The Party (La Festa)

Client entertainment – super bowl parties --- after parties - dinners – lunches all to show the client your appreciation.  Some extravagant, some not,  but they all take time, organization, and money.  The work falls on the few but they make all the difference for the many.  Not sure if the attendees are either aware or fully appreciate the individual effort it takes to put on a party for hundreds, especially if it is a full sit-down meal in a remote location.  I was fortunate to be invited to such a party and this is my thank you for all the work and all the effort, care, and love that went into creating this event for 250 people.

To accomplish this task there needs to be a leader as nothing gets done without a visionary and a driver to keep everyone in motion.  For this event it was the amazingly talented Giulia.  Not just The General Manager of Isaia (The Worldwide Fashion Brand) but the overall source of all knowledge of the island of  Capri, Isaia, and it seems to me for everything else. Clearly a force to be reckoned  with for all things Italian.   She was assisted by the beautiful and efficient Antea and a host of team members who helped make everyone feel special and attended to.  There, of course, are the guests who take it upon themselves to change the table placements because, well, some just cannot resist, but these party hosts made even those disruptions solvable with limited drama.  I am disappointed that I cannot remember all of the names but I hope you will know that your amazing work and gracious hospitality was noticed.    Then there are my pals Patrick of Milano and Tarek of San Francisco. These are the people for whom you travel around the world to see and the people that make Gianluca Isaia, the third generation Chief Executive Officer,  look every bit the respected fashion icon and marketing innovator as he roamed the floor in distinctive blue with his signature sandals. .

The event:

Capri, Italia

A ferry ride from Capri to Nerano for a lunch and after party.  Lo Scoglio da Tommaso, this restaurant is built over a large boulder bordering a beautiful blue clearwater bay. The food and wine never stopped. Place cards for everyone. The service was beyond the possible as wine glasses were never empty and the food promptly served and perfect.  The after lunch Sgroppino Ceremony was spectacular – super fun and ---- “Could I have one more please?” To give you an idea of just how much fun this event was – I arrived at 12:30 pm and left at 8:00pm and I was definitely not the last to leave.

There is something “so Italian” to be in and of the moment.  You might have thought this was “the last” party but , no, it was just a great party.  The service was not only good but the camerieri  were super fun and enjoying the party.  I wanted them to sit down and  join the party.   They were definitely part of the party.  Giulia had managed to put together the perfect event for the time of day and for this disparate worldwide assemblage of people who did not know each other. They were bonded by the love of the brand, Isaia, and the artistry of its design.  More than just clothing, this brand has managed to impart a feeling of family not only with employees but with clients. Gianluca Isaia was present and available to all as he stopped at every table to say hello and chat about whatever was immediately important to talk about.

Thank you is not enough to acknowledge the many behind the scenes who made this event  happen – Giulia Natale is the leader and guide that managed to bring together this eclectic and elegant group.  She provided the venue for all to embrace the moment and enjoy the brilliant Italian sun and the stunning Amalfi waters.  For those few hours all of the issues of the day were put aside allowing a moment of friendship and beauty in Italia, il bel paese.

Grazie mille---Grazie Tantissimo---Grazie Proprio

Spero ci vediamo presto!!!

(My apologies to my readers for missing the last two weeks —- now you know why —- My bad)