Italian Chic - by Daria Reina and Andrea Ferolla

I have written about Franco - Italian Chez Dédé before.  I heard about this incredibly talented and creative couple, Daria Reina and Andrea Ferolla, from the late great Wonderfool.  My friend Courtney and I met the lovely Daria at the store/spa and wanted to buy all their bags.

Daria and Andrea are quite modest.  I didn't learn until this year (!) that they are the ones responsible for the typography of Pasta Garofalo, one of my favorite pasta brands.  Okay, now that I think about it, this isn't a topic that would come up in everyday conversation.

There was some skepticism when they first opened their store.  Why Rome? Why not Florence or Milan?  An atelier/boutique/gallery like Chez Dédé would make more sense in those cities. There has been a great deal of  negative press  (local and international) about the state of Rome these days. Yes, the situation could be better and it's important not to ignore what is happening but walking into their shop is a much needed reminder of the reasons why we fell in love this city and country in the first place.

Their book  ITALIAN CHIC is a must for anyone who loves Italy, photography, illustrations, or/and travel.  It's not a guide book per se but more of a coffee table book filled with beautiful imagery.  It was just published by Assouline and is available at their shops or online.  The Chez Dédé store has a few limited edition copies left with a special cover featuring my beloved Sicily.

 Photographed by Daria and illustrated by Andrea, ITALIAN CHIC is an intimate peek at some of their favorite places in Italy, from top to bottom.  It's a love letter of sorts to a country that has inspired them.  As Daria and Andrea said to Architectural Digest, “If we were not in Italy, then Chez Dédé simply would not exist,” Reina says. “We are both in love with Italy and the Italian lifestyle is certainly an integral part of our entire creative process.” Ferolla adds, “Italy cultivates the excellence of the ‘well done’ and of the simple and sophisticated style. Daria and I are heirs of this culture that reflects in each and every expression of Chez Dédé’s creative thinking.”

Daria and Andrea will be in New York City the week of October 14th for book signings.  There will be an installation of Andrea's illustrations in one of Bergdorf Goodman's famous windows.  Check their Instagram feed for more information (and because it's fantastic).

Photos (except for the cover): Assouline