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De Merteuil.

Tasting

"L'Heure Verte": Absinthe, my first time

Valeria Pugliese

Nov 27, 20204 min read

"L'Heure Verte": Absinthe, my first time

Villa Palagonia: the Villa of Monsters

Valeria Pugliese

Nov 17, 20206 min read

Villa Palagonia: the Villa of Monsters

Preface: welcome to DeMerteuil.com

Valeria Pugliese

Oct 7, 20203 min read

Preface: welcome to DeMerteuil.com

Follow me on Instagram

Byzantine & Baroque holy splendour in Sicily ⛪️
Pics from my recent visits to:
- Palatine Chapel (royal chapel within the Norman Palace in Palermo - ongoing restoration works on the Christ Pantokrator section, alas!)
- Saint Francis church in Mazara del Vallo

#art#church#holyart#catholic#romancatholic#sicily#visitsicily#byzantine#baroque

Byzantine & Baroque holy splendour in Sicily ⛪️
Pics from my recent visits to:
- Palatine Chapel (royal chapel within the Norman Palace in Palermo - ongoing restoration works on the Christ Pantokrator section, alas!)
- Saint Francis church in Mazara del Vallo

#art#church#holyart#catholic#romancatholic#sicily#visitsicily#byzantine#baroque

Inside the neoclassical Pompeian Room at the Royal Palace in Palermo ✨️

Other pics include:
- Gutted because the Chinese Room was inaccessible due to restoration works though I did find an interesting erotic panel during my chinoiserie hunt 🎎
- Heavenly gardens 🌴
- Royal carriages
- The delightful surprise of discovering the ongoing exhibition "Celebrating Picasso" once inside 🎨

#Palermo#Sicilia#Sicily#visitsicily#palazzodeinormanni#neoclassical#pompeian#chinoiserie

Inside the neoclassical Pompeian Room at the Royal Palace in Palermo ✨️

Other pics include:
- Gutted because the Chinese Room was inaccessible due to restoration works though I did find an interesting erotic panel during my chinoiserie hunt 🎎
- Heavenly gardens 🌴
- Royal carriages
- The delightful surprise of discovering the ongoing exhibition "Celebrating Picasso" once inside 🎨

#Palermo#Sicilia#Sicily#visitsicily#palazzodeinormanni#neoclassical#pompeian#chinoiserie

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of exploring the wonderful Sala Ruggero within the Royal Palace of Palermo (Palazzo dei Normanni), commissioned by Roger II of Sicily.
I spent the majority of the time mouth wide open observing the heavenly ceiling, an artistic representation of the Arabic Gennet-ol-ardh (Paradise on earth); the stunning mosaics depict highly symmetrical hunting scenes, with the animals to be intended as powerful allegories of Norman rule 🦁🦅🦚

I was dumbfounded!

I am still terrible at manual shooting therefore the pics are a mix of salvageable (i.e. not out of focus) manual camera shoots and others done with the smartphone 🥲

#Palermo#Sicily#visitsicily#Sicilia#royalpalace#norman#normans#antique#art#arthistory

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of exploring the wonderful Sala Ruggero within the Royal Palace of Palermo (Palazzo dei Normanni), commissioned by Roger II of Sicily.
I spent the majority of the time mouth wide open observing the heavenly ceiling, an artistic representation of the Arabic Gennet-ol-ardh (Paradise on earth); the stunning mosaics depict highly symmetrical hunting scenes, with the animals to be intended as powerful allegories of Norman rule 🦁🦅🦚

I was dumbfounded!

I am still terrible at manual shooting therefore the pics are a mix of salvageable (i.e. not out of focus) manual camera shoots and others done with the smartphone 🥲

#Palermo#Sicily#visitsicily#Sicilia#royalpalace#norman#normans#antique#art#arthistory

Fred Astaire would have been proud 💃🥂

ATTEMPTING ballroom dancing at the latest @candlelightclub
Spotlight on Ivan wearing an original 1931 white tie 🖤

#1920s#flapper#dance#dancing#ballroom#whitetie#vintage#vintagestyle

Fred Astaire would have been proud 💃🥂

ATTEMPTING ballroom dancing at the latest @candlelightclub
Spotlight on Ivan wearing an original 1931 white tie 🖤

#1920s#flapper#dance#dancing#ballroom#whitetie#vintage#vintagestyle

Festive @candlelightclub night with friends 🥂

#candlelightclub#london#flapper#egyptomania#egyptianrevival#flapper#1920s#whitetie#cheers

Festive @candlelightclub night with friends 🥂

#candlelightclub#london#flapper#egyptomania#egyptianrevival#flapper#1920s#whitetie#cheers

Egyptomania at the @candlelightclub ✨️

Festive evening with friends - casually dressed very similar to @barbara_giurastante - while exploring a new look: I am learning to experiment more with colours and I realised that certain tones of rose work for me; also, slowly, I am getting used to the 1920s cut (still feeling the pain of hiding my waist!).
The fringes created a beautiful movement, the perfect dress, with added Egyptian flair, for a dancing night 💃👯‍♀️
Egyptian revival jewellery pieces included golden bracelet cuffs, pendant earrings with random pharaoh and a 4 in 1 (once detached, I can get 2 x separate necklaces + 2 x brooches!) necklace I acquired in Cairo during my last trip to Egypt which deserves to go out more 😍

#egypt#ancientegypt#egyptomania#egyptianrevival#flapper#1920#1920s

Egyptomania at the @candlelightclub ✨️

Festive evening with friends - casually dressed very similar to @barbara_giurastante - while exploring a new look: I am learning to experiment more with colours and I realised that certain tones of rose work for me; also, slowly, I am getting used to the 1920s cut (still feeling the pain of hiding my waist!).
The fringes created a beautiful movement, the perfect dress, with added Egyptian flair, for a dancing night 💃👯‍♀️
Egyptian revival jewellery pieces included golden bracelet cuffs, pendant earrings with random pharaoh and a 4 in 1 (once detached, I can get 2 x separate necklaces + 2 x brooches!) necklace I acquired in Cairo during my last trip to Egypt which deserves to go out more 😍

#egypt#ancientegypt#egyptomania#egyptianrevival#flapper#1920#1920s

It's an intensely busy week, including three Christmas Parties in a row and additional evening outings (my flat will be resetted on Sunday, I promise!); yesterday, while doing outfit planning for the Wed Club Night, I discovered I have been featured in the latest edition of @thechapmag 🥹❤️
Thank you to Martin @sstealer for capturing me in a rather "fatale" look, pale, serpentine & somewhat vampiric 🖤
Thank you to Gustav as well, I am deeply grateful.

BTW, I am wearing a supposedly "trashy" golden bodycon dress from 2010s (it still fits!) with vintage accessories, including a 1940s stole: shall we give bodycon dresses another chance? 😏

It's an intensely busy week, including three Christmas Parties in a row and additional evening outings (my flat will be resetted on Sunday, I promise!); yesterday, while doing outfit planning for the Wed Club Night, I discovered I have been featured in the latest edition of @thechapmag 🥹❤️
Thank you to Martin @sstealer for capturing me in a rather "fatale" look, pale, serpentine & somewhat vampiric 🖤
Thank you to Gustav as well, I am deeply grateful.

BTW, I am wearing a supposedly "trashy" golden bodycon dress from 2010s (it still fits!) with vintage accessories, including a 1940s stole: shall we give bodycon dresses another chance? 😏

Saturday outing organised by my Darling @the_sensualstylist ❤️
We started at The Photographers' Gallery, perusing through the two exhibitions "Letizia Battaglia: Life, Love and Death in Sicily" & "Deborah Turbeville: Photocollage" and ended up at The Bloomsbury Hotel, with winter wine, random Norvegian designers admiring our outfits (as we deserve) and conversations ✨️🍷

Saturday outing organised by my Darling @the_sensualstylist ❤️
We started at The Photographers' Gallery, perusing through the two exhibitions "Letizia Battaglia: Life, Love and Death in Sicily" & "Deborah Turbeville: Photocollage" and ended up at The Bloomsbury Hotel, with winter wine, random Norvegian designers admiring our outfits (as we deserve) and conversations ✨️🍷

Happy Birthday to my beloved friend Lynsey @fabginge ❤️

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for having been a TRUE friend in what has been a year filled with highs and lows and for always being an inspiration to me.

Love you lots 🥰

Dramatic fur-sisters (🦊🐎) photo from the latest outing with @society.of.salome shot by @guycorbishley 📸

Happy Birthday to my beloved friend Lynsey @fabginge ❤️

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for having been a TRUE friend in what has been a year filled with highs and lows and for always being an inspiration to me.

Love you lots 🥰

Dramatic fur-sisters (🦊🐎) photo from the latest outing with @society.of.salome shot by @guycorbishley 📸

Memento Mori Halloween Walk at Abney Park Cemetery by @society.of.salome 🖤

My interpretation of Victorian mourning wear & FINALLY spending some time with my beloved @the_sensualstylist 😈

Wonderful photos, including "strike a pose"guidance, by @lira_karina_photo 📸🥰

#halloween#cemetery#mementomori#walk#victorian#victorianmourning#vintage

Memento Mori Halloween Walk at Abney Park Cemetery by @society.of.salome 🖤

My interpretation of Victorian mourning wear & FINALLY spending some time with my beloved @the_sensualstylist 😈

Wonderful photos, including "strike a pose"guidance, by @lira_karina_photo 📸🥰

#halloween#cemetery#mementomori#walk#victorian#victorianmourning#vintage

Memento Mori Halloween Walk at Abney Park Cemetery by @society.of.salome 🐦‍⬛🎩

Dressed in Victorian mourning wear adding my usual Southerner touches, this time including 2 x silver Ex Voto; note the difference in manufacturing and details between the antique (framed in red velvet and glass - lucky find in Palermo this summer!) and the new one 🖤

Photos by @guycorbishley 📸

Memento Mori Halloween Walk at Abney Park Cemetery by @society.of.salome 🐦‍⬛🎩

Dressed in Victorian mourning wear adding my usual Southerner touches, this time including 2 x silver Ex Voto; note the difference in manufacturing and details between the antique (framed in red velvet and glass - lucky find in Palermo this summer!) and the new one 🖤

Photos by @guycorbishley 📸

Wearing an all white outfit inspired by Italian women silhouette in the 1980s, including a power suit (not enough shoulder pads though), chunky gold and pearls, my penultimate fur acquisition (Dasco vintage fox, the bigger the better!) and a cordovan hat that receives many many compliments everytime it comes out with me.

Thank you @lira_karina_photo ❤️ 📸

#1980#1980s#80s#vintage#fashion#italian#italianwoman#realfur

Wearing an all white outfit inspired by Italian women silhouette in the 1980s, including a power suit (not enough shoulder pads though), chunky gold and pearls, my penultimate fur acquisition (Dasco vintage fox, the bigger the better!) and a cordovan hat that receives many many compliments everytime it comes out with me.

Thank you @lira_karina_photo ❤️ 📸

#1980#1980s#80s#vintage#fashion#italian#italianwoman#realfur

Wearing an all white outfit inspired by Italian women silhouette in the 1980s, including a power suit (not enough shoulder pads though), chunky gold and pearls, my penultimate fur acquisition (Dasco vintage fox, the bigger the better!) and a cordovan hat that receives many many compliments everytime it comes out with me.

Thank you @lira_karina_photo ❤️ 📸

#1980#1980s#80s#vintage#fashion#italian#italianwoman#realfur

Wearing an all white outfit inspired by Italian women silhouette in the 1980s, including a power suit (not enough shoulder pads though), chunky gold and pearls, my penultimate fur acquisition (Dasco vintage fox, the bigger the better!) and a cordovan hat that receives many many compliments everytime it comes out with me.

Thank you @lira_karina_photo ❤️ 📸

#1980#1980s#80s#vintage#fashion#italian#italianwoman#realfur

🥂 Milan 80s 🥂

Wearing an all white outfit inspired by Italian women silhouette in the 1980s, including a power suit (not enough shoulder pads though), chunky gold and pearls, my penultimate fur acquisition (Dasco vintage fox, the bigger the better!) and a cordovan hat that receives many many compliments everytime it comes out with me.

Thank you to the sweet and beyond talented @lira_karina_photo ❤️ 📸

#1980#1980s#80s#vintage#fashion#italian#italianwoman#realfur

🥂 Milan 80s 🥂

Wearing an all white outfit inspired by Italian women silhouette in the 1980s, including a power suit (not enough shoulder pads though), chunky gold and pearls, my penultimate fur acquisition (Dasco vintage fox, the bigger the better!) and a cordovan hat that receives many many compliments everytime it comes out with me.

Thank you to the sweet and beyond talented @lira_karina_photo ❤️ 📸

#1980#1980s#80s#vintage#fashion#italian#italianwoman#realfur

"Flapper shapes and decadent flourishes at last month’s Grand Silver Jubilee Ball"

Thank you @thechapmag for the kind mention 🦚

Photo by @sstealer, the only one always able to capture "something" more intense than usual in my eyes 👁

#flapper #1920s #1920sfashion #decadence #vintagestyle #glamour #femalestyle

"Flapper shapes and decadent flourishes at last month’s Grand Silver Jubilee Ball"

Thank you @thechapmag for the kind mention 🦚

Photo by @sstealer, the only one always able to capture "something" more intense than usual in my eyes 👁

#flapper #1920s #1920sfashion #decadence #vintagestyle #glamour #femalestyle

Unpublished photos from the Summer Whites Picnic at Kenwood House by @society.of.salome 🦢🤍

Photos by the beautiful @lira_karina_photo ❤️

#summer#summerwhites#picnic#vintage#1920#1920s

Unpublished photos from the Summer Whites Picnic at Kenwood House by @society.of.salome 🦢🤍

Photos by the beautiful @lira_karina_photo ❤️

#summer#summerwhites#picnic#vintage#1920#1920s

Thank you to @sstealer for sharing these magnificent shots from @thechapmag Grand Silver Jubilee Ball, followed by some low quality ones taken with my smartphone including me smoking the first Sobraine of my life (thank you Gillian) ✨️

Fantastic celebratory evening with my favourite people 🥂

My outfit for the night is called "The Chap Bride" 👰‍♀

Follow @sstealer for more shots 📸

#thechap#thechapmagazine

Thank you to @sstealer for sharing these magnificent shots from @thechapmag Grand Silver Jubilee Ball, followed by some low quality ones taken with my smartphone including me smoking the first Sobraine of my life (thank you Gillian) ✨️

Fantastic celebratory evening with my favourite people 🥂

My outfit for the night is called "The Chap Bride" 👰‍♀

Follow @sstealer for more shots 📸

#thechap#thechapmagazine

Thank you to @sstealer for sharing these magnificent shots with these Muses from @thechapmag Grand Silver Jubilee Ball, followed by a low quality one taken with a smartphone ✨️

Fantastic celebratory evening with my favourite people 🥂

My outfit for the night has been titled "The Chap Bride" 👰‍♀

Follow @sstealer for more shots 📸

#thechap#thechapmagazine

Thank you to @sstealer for sharing these magnificent shots with these Muses from @thechapmag Grand Silver Jubilee Ball, followed by a low quality one taken with a smartphone ✨️

Fantastic celebratory evening with my favourite people 🥂

My outfit for the night has been titled "The Chap Bride" 👰‍♀

Follow @sstealer for more shots 📸

#thechap#thechapmagazine

"Maximalism is a manifestation of a desire for a different world" ✨️

"Maximalism is a manifestation of a desire for a different world" ✨️

👁👁 Eyes 👁👁

Thank you to the talented Martin @sstealer for sharing some additional shots taken at the 2024 Grand Flaneur Walk by @thechapmag ♥️

#flaneurwalk#grandflaneurwalk#thechap#sicilian#sicilianwoman#exvoto

👁👁 Eyes 👁👁

Thank you to the talented Martin @sstealer for sharing some additional shots taken at the 2024 Grand Flaneur Walk by @thechapmag ♥️

#flaneurwalk#grandflaneurwalk#thechap#sicilian#sicilianwoman#exvoto

"Naughty" photos ahead 🌶

Sex & eroticism in ancient Rome 🍇

Wonderful examples of sex positivity in Pompeii; some giggles, fascination and admiration during my last visit in the ancient city and the archaeological museum in Naples.

Highlights & learnings include:
- Interesting visit to Pompeii's brothel ("Lupanare") including a visual "menu" of what was available 😏
- My antique Incolay cameo band cufflinks with aroused Faunus 🐐
- Priapus looking over my favourite villa, the House of Vettii 🍌
- Aphrodite striking some modelling poses and the beautiful "Pompeii Lakshmi", showcasing the commercial trade between Rome and India ✨️
- My darling Emperor Elagabalus as Hercules, re-faced as his successor, Alexander Severus 🌹

#pompeii#pompei#rome#ancientrome#eroticism

"Naughty" photos ahead 🌶

Sex & eroticism in ancient Rome 🍇

Wonderful examples of sex positivity in Pompeii; some giggles, fascination and admiration during my last visit in the ancient city and the archaeological museum in Naples.

Highlights & learnings include:
- Interesting visit to Pompeii's brothel ("Lupanare") including a visual "menu" of what was available 😏
- My antique Incolay cameo band cufflinks with aroused Faunus 🐐
- Priapus looking over my favourite villa, the House of Vettii 🍌
- Aphrodite striking some modelling poses and the beautiful "Pompeii Lakshmi", showcasing the commercial trade between Rome and India ✨️
- My darling Emperor Elagabalus as Hercules, re-faced as his successor, Alexander Severus 🌹

#pompeii#pompei#rome#ancientrome#eroticism

Napoli 🌶

Napoli 🌶

My parents told me the last time we were in Pompeii I was a toddler; I finally had the opportunity to go back!

During the visit, we took the decision to focus on the central section of the ruins and then move towards the suburban villas.

Pompeii touched something inside me, leaving me with a strong sense of pride for the Roman civilisation (including my journey towards the acceptance of a Roman nose 👃), inspiration (once I will own my place, at lest one room, possibly the bedroom, deserves to be in Pompeian red + I understand the ancient roman fashion and jewelry suit my face and physique 👑) and pure "aesthetic catharsis", taking the time and space I needed to contemplate and replenish myself through Beauty, a silent rebellion against the surrounding uglification.

Visit Pompeii if you can ✨️

My parents told me the last time we were in Pompeii I was a toddler; I finally had the opportunity to go back!

During the visit, we took the decision to focus on the central section of the ruins and then move towards the suburban villas.

Pompeii touched something inside me, leaving me with a strong sense of pride for the Roman civilisation (including my journey towards the acceptance of a Roman nose 👃), inspiration (once I will own my place, at lest one room, possibly the bedroom, deserves to be in Pompeian red + I understand the ancient roman fashion and jewelry suit my face and physique 👑) and pure "aesthetic catharsis", taking the time and space I needed to contemplate and replenish myself through Beauty, a silent rebellion against the surrounding uglification.

Visit Pompeii if you can ✨️

Summer nostalgia wearing @b.i.nette by Sorella 🌅

#binette#sicily#sicilia#fashion#fashiondesign#handmade#anatomy

Summer nostalgia wearing @b.i.nette by Sorella 🌅

#binette#sicily#sicilia#fashion#fashiondesign#handmade#anatomy

Making use of my multiple earring holes wearing some pieces from my surrealist anatomy collection (have you seen the golden nipples? ✨️) at "The Flaneurs" private photo exhibition by Ian Macaulay for the @thechapmag 🍸

Splendid evening of conviviality with stylish friends, now looking forward to next weekend 🔥

#thechap#thechapmagazine#conviviality#jewelry#surrealism#surrealist#anatomy

Making use of my multiple earring holes wearing some pieces from my surrealist anatomy collection (have you seen the golden nipples? ✨️) at "The Flaneurs" private photo exhibition by Ian Macaulay for the @thechapmag 🍸

Splendid evening of conviviality with stylish friends, now looking forward to next weekend 🔥

#thechap#thechapmagazine#conviviality#jewelry#surrealism#surrealist#anatomy

I am FINALLY (approx. 85%) done with uni and I found the mental space and tranquillity to avidly read again; the last 2.5 months have been mainly dedicated to anthropology and history readings, with a focus on mysteries and magic traditions in the Mediterranean 🌊

This resulted in an impromptu decision to escape to Naples and Pompeii at the end of the next week, a way to lessen the nostalgia for yet another summer now ended, seeking Beauty also through the contemplation of death (Pompeii as 'Memento Mori') 🖤🌋

My readings included:

- Accabadora by Michela Murgia
- Aleister Crowley: un mago a Cefalù (a magician in Cefalù) by PierLuigi Zoccatelli
- Culti Misterici ed Orientali a Pompei (Mystery and Oriental Cults in Pompeii) by Antonio Virgili - currently reading
- Messalina by Honor Cargill-Martin - the top 'Valeria' in history, one of the reasons why I love my name
- Mystery Cults in the Ancient World by Hugh Bowden
- Sud e magia (Magic: A Theory from the South) by Ernesto De Martino

The antique holy hear ex voto was found in Palermo at my trusted antiquarian and may find its way among my wearable accessories soon... ✨️

#book#books#reading#anthropology#history

I am FINALLY (approx. 85%) done with uni and I found the mental space and tranquillity to avidly read again; the last 2.5 months have been mainly dedicated to anthropology and history readings, with a focus on mysteries and magic traditions in the Mediterranean 🌊

This resulted in an impromptu decision to escape to Naples and Pompeii at the end of the next week, a way to lessen the nostalgia for yet another summer now ended, seeking Beauty also through the contemplation of death (Pompeii as 'Memento Mori') 🖤🌋

My readings included:

- Accabadora by Michela Murgia
- Aleister Crowley: un mago a Cefalù (a magician in Cefalù) by PierLuigi Zoccatelli
- Culti Misterici ed Orientali a Pompei (Mystery and Oriental Cults in Pompeii) by Antonio Virgili - currently reading
- Messalina by Honor Cargill-Martin - the top 'Valeria' in history, one of the reasons why I love my name
- Mystery Cults in the Ancient World by Hugh Bowden
- Sud e magia (Magic: A Theory from the South) by Ernesto De Martino

The antique holy hear ex voto was found in Palermo at my trusted antiquarian and may find its way among my wearable accessories soon... ✨️

#book#books#reading#anthropology#history

"Je suis l’Empire à la fin de la décadence"

Last week, I had the absolute honour to model for two of the sister's creations (follow @b.i.nette); here, with 10 cm less of hair, I am wearing the "cage dress", inspired by the morbid intertwinment between crude anatomy and coquette femininity 💚
We were in an abandoned lighthouse called "Faro di Capo Zafferano", nearby Bagheria in Sicily.
Wearing such an opulent and structured dress among the decaying ruins in front of the open golden sea was quite a touching experience, a way to salute another Summer lost and an occasion to celebrate, as always, Beauty.

Thank you Roberta, "Grazie Maestro" 🦊🦊

#binette#fashion#fashiondesign#sicilian#sicily#sicilia#sicilianwoman

"Je suis l’Empire à la fin de la décadence"

Last week, I had the absolute honour to model for two of the sister's creations (follow @b.i.nette); here, with 10 cm less of hair, I am wearing the "cage dress", inspired by the morbid intertwinment between crude anatomy and coquette femininity 💚
We were in an abandoned lighthouse called "Faro di Capo Zafferano", nearby Bagheria in Sicily.
Wearing such an opulent and structured dress among the decaying ruins in front of the open golden sea was quite a touching experience, a way to salute another Summer lost and an occasion to celebrate, as always, Beauty.

Thank you Roberta, "Grazie Maestro" 🦊🦊

#binette#fashion#fashiondesign#sicilian#sicily#sicilia#sicilianwoman

My Sicilian summary on this occasion:
- Holy Roman Empire Crown 👑
- Norman tower and seaview 🌊
- Rosalia 🌹
- Catholic opulence ✝️
- A 1960s vintage bride item (my first white mink!) from my trusted antiquarian gifted from my myself to myself 🤍

#sicily#sicilia#sicilian#visitsicily#byzantine#jewellery#crown#history#vintage#sea#seaside

My Sicilian summary on this occasion:
- Holy Roman Empire Crown 👑
- Norman tower and seaview 🌊
- Rosalia 🌹
- Catholic opulence ✝️
- A 1960s vintage bride item (my first white mink!) from my trusted antiquarian gifted from my myself to myself 🤍

#sicily#sicilia#sicilian#visitsicily#byzantine#jewellery#crown#history#vintage#sea#seaside

I have been properly initiated to the Etruscan Civilization during my latest trip in Tuscany right at the start of the Summer, especially when in the village of Cortona, which left me with an appetite to learn more to the point of developing quite an interest (and a need) for Etruscan jewellery.
This weekend, I had fun with some jewellery I already owned and a light tan, attempting to create an Etruscan revival look 🌞

#etruscan#etruscanrevival#etruschi#historical#history

I have been properly initiated to the Etruscan Civilization during my latest trip in Tuscany right at the start of the Summer, especially when in the village of Cortona, which left me with an appetite to learn more to the point of developing quite an interest (and a need) for Etruscan jewellery.
This weekend, I had fun with some jewellery I already owned and a light tan, attempting to create an Etruscan revival look 🌞

#etruscan#etruscanrevival#etruschi#historical#history

Palermo Today 🌞
Above & Below the Cathedral

Palermo Today 🌞
Above & Below the Cathedral

Golden hour dinner date prep wearing an impromptu "romantic" jewellery set 🌅
And yes, I was at Zédel, AGAIN! 🍷

#goldenhour#fashion#vintage#jewellery#cameo#cammeo

Golden hour dinner date prep wearing an impromptu "romantic" jewellery set 🌅
And yes, I was at Zédel, AGAIN! 🍷

#goldenhour#fashion#vintage#jewellery#cameo#cammeo

With my Aviation Ladies (at last!!!) at the aviation-deco Bar Américain ✈️♥️🍷

With my Aviation Ladies (at last!!!) at the aviation-deco Bar Américain ✈️♥️🍷

Summer Whites Picnic at Kenwood House by @society.of.salome 🦢🤍

Thank you to the talented @lira_karina_photo for the magnificent shots 😘

#summer#summerwhites#picnic#vintage#1920#1920s

Summer Whites Picnic at Kenwood House by @society.of.salome 🦢🤍

Thank you to the talented @lira_karina_photo for the magnificent shots 😘

#summer#summerwhites#picnic#vintage#1920#1920s

I have a new remark (or compliment, points of view) to add to my list of iconic ones, this time about yesterday evening's bejewelled look: "You look Merovingian!"

Well... 👑👸😛

French lace stole by @b.i.nette ♠️

I have a new remark (or compliment, points of view) to add to my list of iconic ones, this time about yesterday evening's bejewelled look: "You look Merovingian!"

Well... 👑👸😛

French lace stole by @b.i.nette ♠️

Painted Hall, Greenwich 📍

Painted Hall, Greenwich 📍

Entente Cordiality 🫱🏻‍🫲🏽

Weekend Anglo-French picnic with Club friends in Hyde Park 😊

Core memories include the coolest sunglasses stolen from Dr Tim, the lingering delicious taste of the Laduree rose macarons brought by @fabginge and, among all the things I could get, winning the most ridiculous French cock hat at the raffle prize, honestly... 🌹🐔

Entente Cordiality 🫱🏻‍🫲🏽

Weekend Anglo-French picnic with Club friends in Hyde Park 😊

Core memories include the coolest sunglasses stolen from Dr Tim, the lingering delicious taste of the Laduree rose macarons brought by @fabginge and, among all the things I could get, winning the most ridiculous French cock hat at the raffle prize, honestly... 🌹🐔

Atmospheric ambiance at the Painted Hall in Greenwich, visited for the first time ever last weekend 🖤

#paintedhall#paintedhallgreenwich#baroque

Atmospheric ambiance at the Painted Hall in Greenwich, visited for the first time ever last weekend 🖤

#paintedhall#paintedhallgreenwich#baroque

Summer Finery at the Gothic Bar ✨️

Showcasing the marvellous dress handmade by my talented sister Roberta; more on her page @b.i.nette ♥️

Summer Finery at the Gothic Bar ✨️

Showcasing the marvellous dress handmade by my talented sister Roberta; more on her page @b.i.nette ♥️

To my beloved friend Lynsey @fabginge who has been with me throughout my latest life's highs and lows and for searching, acquiring and gifting me an antique Victorian opium pillow, the best house warming gift I could ever desire, truly a unique piece! ♥️

We spent the evening at a talk on drugs and absinthe during 1890s which reminded me I forgot to show off my opium pillow 🧚‍♂️

Thank you ✨️

#opium#opiumpillow#chinoiserie#antique#vintage

To my beloved friend Lynsey @fabginge who has been with me throughout my latest life's highs and lows and for searching, acquiring and gifting me an antique Victorian opium pillow, the best house warming gift I could ever desire, truly a unique piece! ♥️

We spent the evening at a talk on drugs and absinthe during 1890s which reminded me I forgot to show off my opium pillow 🧚‍♂️

Thank you ✨️

#opium#opiumpillow#chinoiserie#antique#vintage

Summer Finery at the Gothic Bar ✨️

Showcasing the marvelous dress handmade by my talented sister Roberta; more on her page @b.i.nette ♥️
Thank you for making me feel "Bellissima" and for convincing me I should have fun with colours more often🦚

The dress is inspired by Elvira's green one in the movie Scarface 💚

I am in the splendid gothic revival backdrop of the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, climbing the iconic staircase.

Wonderful evening, looking forward to the next ✨️

#elegantpeopleinelegantplaces#binette#elviradress#scarface#gothic#gothicrevival

Summer Finery at the Gothic Bar ✨️

Showcasing the marvelous dress handmade by my talented sister Roberta; more on her page @b.i.nette ♥️
Thank you for making me feel "Bellissima" and for convincing me I should have fun with colours more often🦚

The dress is inspired by Elvira's green one in the movie Scarface 💚

I am in the splendid gothic revival backdrop of the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, climbing the iconic staircase.

Wonderful evening, looking forward to the next ✨️

#elegantpeopleinelegantplaces#binette#elviradress#scarface#gothic#gothicrevival

Summer Finery at the Gothic Bar ✨️

On Friday we braved the sultry weather at the latest event organised by @lj_1965 @wonderland_ct 🥂

Thank you to Luigi and @barbara_giurastante for bringing the commemorative plaque from @dandydays_arezzo, a way to thank us for our participation back in June 2024 🎩

Wonderful evening, looking forward to the next ♥️✨️

#elegantpeopleinelegantplaces

Summer Finery at the Gothic Bar ✨️

On Friday we braved the sultry weather at the latest event organised by @lj_1965 @wonderland_ct 🥂

Thank you to Luigi and @barbara_giurastante for bringing the commemorative plaque from @dandydays_arezzo, a way to thank us for our participation back in June 2024 🎩

Wonderful evening, looking forward to the next ♥️✨️

#elegantpeopleinelegantplaces

Unpublished shots from our penultimate day in Siena and our final dinner in a jasmine-filled (ah, the olfactive memories) restaurant in Lucignano della Chiana 🌞🥂

Unpublished shots from our penultimate day in Siena and our final dinner in a jasmine-filled (ah, the olfactive memories) restaurant in Lucignano della Chiana 🌞🥂

Impromptu decision of taking a quickstep dance class at the @candlelightclub Summer Ball hosted by @blacktieballroomclub 👠✨️

Photos by @sclaytonhartley 📸

#candelightclub#dance#dancing#quickstep#blacktie

Impromptu decision of taking a quickstep dance class at the @candlelightclub Summer Ball hosted by @blacktieballroomclub 👠✨️

Photos by @sclaytonhartley 📸

#candelightclub#dance#dancing#quickstep#blacktie

Royal Ascot 2024 🐎🥂

#ascot#ascotracecourse#racecourse

Royal Ascot 2024 🐎🥂

#ascot#ascotracecourse#racecourse

And I am off to the races 🐎

Ascot Racecourse 2024 🥂

#ascot#ascotracecourse

And I am off to the races 🐎

Ascot Racecourse 2024 🥂

#ascot#ascotracecourse

Arezzo 🌞

Still baffled by the size, the selection and the quality of the antiques market, the oldest and largest in Italy!

Favourite antiques shop in photo 1, including an incredible selection of corals and a 1700 baby crib! 🪸⚱️

#arezzo#tuscany#toscana#antiques

Arezzo 🌞

Still baffled by the size, the selection and the quality of the antiques market, the oldest and largest in Italy!

Favourite antiques shop in photo 1, including an incredible selection of corals and a 1700 baby crib! 🪸⚱️

#arezzo#tuscany#toscana#antiques

Day 2 at @dandydays_arezzo 🖤

Polaroid by @paolo_ferruzzi

#dandydays#dandydaysarezzo#arezzo#vintage#élégance

Day 2 at @dandydays_arezzo 🖤

Polaroid by @paolo_ferruzzi

#dandydays#dandydaysarezzo#arezzo#vintage#élégance

With old & new elegant friends and acquaintances at @dandydays_arezzo ✨️🌹

Also, thank you @sclaytonhartley for capturing the infamous interview with TG5 😎

#dandydays#dandydaysarezzo#arezzo#tuscany#elegance#vintage#dandy

With old & new elegant friends and acquaintances at @dandydays_arezzo ✨️🌹

Also, thank you @sclaytonhartley for capturing the infamous interview with TG5 😎

#dandydays#dandydaysarezzo#arezzo#tuscany#elegance#vintage#dandy

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@valeriedemerteuil

About the Author

Valeria Pugliese

Sicilian turned Londoner, writing about decadent prose and pleasures, art and symbols, insights and life.

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