Design & interiors

Twice a year, the fashion world turns its attention to the runways of New York, London, Milan and Paris. Yet long before a collection reaches the catwalk, inspiration often begins elsewhere. Time and again, designers, photographers and creative directors return to the Mediterranean, drawn by its extraordinary light, centuries-old craftsmanship, dramatic landscapes and architectural beauty. From Sicily's gilded palazzi to the sculptural whitewashed villages of Greece, these destinations have shaped everything from haute couture collections to global advertising campaigns. As Fashion Month arrives once again, we explore the places that continue to inspire the world's most celebrated fashion houses—and the villas that allow you to experience them for yourself.

Discover Casa di Macine, a luxurious Corsican villa blending tradition and modernity. Owner Alain Antonelli, a Corsican native and Miami-based music producer, shares his journey of creating this serene retreat nestled in the mountains.

Europe is steeped in history, peppered with historic sites that date back centuries. Holidaying there offers the chance to experience this history for yourself — and there are few better or more picturesque places to see history than in a castle.

From the Roman quarries of Italy to traditional trulli in Puglia, the Mediterranean offers some truly gorgeous wonders of architecture and design. Here are eight of our favourites, plus villas designed by some of the best creative designers worldwide.

Lucy Laucht, an English photographer, has just published a dreamily evocative book of photos entitled Il Dolce Far Niente: the Italian Way of Summer. To celebrate the launch, we interviewed her to find out more about her inspiration, her passion for life in southern Italy, and why she’s included two of our villas - Rocca delle Tre Contrade and Casino Doxi Stracca - in her book.

With Archaeologists in Sicily dating pottery back to at least 2,400BCE, we explore the rich history and multi-national influences behind Sicilian ceramics.

Nestled in the heart of Puglia's rolling countryside, trulli houses stand as one of Italy's most extraordinary architectural marvels. These distinctive cone-shaped limestone dwellings, with their mystical whitewashed walls and grey stone roofs, have captured the imagination of travellers for centuries. From their humble beginnings as peasant dwellings to their current status as UNESCO World Heritage sites and luxury holiday retreats, trulli houses represent a unique blend of history, craftsmanship, and Mediterranean charm.

Join us on a tour of some of our favourite Sicilian castles and learn more about the ancient Sicilian architecture that bears testament to its glorious past.

Liberty style, or Art Nouveau design, takes on a whole new aesthetic on Sicily's historic buildings. Read more on the rise of Liberty style in the city of Palermo.