pewter, known for exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design.

Set of 2 espresso cups with ceramic saucers · Pewter base for stability · Porcelain insert to maintain espresso temperature · Holds 2.7 fl oz · Handcrafted in Italy

$153 Buy at shophorne.com

SEI FURNITURE

Zehr Bar Cart

Rolls from the sofa to the terrace and back, doing all the actual work of hosting.

A stylish and functional bar cart with a mid-century modern design, featuring three tiers of open shelving for ample storage and display. It is equipped with casters for easy mobility and can be locked in place, making it perfect for serving drinks and appetizers.

Three tiers of open shelving · Functional casters for mobility · Midcentury modern profile · Sleek black and aged brass finish

$313.45$329.95 Buy at raymourflanigan.com

Boch Frères Keramis

Sugar Creamer Set

Nobody needed this much sugar. Everyone kept it anyway.

A modern and elegant two-piece set featuring a sugar bowl with a lid and a matching creamer pitcher, both crafted from smooth white ceramic. The design incorporates sweeping, organic curves for a distinctive contemporary look, suitable for elevating any coffee or tea service.

Includes one sugar bowl with lid and one creamer pitcher · Modern, sculptural design with flowing lines · Made from durable white ceramic

$120 Buy at nordstrom.com

Mosser Glass

Eye Winker Creamer and Sugar Set

A charming and vintage-inspired glass creamer and sugar bowl set from the Eye Winker Collection by Mosser Glass. This set, featured here in a vibrant red color, is perfect for serving coffee or tea with a touch of classic elegance. The glassware features intricate molded details, including a distinctive pattern of raised circles and swirls, and a scalloped rim on the creamer.

Set includes 1 creamer and 1 sugar bowl with lid · Part of the Eye Winker Collection · Made from glass material · Creamer dimensions: 3.75 in Dia x 4.5 in H · Sugar dimensions: 3.5 in Dia x 4.75 in H · Creamer volume: 12 oz · Made in USA · Product is Made to Order

$58.40 Buy at 2modern.com

Blomus

Stoneware Creamer and Sugar Bowl

This set includes a creamer and a lidded sugar bowl from the Blomus Kumi collection, celebrated for its artisanal aesthetic inspired by the Japanese concept of Wabi Sabi. Crafted from stoneware, each piece features a reactive glazing process that results in unique, subtle variations, such as small dots or irregularities, making every item distinct. The 'Fungi' colorway presents a warm, earthy tone. The set is both dishwasher and microwave safe for modern convenience.

Includes 1 Creamer and 1 Sugar Bowl · Crafted using Japanese reactive glazing process · Features unique variances reflecting Wabi Sabi philosophy · Dishwasher safe · Microwave safe · Part of the Kumi Collection

$55.90 Buy at 2modern.com

The Open Road

Scarves, gloves, an open face helmet. Everything you need to be photographed leaving town on two wheels.

The objects of a country that had just been handed a new rhythm by the Vespa and the Fiat 500. All of it small, light and meant to be used outdoors, because nothing in this world was designed for a large room.

Nordstrom

Classic Leather Cashmere Lined Gloves

For hands that spend more time on a throttle than a desk.

A pair of classic gloves constructed from supple leather on the exterior and lined with soft cashmere for superior warmth and comfort. These gloves are designed for adults and feature a timeless look suitable for various occasions. Based on the image, they appear to be available in black and tan.

Leather exterior · Cashmere lined · Classic design

$348 Buy at nordstrom.com

UGG

Leather Genuine Shearling Lined Gloves

These UGG gloves are made from genuine leather and lined with plush shearling for exceptional warmth and comfort. They are designed for adult men and feature a classic glove silhouette with defined fingers for a snug and secure fit. The exterior leather is durable and the shearling lining provides insulation against the cold.

Lined with genuine shearling · Leather · Shearling may be sourced from Australia, Ireland, Spain, the UK or the USA. See packaging for confirmed country of origin · Spot clean · Imported

$89.97$155 Buy at nordstromrack.com

Ray-Ban

Bubble Wrap Aviator Sunglasses

Squinting into the sun was a look before it was a necessity.

These classic aviator sunglasses by Ray-Ban feature a sleek, thin metal frame with a double bridge and a slim top bar. The translucent light blue gradient lenses offer 100% UV protection and are complemented by adjustable nose pads for a comfortable fit. The temples transition into dark, tapered plastic earpieces. A stylish and functional accessory, perfect for any occasion.

100% UV protection. · Adjustable nose pads. · Metal. · Imported

$97.99 Buy at thredup.com

BOSS

Wrap-style sunglasses

These sporty wrap-style sunglasses are part of a special collaboration between HUGO Eyewear and VCARB. They feature a striking two-tone design, combining red accents on the top frame with white arms, contrasted by reflective gray lenses. The design is completed with branded details, including a rubber logo in a 3D effect on the bridge and temple, catering to trendsetters and rule-breakers.

Sporty two-tone design · Branded bridge · Rubber logo in a 3D effect · Wrap style · Branded bridge with 3D rubber logo · Part of HUGO Eyewear x VCARB collaboration

$160 Buy at hugoboss.com

MODO

Aviator Sunglasses

These stylish aviator sunglasses feature a thin, gold-tone metal frame with a double bridge design. The dark brown tinted lenses offer 100% UV protection and are shaped for a classic teardrop look. Slim metal temples with integrated nose pads ensure a comfortable fit. Made from titanium, these sunglasses are a durable and fashionable accessory.

100% UV protection · Titanium · Made in South Korea · Double bridge enhances the retro aviator profile · Fitted with protective, tinted lenses

$119.97$275 Buy at nordstromrack.com

Ariat

Black Canvas Jacket

Enough pockets for a map, a lighter, and an alibi.

A rugged, black canvas jacket by Ari R, featuring a full hood, solid construction, and designed for adult men. This work‑ready jacket is available in a single color and styled for durability and comfort. The product’s full-size options, including Big & Tall, allow versatile fit for a wide range of customers.

Full hood · Durable canvas construction · Men's Big & Tall sizing · windproof · hooded · zipper · pocket · fleece-lined interior · Long‑sleeve ergonomic cut · Water‑resistant zippers

$80.99$134.95 Buy at ariat.com

Banana Republic

Linen Canvas Utility Jacket

This Banana Republic utility jacket is crafted from a soft and durable linen canvas. It features a relaxed fit with a dropped shoulder seam, a classic point collar, and button-front closure. The jacket includes a concealed drawstring at the waist for adjustable styling and convenient front pockets. Designed for a timeless and luxurious feel, this unlined jacket will only improve with wear.

A timeless utility style goes luxe. · Rugged linen canvas that will only get softer and more beautiful with every wear. · Relaxed Fit: A straight & roomy fit with a dropped shoulder seam. · Point collar with button-front closure. · Concealed drawstring at the waist, · Front pockets. · Unlined.

$250 Buy at bananarepublic.gap.com

Questions

What actually makes an Italian suit Italian?
No padding in the shoulder, a tapered waist and narrow trousers. The Roman cut of the 1950s was defined against English tailoring, so where London builds structure into a shoulder, Rome takes it out.
Why is the cloth different?
Because it was taken from womenswear. The house borrowed fabrics for their hand and drape and was the first to put raw silk and brocade into men's tailoring, which is why these suits are lighter, softer and more coloured than anything else made for men then.
What else defines the decade?
The boom. The Fiat 500 and 600, the Giulietta, the Vespa and the Lambretta gave Italy a new rhythm, and the objects follow it: small, light, and made for use in public rather than at home.
Is this the same thing as the dolce vita look?
It is where it starts. Brioni put on the first menswear show on record in 1952 and dressed Gable, Grant and Wayne in Rome, which is how a tailoring house turned into an international idea in ten years.
What is the one object to start with?
Sunglasses. They were engineering before they were fashion here, and nothing else on the page does as much for a face.