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A Cup of History: Babingtons Tea Room in the Heart of Rome
At Babingtons Tea Room the art of serving tea passes down from generation to generation. At the foot of the famous Spanish Steps in Rome , one of the city’s most charming and unexpected institutions has been welcoming visitors for more than 130 years. Babingtons Tea Room is not a typical Roman café—it is a place where British tea culture meets the elegance and history of the Eternal City. The tea room was founded in 1893 by two determined women: Isabel Cargill from New Zea
May 13


The Photographer Who Framed Italian Elegance: Elio Luxardo
Known as the photographer of the stars, Elio Luxardo (1908–1969) devoted his career to creating perfect images: nothing but bodies and faces, whether famous or unknown. These portraits have the distinction of never being repetitive, as they spring from whimsical intuitions rather than a predefined aesthetic concept. In the golden age of cinema and fashion photography, Elio Luxardo stood out as one of Italy’s most refined portrait photographers. Known for his elegant lighting
Apr 9


Bold Colors and Modern Living: Inside American Homes of the 1960s
Home decoration in the United States during the 1960s reflected a period of optimism, innovation, and cultural change. After the more traditional styles of the 1950s, the 1960s introduced bolder colors, modern furniture, and experimental design ideas that helped define what is now known as mid-century modern style . One of the most recognizable elements of 1960s home décor was the use of bright and vibrant colors . Living rooms and kitchens often featured shades like avocado
Mar 11


Dating in the 1950s: Courtship, Culture, and Social Rules
Dating in the 1950s looked quite different from modern dating. It was shaped by strong social expectations, traditional gender roles, and community influence. For many teenagers and young adults, dating was not only about romance—it was also seen as preparation for marriage. One common style of dating during this time was called “going steady.” When a couple decided to go steady, it meant they were exclusively dating each other. Teenage girls often received a class ring or
Feb 14


Victor Stiebel: The Quiet Genius of British Couture
Victor Stiebel (1907–1976) may not be as widely known today as Dior or Balenciaga, but in mid-20th-century Britain, he was a designer quietly adored by high society, socialites, and even royalty. Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Stiebel moved to London with a passion for art and design, and quickly found his place among the city’s most talented couturiers. He was celebrated not for flamboyance, but for refinement—creating clothes that were perfectly tailored, elegant, and eff
Jan 28


The Sweet Tradition: A Journey Through the History of Christmas Cookies
Christmas cookies are more than just a festive treat. They carry stories, traditions, and cultural shifts that span centuries. Every bite connects us to a rich past filled with creativity, celebration, and shared joy. Understanding the history of Christmas cookies reveals how this beloved holiday custom evolved and why it remains a cherished part of Christmas today. Early Beginnings of Christmas Cookies The tradition of baking cookies during Christmas has roots that trace bac
Dec 8, 2025


A Bite Through Time: The Long History of Fast Food in the United States
Fast food is one of the most recognizable features of American culture — an industry that serves millions daily, shapes the nation’s economy, and influences diets across the world. But the history behind this everyday convenience is far richer and more complex than a quick meal might suggest. From humble lunch carts to billion-dollar global brands, the evolution of fast food mirrors America’s own technological, social, and cultural transformation. This read takes you on a jou
Nov 10, 2025


Deauville: the Rise of the French glamorous Riviera on the Normandy Coast
Deauville is regarded as the “queen of the Norman beaches” and one of the most prestigious seaside resorts in all of France. At the turn of the 20th century, Deauville emerged as one of France's most fashionable seaside resorts, often dubbed the "queen of the Norman beaches." What had once been a sleepy village was transformed into a glamorous retreat for Parisian high society, aristocrats, and international elites — a transformation driven by vision, luxury, and the tides
Oct 30, 2025


The "Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes de 1925": when modernity draped itself in ornament.
From April 28 to October 25, 1925 (later extended into early November), Paris hosted the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs...
Sep 26, 2025


Art Déco era: between glamour, modernity and uncertainty.
On the centenary of the "Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes" in Paris, which marked the establishment...
Aug 20, 2025


The History of Fendi: From Roman Roots to Global Luxury
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the historic Roman brand. Let's look back at the House's most memorable moments across the...
Jul 29, 2025


Victory Rolls: The Hairstyle That Defined the 1940s Women
In the midst of war, during the 1940s, women found a powerful way to express both patriotism and personal style through a hairstyle that...
Jun 10, 2025


Exploring the Aesthetic Vision of George Hoyningen-Huene in Glamour and Avant-Garde
The exhibition George Hoyningen-Huene: Glamour e Avanguardia is currently on view at Palazzo Reale in Milan from January 21 to May 18,...
May 12, 2025


Anna May Wong: Hollywood’s First Chinese-American Movie Star.
Anna May Wong’s career stretched from silent cinema through the talkies and the golden age of Hollywood, to TV. Anna May Wong, born Wong...
Apr 15, 2025


The Rise of the Pin-up Girls.
The popular belief is that the first pinup girl appeared during World War II. The truth is the rise of the pinup precedes World War I. An...
Mar 30, 2025


Queen Semiramis, the embodiment of Art Nouveau
Acquired by the Italian Ministry of Culture through the right of first refusal, the work has been displayed at the Royal Palace of Turin...
Feb 3, 2025


Jim Clark, the racing legend
He won two F1 world titles in 1963 and 1965. Considered one of the best drivers of all time, he won 25 of his 72 starts in F1 while...
Jan 17, 2025


The oldest panettone cake in Milan was created in 1768
When the holidays approach, everybody's tummies begin daydreaming about sweets like cookies, fruit cake, eggnog, holiday cherry pie etc....
Dec 16, 2024


Gloria Grahame, the Queen of Noir
The statuary Gloria Grahame is often featured in film noir pictures as a tarnished beauty with an irresistible sexual allure . During...
Nov 18, 2024


Halloween Costumes and their evolution over the decades
Halloween costumes have evolved significantly over the decades, drawing inspiration from social trends, popular culture and major...
Oct 29, 2024
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