September in Auckland is filled with Italian-inspired events and exhibitions. Simply You asks Paolo Rotondo, owner of the Cinema Italiano Festival (Italian Film Festival), to share his top recommendations for how to make the most of this colourful month.
Palazzo Italia
“Saunter casually into Palazzo Italia for a cornetto and espresso,” says Rotondo.
Based on Kingdon Street in Newmarket, Palazzo Italia is passionate about promoting Italian food, style and culture.
Browse Italian homewares and ingredients while you are there and converse, in Italian or not, with the staff on their favourite Italian traditions.
The Corsini Collection
Anton Domenico Gabbiani, Glorification of the Corsini Family: Sketch for the Ceiling Fresco of the Presentation Room of the Palazzo 1694–95, oil on canvas, Florence, Galleria Corsini.
The Auckland Art Gallery’s highly-anticipated exhibition, The Corsini Collection, includes artworks from, and an insight to, art patrons and princely family, the Corsini.
This is the first time this collection of artworks has toured outside of Italy, and the first time a Florentine private collection will be displayed in New Zealand.
The exhibition will span across Renaissance and Baroque paintings by artists such as Botticelli, as well as sculpture, furniture, costumes, embroidery, games, kitchen equipment and a must-be-seen-to-be-believed lavish dining room set for six, all from the dynasty.
Non Solo Pizza
“Start at the Osteria front bar with a Peroni or apperitivo. After all, as Italians say, an apperitivo and snacks are supposed to inspire a real hunger. You will need it.”
Stay a while at Parnell institution Non Solo Pizza and indulge in a meal with friends and family by taking your time to enjoy each course of gourmet pizza, pasta and more.
Watch a film at The Bridgeway Cinemas
A scene from God Willing
Head to Northcote to see one of the many inspiring films on show during the Italian Film Festival, held at The Bridgeway Cinema.
The Simply You team is looking forward to seeing Solo (Assolo), a Woody Allen-esque film about a woman seeking to reclaim her life, as well as Italian box office hit God Willing (Se dio Vuole), a silly yet smart comedy about finding, and loosing, faith.
If you’d prefer to see a classic, you can’t go wrong with Audrey Hepburn’s Roman Holiday or Rocco and His Brothers (Rocco e il Suoi Fratelli), which renowned Italo-American filmmaker Martin Scorse played a part in restoring to movie screen quality.
Don’t forget to dress the part
Dressing to impress seems essential to any Italian outing. “This is a sign of respect to anyone you might meet,” says Rotond. “Dark glasses are essential even if overcast, we like to think sunny.”
Simply You‘s suggestions are clockwise from top left: Top, $159, by Seed Heritage. Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses, $610, from Sunglass Hut. Earrings, $59, by Ruby. Valentino heels, US$1,012, from Farfetch. Skirt, $499, by Trelise Cooper. Fendi bag, $2,005, from Matches fashion.
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