For Italian interior and furniture designer Tommaso Spinzi, good design is all about storytelling. Unattached to any specific style, he believes that design should reflect the personality and style of the user. When it came to his own studio in Milan, Spinzi Design, he boldly filled the space with a diverse collection of art and design that reflect his creative spirit and inspirations. Today we discover his personal style and true passions…
Over the years, I have gradually evolved my sense of style with the aim of giving a similar aesthetic to everything I do. From interior design, to furniture, from clothing to car styling, I’m always driven by the same core ideas and inspirations. The distinguished yet discreet style of Milano, the beauty found in industrial details, the precision of engines and mechanical components, everything concurs to define our approach to work and life.
Since I’m always on the move, I look for garments that are dynamic and comfortable, without having to give up on class of course. I don’t like my outfits to be too dressy: I enjoy wearing clothes that instead show a connection with the world of automotive - like a work jacket or a pair of cargo pants.
When walking around Milano, I breathe in the heritage of the city. Going around by feet, on the tram or with a Vespa, I feel suspended between the industrial past and the dynamic future. On lake Como I like to take a more relaxed approach to life, roaming around on the lake in a classic boat and drawing inspiration from the rich details of its classical villas. The nature there has the power to recharge me, and to bring countless new ideas to my mind!
What is your signature style when it comes to interior design?
All my creations denote a strong connection to the world of mechanics and automotive: through details, big or small, I always put a nod to that in my creations. Especially in these last two years, with the launch of collections like Meccano and Lamé, I think that has become pretty evident.
How is your dressing style defined?
I am always on the go (and sometimes running around), so I love to dress comfortably without giving up on class. That’s why my outfits are never too dressy and focus on practicality. I love field jackets, blazers and the occasional cargo pants. I don’t like to wear flashy colours and garments that scream, I definitely prefer to pair similar colors and harmonize the whole outfit.
What about Italy is so important to you and why?
Italy is the country I love, and the place where my roots are. I was born and raised here, and even though I enjoyed spending ten years living abroad, at one point I realized that I missed everything that makes Italy… Italy. The food, the friendly noise of its streets, the landscapes… Wherever I am in Italy, I feel at home.
What is your favourite piece of clothing you would not part with?
It is not a particular piece of clothing, but rather a type. I couldn’t live without a blue work jacket! I have lots of them, and they’re definitely my favourite pieces to wear.
What's the best type of food to eat at this time of year?
Since we’re heading to spring, and there will be more and more fresh vegetables, a big salad is my go to lunch most of the time, especially at the studio. That’s a healthy and tasteful lunch, perfect to enjoy your break from work.
What is your favourite celebration cocktail?
A dry Martini with a twist: a black olive instead of the regular green! The secret for the perfect Martini is definitely the temperature. Everything, glass included, needs to be ice-cold.
What are you up to right now?
I can’t tell you much about our upcoming projects, but we’re focusing on some collaborations that might come out in the next few months. We believe that you’re always stronger together, so partnering with some friends and artists will definitely lead to interesting outcomes…
What have you come to appreciate this year?
The beauty of a well designed, well furnished home. As everyone else on the planet, I was forced to stay at home a lot this year, and therefore I am grateful that my house felt like a safe, welcoming nest even in those uncertain months of total lockdown and frightening news from outside.
The Venetian Legend that still lives up to its name where culture and character welcomes you in style. Harry’s Bar takes its name from Businessman Harry Pickering who generously offered ambitious entrepreneur Giuseppe Cipriani the opportunity to open his own bar in return for covering Harry's hotel tab and travel back to America upon a previous visit to Venice. In 1931 Giuseppe Cipriani founded the world famous Harry's Bar Venice, where a legacy grew for food, and culture.
Harry's Bar
Notable for its patrons who frequented the bar is still the place to be seen. Everyone from the great Luminaries of Artist, Writers, Painters, Aristocrats to Monarch’s have passed through its doors. Undoubtedly dubbed one of the most iconic bars in Venice, Harry's bar is known as the birthplace of the world’s ubiquitous cocktails we know today. The bar famous for its dry martini is home of the Carpaccio and the Bellini that pays homage to fifteenth century Venetian Painter Giovanni Bellini who inspired it.
Once you get acquainted with the thriving cultures of the city discover the traditional Aperitivo to whet your appetite in the warm and intimate ambience of Harrys, opened since May 1931. Conveniently located just a short gondola ride away across the Grand Canal from the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Harrys bar has been at the forefront of Venetian history that was declared a National landmark by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage in 2001.
Interview with Arrigo Cipriani
For decades now, Arrigo Cipriani has been a protagonist of Italian dining with his legendary Harry's Bar in Venice, where he has continued his father, Giuseppe's, mission. Here we reveal his sharp sense of humour and true extracts of the philosophy that stands behind the success of the enterprise.
How is your dressing style defined?
I wear classic suits. I will never wear those awful skinny trousers. They make men look like ostriches.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
A smile is the best way to start your service.
Many Icons came to Harry’s Bar, and still do today. What is the secret to its success?
The absence of any imposition.
What is your favourite celebration cocktail and what is the secret to make that cocktail/drink perfect?
Martini cocktail. It is the only existing dry taste. It has to be dry and cold. Strong but smooth.
What is your favorite dish?
Risotto
Tell us something that people do not know about you.
I am crazy. But nobody knows.
Who is your style icon and why?
I didn't know icons were still alive.
Where is your favorite place to travel to?
Punta del Este, Uruguay.
Mr Cipriani
What is your favorite book and why?
It has to have a soul, must be easy reading and short. For instance my book I wrote back in ‘96 - Anch'io ti amo, by Arrigo Cipriani
If I weren’t doing what I do, what would you be doing?
Car racing. Fishing, Sailing, and running my restaurant. Which is what I do when I am free.
What have you learnt to appreciate in 2020?
Stupidity.
Harry's Bar is the eponymous bar and restaurant near St Marks Waterfront in Venice has long been frequented by famous faces as it once was a favourite drinking spot of Ernest Hemingway. No matter where he went, Hemingway visited the finest restaurants and bars from Paris to Venice-often mentioning these places in his novels.The Restaurant and Bar at Harrys offers a delightful gastronomic experience that has been at the heart of culture and cuisine for decades serving national culinary treasures that have a story tell of their own through delicate and appetizing classic Italian dishes inspired by tradition and it's heritage.
Reminisce about the life and times of the legendary Harry's Bar Venice a meeting place for artists, literary writers, models to actors of the stage and screen houses a luxurious restaurant whose delicious concoctions and elegant decor has remained at the helm of one of the world’s most acclaimed watering holes for nearly a century.
Admire the picturesque views of the scenic Grand Canal waterfront drifting afloat on gondolas, before making Harrys your final stop by unravelling the rich history and patronage of the Ciprianis Legacy.
Re-live the memories of Hemingway’s 1948 novel Across the River and into the Tree’s that evokes the scenes set in the fabled watering hole. Let tradition inspire you to mimic the luminary mannerisms of their eating and drinking habits keeping the nostalgia alive in the floating city with Bellini Cocktails served with white peaches and prosecco sparkling white wine fit for Wells and Waugh. Upon arrival the delightful pleasure of culinary treasures awaits you at Harrys.
For the occasion, change into the finest cashmere polo sweater paired with a classic understated brushed cotton shirt ready for your rendezvous at the bar where you’ll be in great company. It comes as no surprise Harrys impressive listing of drinks includes ‘Signature Dry Martini’ as the Dandy style cocktail of choice cited by Waugh’s novel Brideshead Revisited.
For Italian interior and furniture designer Tommaso Spinzi, good design is all about storytelling. Unattached to any specific style, he believes that design should reflect the personality and style of the user. When it came to his own studio in Milan, Spinzi Design, he boldly filled the space with a diverse collection of art and design that reflect his creative spirit and inspirations. Today we discover his personal style and true passions…
Over the years, I have gradually evolved my sense of style with the aim of giving a similar aesthetic to everything I do. From interior design, to furniture, from clothing to car styling, I’m always driven by the same core ideas and inspirations. The distinguished yet discreet style of Milano, the beauty found in industrial details, the precision of engines and mechanical components, everything concurs to define our approach to work and life.
Since I’m always on the move, I look for garments that are dynamic and comfortable, without having to give up on class of course. I don’t like my outfits to be too dressy: I enjoy wearing clothes that instead show a connection with the world of automotive - like a work jacket or a pair of cargo pants.
When walking around Milano, I breathe in the heritage of the city. Going around by feet, on the tram or with a Vespa, I feel suspended between the industrial past and the dynamic future. On lake Como I like to take a more relaxed approach to life, roaming around on the lake in a classic boat and drawing inspiration from the rich details of its classical villas. The nature there has the power to recharge me, and to bring countless new ideas to my mind!
What is your signature style when it comes to interior design?
All my creations denote a strong connection to the world of mechanics and automotive: through details, big or small, I always put a nod to that in my creations. Especially in these last two years, with the launch of collections like Meccano and Lamé, I think that has become pretty evident.
How is your dressing style defined?
I am always on the go (and sometimes running around), so I love to dress comfortably without giving up on class. That’s why my outfits are never too dressy and focus on practicality. I love field jackets, blazers and the occasional cargo pants. I don’t like to wear flashy colours and garments that scream, I definitely prefer to pair similar colors and harmonize the whole outfit.
What about Italy is so important to you and why?
Italy is the country I love, and the place where my roots are. I was born and raised here, and even though I enjoyed spending ten years living abroad, at one point I realized that I missed everything that makes Italy… Italy. The food, the friendly noise of its streets, the landscapes… Wherever I am in Italy, I feel at home.
What is your favourite piece of clothing you would not part with?
It is not a particular piece of clothing, but rather a type. I couldn’t live without a blue work jacket! I have lots of them, and they’re definitely my favourite pieces to wear.
What's the best type of food to eat at this time of year?
Since we’re heading to spring, and there will be more and more fresh vegetables, a big salad is my go to lunch most of the time, especially at the studio. That’s a healthy and tasteful lunch, perfect to enjoy your break from work.
What is your favourite celebration cocktail?
A dry Martini with a twist: a black olive instead of the regular green! The secret for the perfect Martini is definitely the temperature. Everything, glass included, needs to be ice-cold.
What are you up to right now?
I can’t tell you much about our upcoming projects, but we’re focusing on some collaborations that might come out in the next few months. We believe that you’re always stronger together, so partnering with some friends and artists will definitely lead to interesting outcomes…
What have you come to appreciate this year?
The beauty of a well designed, well furnished home. As everyone else on the planet, I was forced to stay at home a lot this year, and therefore I am grateful that my house felt like a safe, welcoming nest even in those uncertain months of total lockdown and frightening news from outside.