Coming soon (Doisneau)

Robert Doisneau at Palazzo delle Esposizioni

How nice it will be this fall, from the point of view of art!
Starting September, 29 and until February 3, 2013 a major retrospective will celebrate this famous photographer and his love for La Ville Lumière. It will be the first of a series of exhibitions dedicated to the French photography of the XX century.
"Paris en liberté", this is its title, will feature more than 200 original photographs taken by Doisneau (1912-1994) between 1934 and 1991. 
Organized according to their themes and subjects, the exhibition will take the spectator through parisian parks and along the river Seine, in the streets of the city center and in its suburbs as well as in bistros and fashion galleries.

For all those loving Doisneau and Paris in particular, this is an event not to be missed!

A September Sunday

September is the right moment to take a look at the shop windows, as to know what fall fashion trends will be. And Sundays are perfect to take a walk. Downtown Rome, shops open in the early afternoon and, since at that time, most romans are too busy watching television (soccer championship is played at 3 p.m.), streets are half-empty. A godsend...

So, while I was strolling in the city center to refresh my memory, I took note of two new entries. Balenciaga

Coming soon (Vermeer)

Vermeer at Le Scuderie del Quirinale

"...a brainy novel whose passion is ideas.These range among the dynamics and moralities of art and the artist, their claims upon life, life's claims upon them and the struggle of women to find their own values and place in a male hierarchy, specifically in a 17th-century painter's world."

Richard Eder, New York Times, January 2000

Have you ever read "Girl with a Pearl earring", written by Tracy Chevalier?

I did, about ten years ago. And I loved it. Not only because  of  the  beautiful plot, narrated  by   the author with gentle, though  compelling touch, but       mainly  because  of  the  wonderful  portrayal   of painter's life in the XVII century.

And specifically, VERMEER's one.

A major retrospective of his paintings will open its doors on Thursday, September 27 at Le Scuderie del Quirinale, in the homonymous roman square. 

In addition to selected Vermeer's masterpieces  (Street of Delft last exposure in Italy goes back to 1953), the exhibition will also host work by Carel Fabritius, Vermeer's master, by Pieter de Hooch and by Emmanuel de Witte, alongside works by artists less well-known today.

You can bet, I'll be there.

Quote of the day

All of us should bear in mind this question, every time we get angry at something. And after having answered, react consequently.
Fighting, whoever or whatever, is tiring. And annoying. 
And life itself requires a lot of energy.
So let's spare it for what really matters...

Milan Fashion Week

Today Milan welcomes the penultimate Spring/Summer 2013 Fashion week of the season before Paris steals the show on Sept., 25.

After Mila Schön, this afternoon it will be the turn of Gucci, with two separate shows, for buyers and fashion editors. On Sunday Dolce & Gabbana and Giorgio Armani will present their collection, followed on Monday by Alberta Ferretti.

Lots of expectations are addressed to Roberto Cavalli's and to the British lingerie brand's, Agent Provocateur, new opening boutiques.

These days, Milan's atmosphere is at the top! And if you need a few gourmet addresses, I am ready to share mine with you!

A September Sunday

I always loved mid seasons. When sunlight is less intense and colors are softer. 
If springtime gives new energies, autumn is the right time for balance and reflection.
In September then, everything announces the end of the summer and the arrival of a less clement climate.
In this season, the mildest of the year at these latitudes, what I like most is spending time outside, possibly in contact with the slowly changing nature.
And though Rome is full of parks and green areas, Villa Borghese remains my favorite. 

Things I like of...Capri

Everything in Capri is fascinating to me.
I love its history, that enriches my mind...

The Red House in Anacapri

and its

Capri, my love

In spite of a mostly cloudy, and sometimes rainy, weather, I've had a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful time in Capri.
I enjoyed the sun (every possible minute)

and