Floral patterns, large caftans and capsules: the latest shopping of the season
On Ischia, four boutiques to treat yourself to an extended summer, even adding to clothes and accessories the pleasure of an aperitif in the garden.
by Lisa Corva
2' min read
2' min read
Shopping on the island. On Ischia, this is done in the Grifo210 boutique. The first shop opened by Nicola Grifo in 1985 was actually called Why Not, but over time it became Grifo210, like the street number of the address that houses it, in Corso Vittoria Colonna. Today, 40 years later, there are four shops: one dedicated to men, two to women and one to children. Last year, the first women's boutique was completely renovated - the interior was designed by Baciocchi Associati - and a garden was also opened for aperitifs and coffee, reserved for customers.
What can you find there for the summer season? "We mainly chose brands with a summer attitude," explains Nicola Grifo. "For example, the super-feminine floral long dresses by Zimmermann (from €595): an Australian brand that is now a global success, founded by two sisters, Nicky and Simone. And then brands that have created capsule collections for the season, such as Chloé à la Plage (trousers, tops, mini-dresses, even jewellery to wear on the beach and raffia tote bags, all starting at 220 euros). By Dolce & Gabbana we always love the majolica or floral print dresses (from 695 euros). Our top brands, however, are Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Fendi, Valentino, Givenchy and Saint Laurent'.
For the beach, the focus is on caftans, like the long, airy ones with geometric prints and bright colours by Pucci (from €690). It was Emilio Pucci himself in the 1950s who first dared bold colour combinations, perfect for summer, such as pink and orange that found inspiration in nature.
The swimming costumes are those by HunzaG (from 215 euros), under the creative direction of English designer Georgiana Huddart: they are one size fits all, one size fits all because the fabric, the innovative crinkle texture, makes it possible to make one-piece suits or bikinis that fit all women and all sizes. They are snug-fitting and come in black or vibrant colours: of particular note is the Tyra model with long sleeves, even includes UPF 50 sun protection and front zip fastening.
Once you have gone shopping, Nicola Grifo recommends a few gems for exploring the island, starting right from Borgo Sant'Angelo, from the little square on the harbour where the shop is located: 'An ice cream, a cake or a coffee from the Pescatore, next door. Then it's great to take the barge and go swimming at Nicola alle Fumarole, where there is also a good restaurant for lunch or dinner on the beach. Let's not forget the thermal parks, Poseidon and Negombo. It is a pleasure to bathe at Sorgeto at night, where the thermal springs make the water always warm. On the food front, you eat well everywhere on Ischia, but a favourite place is always Il Saturnino, an exquisite restaurant, and da Ida ai Maronti, on the beach, a guarantee. To sleep? My family also has a hotel, the Grifo Hotel'.
