stylish destination :: ISCHIA

I recently got back from a lovely trip to the isle of Ischia in Italy's Bay of Naples. I'd been wanting to visit here ever since I first saw the intriguing film, "The Talented Mr. Ripley". One of my most favorite movies of all time, the screenplay by Anthony Minghella's is based on the book by Patricia Highsmith and features some of the most beautiful settings ever.

I've been to most of the other filming locations which were shown in the film (Rome, Venice, Anzio, Palermo), but had never been to its main one...the one where all the beautiful sunny, summer scenes were captured. In the movie it's known as the fictional town of "Mongebello", but really is a combination of coastal shots in Ischia Ponte and street shots in the small village neighboring isle of Procida.


Isn't there just something about the style of Italy in the Summer?! It's always been captivating to me. Maybe it's the effortless steadfastness of classic style even with the temperatures are uninviting. Where, instead of ragged cut-offs and rubber flip flops being thrown on when it gets hot outside, the tailored linen and handmade sandals make an appearance.



Besides this film taking place in beautiful settings, it also has some of the most beautiful style (and beautiful people...Gwyneth Paltrow, Matt Damon, Jude Law -hello!). With wardrobe direction by Ann Roth, it was nominated for and Academy Award for Best Costume Design. In the special features and commentary of the film, the progression of wardrobes throughout the plot is described; and it's so interesting watching the style change from the mood in NYC (where the film opens) to the coastal casual of Ischia to more formal classic in the later scenes of Rome and Venice. Because Ischia is the focus, that's the wardrobe I'm highlighting too.


The fact that the story takes place in the late 1950s, the style already invokes classic beauty, but the flowing skirts, high-waisted trousers, linen button-ups and silk scarves somehow remain timeless.

Doesn't it make you want to hop on a boat and sail there right now??