He’s a future-oriented chef, with a strong belief in relationships. She’s an art dealer turned host and champion for sustainable social connections. Together, they are a powerful influence in culture and positive change. They’re changing the conversation on food. From world-famous Osteria Francescana to people-conscious Food for Soul, they bring experience to life.
Brunello Cucinelli, Style with Substance
They call Cucinelli the Franciscan of cashmere for a reason. A self-made person, Brunello believes in communicating emotion, in integrating mind and heart. His most prized value is tolerance. He also believes that the decision about what constitutes value is yours.
Women of impact: Maria Montessori, Broke Gender Barriers
She was born in 1870. Maria was a sterling student, confident, ambitious, and unwilling to be limited by traditional expectations for women. She broke gender barriers at 13 by entering an all-boys technical institute to prepare for a career in engineering.
Vespa, an Icon of Style
It looks like a wasp – a narrow waist and a rounded butt. Perfect for the times in more than one way in 1946. The shape suited La Dolce Vita style popularized by American movies in the 1950s and 60s. Many consider it the apex of Italian design. It became a symbol of carefree youth.
Women of Impact: Rita Levi-Montalcini
She lived a long life, left a legacy in neuroembryology, but it wasn’t easy. Consider when she was born, in 1909. Rita Levi-Montalcini was a small woman – 5-foot three (1.62 meters), but her stature in Italy and the world grew very large.
Substance with Style, the Olivetti Way
In the 1950’s Olivetti created one of the most iconic typewriters in the world. The founders also invented the co-working space and laid the vision for a human city. Italy and the rest of the world are still catching up.
