'High Society'

The sprawling estate of the Villa Impero required an uphill climb up a long cobblestone road – not an easy task in Stella McCartney heels. But the hike was only the beginning of what became a crowd brewing event worth much toe-pinching.

Marquis Mazzacorati commissioned the building of Villa Impero in the early 19th century as a popular spot for parties and ceremonies. Several hundred years later, the neoclassical villa is used for housing contemporary visual arts exhibitions.

The ninth annual Yoox party at Villa Impero was a celebration of fashion, art, music and design – the company is responsible for online brands Valentino, Emporio Armani, Emilio Pucci and recently launched D&G.

The lush forest behind the villa featured a photography exhibit from Yoox’s many fashion photographers. A concert stage erected to the far right, behind the canopied tables with wine and hors d’oeuvres, eventually gave way to performances by German group Chicks on Speed and DJ Spin.

Not particularly striking was the outside view of the villa itself, which I learned was due to recent renovations. A quick glance at the central back doors, which open unto a greenhouse-like patio, confirms this.

Yet the décor inside, especially the central hall where guests first mingled, is covered in frescoes by Gaetano Civoli. The paintings are lavish, mostly landscapes typical of the Bolognese school from that century. Ornate and harmonious, my eyes followed the frescoes up towards the ceiling. The second floor wrapped around the length of the central hall, with its series of connecting rooms.

Despite the humidity, the villa did hold up to a large crowd of fashionistas and executives who arrived on time for introductions and a video showing. The doors to the back opened just in time for the popping of vino blanco bottles and the serving of couscous imbedded chips.

“Oi, come stai?” fashion buyer Giorgio called out to me, wearing a cream-colored linen jacket.

“Non, c’e male,” I said. I looked over at a crowd of Italians laughing and drinking mojitos. “You know, you Italians know how to throw a party.”

Giorgio smiled. And I headed in the direction of a waving Martina, a friend and colleague who appeared taller, more elegant and bronzed than usual.

-S. Gonzalez