Working with my personal shopper from Net a Porter for over 10 years we had never actually met, as she called it, we were pen pals. Despite the countless invitations to several different events in London and abroad, somehow the stars never aligned for us to meet in person. Finally, she sent me a message about an event in Florence, and for no other than one of my top favorite brands which my closest consists most of – Khaite. To add cream to the pie it was hosted in one of my favorite cities Florence. Now that is an invitation you do not say no to, regardless of circumstances. I live 4 hours away from Florence and love to hotel hop during my various trips but since the company took care of everything, including travel arrangements and accommodation I was robbed of choice, however we were accommodated in one of the newest, most amazing properties in Florence Villa San Michele, which luckily I had not been to yet. In fact, it was freshly renovated and opened just in time for the Khaite event. I will not be reviewing the hotel in another article, because reviewing a hotel you didn’t pay for is gauche to say the least, but I will tell you that I was very impressed with the rooms.
Upon arrival we checked in to our rooms to refresh after our long drive, discovering the beautiful set of generous gifts from Net a Porter and Khaite – a book, matches and ashtray set, and a coveted long clutch from the Khaite NY newest collection (included with my selection below). Accompanied with a bowl of cherries – my favourite! I was in awe and ready to enjoy this incredible weekend filled with fashion, art, culture and the company of some of the most incredible, most successful and prominent women in the industry. Arrival was at leisure, so we got a coffee on the gorgeous hotel terrace overlooking Florence.
The ‘pre’ cocktail was at around 7pm prior to our private tour of the Rothko exhibition at the Pallazzo Strozzi in central Florence. Having the chance to roam the gallery in complete privacy is a luxury like no other, forget bags and shoes, anything short of accommodation does not compare. After enjoying this wonderful experience to the fullest I chose to walk to the restaurant – I mean its Florence. The walk is an experience of its own, especially since Trattoria Camillo was located over the bridge, so we had the privilege of admiring the sunset view over the Arno River. In an intimate setting I was sat down across from the Khaite New York CEO, titan of the fashion industry Brigitte Kleine, formerly the president of Tory Burch and to my right I had the CEO of Net a Porter, Heather Goldstein Kaminetsky who is a no less powerful player in the fashion industry heading one of the biggest retailers in the World. To say the conversation was flowing was to say nothing, I am an advocate for women’s empowerment and to be able to share a meal with these impressive women while indulging in conversation regarding the beauty of fashion and art was pure pleasure, made even more so by the delicious plates served by the Trattoria Camillo – y far one of the most delicious spots to eat in Florence.
The event was intimate and light, there was no bells and whistles, we were not obliged to be in attendance till the late hours, so after dessert we happily took one of the provided cars and left back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep. The following day was just as relaxed, breakfast and afternoon at leisure, we went out to town to see some friends who happened to be in Florence at the same time and then returned for some r&r by the pool at the Villa San Michele, before getting ready for dinner. Served in the hotel gardens, the dinner was set with a jaw dropping backdrop of Florence at sunset, we enjoyed our meal after Catherine Holstein (Cate aka Khaite) – the founder and designer of Khaite NY gave a welcome speech and thanked all her guests and especially team for making it all happen. We were grateful for the exquisite reception, delicious meal and prominent company but we were due to make our way back home straight after dinner, so after dessert we had to miss the after party. We collected our Hermes HAC weekend bags and made our way to the cars. Over dinner I got cold and took one of the blankets provided by the hotel, before getting into my car I asked if I could buy it as I am still cold, but the lady at reception graciously gifted me this blanket, because as she told me “you are the only one who asked, usually people just take them”. Thank you Villa San Michele. Thank you NET A Porter & Khaite New York for an unforgettable weekend in Florence.
Links to my selection
