"Naples is a thousand colours..." and today, the sea is such an intense blue that we feel lucky to be here, in a sunny, joyful Naples, ready to breathe, at last, the air of freedom. We are setting off to discover the most fascinating city in the world, led by a true Neapolitan... are you coming with us? We are welcomed to Naples by Carmine Russo who, with his brand ROSSOCARMINIO, creates unique headbands and hats, handmade in his atelier in Chiaia, the "salotto buono" of Naples.
Carmine, what are you thinking about?
"Something unique, original and in a beautiful "ROSSOCARMINIO", my favourite colour. Naples is my city and I love to highlight the typically Neapolitan creativity that has made it unique. That's why I've concentrated on headbands and hats: unconventional accessories that never go unnoticed. Many of my clients choose them for an important event or ceremony and then end up wearing them every day".
Where do you get your inspiration from?
"From nature, from flowers in particular. But my colour palette is always very.... Neapolitan!"
E allora ti va di accompagnarci alla scoperta di Napoli? Certamente! Ho selezionato per voi alcuni indirizzi da scoprire a piedi, passeggiando per il centro città o prendendo la nostra famosa metropolitana che, con le sue stazioni realizzate da grandi artisti, è una vera e propria opera d'arte!
Iniziamo da un ottimo hotel: io consiglio sempre l'HOTEL SAN FRANCESCO AL MONTE perché è in centro, ma in un punto poco affollato e ha un fantastico ristorante con terrazza da dove poter ammirare il classico panorama di Napoli, con il mare e il Vesuvio sempre presente! L’hotel è un ex Monastero che riporta alla luce le antiche residenze dei monaci e la spettacolare città sottostante per vivere una Napoli da una nuova prospettiva.
Il mio atelier è a Chiaia, all'interno di PENSIEROVERDE, un concept store con una particolare attenzione al design. Proposte rivoluzionarie e innovative per Decorating, Home Interior, Flower Arrangements, Home Inspiration, Photo Art. Da non perdere assolutamente.
So would you like to accompany us on a discovery of Naples?
Certainly! I have selected a few addresses for you to discover on foot, walking around the city centre or taking our famous metro which, with its stations designed by great artists, is a real work of art!
Let's start with an excellent hotel: I always recommend the HOTEL SAN FRANCESCO AL MONTE because it is in the city centre, but in an uncrowded area and has a fantastic restaurant with a terrace from where you can admire the classic panorama of Naples, with the sea and Vesuvius always present! The hotel is a former Monastery that brings back the ancient residences of the monks and the spectacular city below to experience Naples from a new perspective.
My atelier is in Chiaia, inside PENSIEROVERDE, a concept store with a focus on design. Revolutionary and innovative proposals for Decorating, Home Interior, Flower Arrangements, Home Inspiration, Photo Art. Not to be missed.
Then I suggest you take another two steps to find yourself in the beautiful VILLA COMUNALE in Naples overlooking the LUNGOMARE CARACCIOLO, a pleasant walk, surrounded by urban greenery, where you can visit the oldest AQUARIUM in Italy, which has just reopened to the public after a long renovation. A real jewel that houses an important exhibition of Mediterranean flora and fauna.
If you're short on time but can't resist the idea of going for a swim in Naples, it's worth continuing on to POSILLIPO to the BAGNO ELENA, the historic bathing establishment that stretches along a volcanic beach. A stone's throw away is the beautiful PALAZZO DONN'ANNA, designed in the 17th century by the famous architect Cosimo Fanzago.
For an aperitif, I often go to the ANTIQUARIO, the first speakeasy-style cocktail bar, where the atmosphere is the envy of the sets of Kubrick's films: red velvet curtains, wallpaper, sofas, soft lighting, mirrors, a piano and an elegant and sophisticated bottle shop with a timeless retro charm.
It's already dinner time: I suggest the ALTRO COCO LOCO, which is one of the best fish restaurants in Naples and has been included in the MICHELIN Guide 2021.