London-based fashion designer Emilia Wickstead and Passalacqua, the new symbol of luxury hospitality on the shores of Lake Como, recently recognised as The World’s Best Hotel — have collaborated on an exclusive, limited-edition vacation-wear capsule collection.
Passalacqua, one of Lake Como’s most spectacular properties, opened its doors in June as a 24-suite retreat following three years of restoration. Standing above the village of Moltrasio, with seven acres of terraced gardens sweeping down to the lake’s shore, this 18th century villa is steeped in history, having played host to some of the world’s most brilliant minds in music, literature, art and politics from Napoleon Bonaparte to Bellini to Winston Churchill. Passalacqua is the passion project of one of Italy’s leading hoteliers – the De Santis family, owners of the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo.
Taking inspiration from Lake Como’s elegant surroundings and verdant landscape, the collection is comprised of swimsuits and kaftans in two unique prints; The first, a vintage rose print, referencing Passalacqua’s enchanting rose gardens, splashed with an irreverent fish motif and available in mustard, cobalt blue and dusty pink. The second, a thin orange stripe in homage to the bright colours of the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo.
The capsule melds Emilia Wickstead’s design language with the true essence of ‘villeggiatura’ on Lake Como. Each piece has a sense of timelessness and ease and can be worn colour-coordinated for a refined look, or mix-and-matched for an eclectic take. Quintessential Emilia Wickstead touches, including precise lines, thin straps, and signature belt details, lend modern elegance.
To launch the capsule, Emilia Wicketead and Valentina De Santis – deeply connected by a strong friendship and common vision – have partnered on a creative look book. Photographed at Passalacqua, the images feature six creative Italian women wearing the collection,
perfectly capturing the spirit of la dolce vita and the understated glamour of the collaboration. The women include interior designer Enrica Stabile, chef and author Mimi Thorisson, editor Martina Mondadori, actress Martina Ferragamo, the artist Giulia Peyrone, and jeweller Madina Visconti.
“It is such an honour to collaborate with Valentina De Santis on this vacation-wear collection. Valentina and her family have the most impeccable taste and have transformed Passalacqua into a paradise where time stands still. The lifestyle and visual language they have created at the hotel is so inspiring. I hope this collection transports the wearer and makes them feel the same sense of vibrancy, ease and sophistication. The designs are timeless and perfectly encapsulate the synergies between Emilia Wickstead and Passalacqua.”
— Emilia Wickstead
“We are absolutely delighted to partner with the style icon Emilia Wickstead on this incredible project. With her brilliant vision and unique touch, Emilia infused her effortless elegance into joyful prints, creating timeless designs that perfectly capture the spirit of our beloved Passalacqua, to which Emilia has been connected to since we opened, and Grand Hotel Tremezzo too. With this capsule collection we want to give every woman the opportunity to carry the elegance of Lake Como with them wherever they go. I can’t wait for everyone to experience the beautiful craftsmanship, flattering silhouettes and vibrant prints of these swimsuits and kaftans, which are already the most exciting new additions of my summer wardrobe!”
— Valentina De Santis
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