Among the Italian names in the running for the Oscars 2025, one stands out that sounds familiar; a name that brings to Hollywood all the values of true Italian well-made, and for this reason it is a source of immense pride for all of us: the Florentine goldsmith Bottega Paolo Penko, who crafted 530 jewels for the movie ‘Conclave’, directed by Edward Berger.

For the private breakfast hosted for Symposium guests, Elena Matei [Tea Sommelier at the St.Regis, Florence] welcomed us with her sweetest smile framed by long blonde braids, gathered and adorned with butterfly pins; she prepared a sensory journey of nine curated blends accompanied by all sorts of sweet delights.

On Thursday 11 July 2024, in the sublime setting of the Poggio Casciano Estate in Chianti, my book 'Crafting Excellence' was officially launched.

Enveloped in a thousand emotions, we gathered with the friends, partners, and craftspeople who have made 'Crafting Excellence' possible; we enjoyed the magical summer sunset over the vineyards, sipping Ruffino 1877 wine and leafing through the freshly printed pages. The voices of cicadas and the summer breeze mingled with the clink of glasses toasting in front of the enchanting Chianti hills.

On Thursday 11 July 2024, in the sublime setting of the Poggio Casciano Estate in Chianti, my book 'Crafting Excellence' was officially launched.

Enveloped in a thousand emotions, we gathered with the friends, partners, and craftspeople who have made 'Crafting Excellence' possible; we enjoyed the magical summer sunset over the vineyards, sipping Ruffino 1877 wine and leafing through the freshly printed pages. The voices of cicadas and the summer breeze mingled with the clink of glasses toasting in front of the enchanting Chianti hills.

The Symposium event had exceptionally brought together all members of the SdB international network, including the team and core partners. Hence, in the days following the event, I accompanied the innermost circle on a sublime immersive experience throughout Florence, to open their minds and hearts and witness with their eyes (and with the palate!) what we stand and work for every day for! The first threshold we crossed was the one of the Maselli atelier in Via de’ Ginori, one of the beating hearts of Florentine Excellence from 1955.

An ode to well-made and consistency in detail. The outfit chosen for ‘Symposium’ was the result of a further combination of Excellences: stories of four #MadeInItaly realities.. plus one, an intimate and personal one, that I cherish in my heart.

A precious archive dress handcrafted by Antonella Rossi Atelier, unique earrings from the collection of Roman goldsmith Rossella Ugolini and the most exquisite pendant, inspired by one of Botticelli’s Graces, by Paolo Penko.

The exquisitely Renaissance-inspired hairstyle and make-up were created by the Eleonora Gentile Firenze Salon, a further Excellence to close the circle.

On September 30th 2023, in the sublime frame of Palazzo Portinari Salviati in Florence, I organised the first edition of 'Symposium' by SprazzDiBellezza.

A private, intimate, beautiful experience shared with just a few people, with whom I am bonded by the, almost obsessed, desire for living immersed in Beauty and making life a work of art!.

Surrounded by a unique exhibition of works from the Florentine ateliers Cornici Maselli , Mosaici Traversari and Paolo Penko, with a glass in one hand and a 'cantuccio' in the other, wearing their best attire, guests bonded with each other, living an extra-ordinary immersive experience and strengthening this valuable community.