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Vogue
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
Haute Priests—Dolce & Gabbana Present Their Alta Sartoria at Rome's Castel Sant'Angelo
How do you follow a women's show of Fellini-esque proportions at the Roman Forum? If you're Dolce & Gabbana, with a men's show at the Ponte di Castel Sant'Angelo. The circa 134 AD bridge was built by Emperor Hadrian to connect Rome's city center to his future mausoleum. Over the centuries, the ancient builing was transformed into a medeival fortress, a papal residence, and the backdrop for a scene in Roman Holiday. Tonight the castle was lit up like a movie set with klieg lights and scores of Cinecittà extras vamping as cardinals. Conclave II might be a good name for the would-be film. Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana took priestly garb as their subject, and they left no hem unturned in their study, which ranged from the ascetic to the ornate, emphasis on the ornate: There were starched linen tunics that looked like fashionable updates to the traditional surplice, double-breasted suits dressed up with bejeweled crosses, and dramatic papal robes lavished with crystal embroideries.
Vogue
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
Live at the Forum! Dolce & Gabbana Bring Alta Moda to Rome
The Roman Forum at dusk—that was the monumental setting for Dolce & Gabbana's Alta Moda show tonight. The collection, which paraded down the Via Sacra, the first street in Ancient Rome, paid homage to both the city's historical classicism and its 1950 and '60s excesses, though a guest who knows the difference observed it was more Satyricon than La Dolce Vita. Not far from the Basilica of Maxentius, a Julius Caesar-type and a lyre player took pictures with guests; curly haired men in colorful robes basked in the golden hour sun on the steps of the Temple of Antonius and Faustina; and in the central piazza under the shadow of the Temple of Castor and Pollux, theater troupes, armored soldiers, and vestal virgins crisscrossed the runway as people took their seats. It was a feast for the eyes—and that doesn't even take into account the 450-plus Dolce & Gabbana clients from around the world who descended on the Eternal City for the show, each one trying to outdo the other in haute couture and high jewelry. Surrealismo! Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have been making Alta Moda collections for 12 years, building their clientele not just with their one-of-a-kind clothes, but with their spectacular locations: Taormina and Siracusa in Dolce's native Sicilia, Venezia, Napoli, Portofino—the list goes on. Why put off Rome for so long? Dolce, who took his bow solo, having watched the show from the front row alongside Cher, Erling Haaland, Isabella Rossellini, and Christian Bale said, quite simply, 'these people have a vision about beauty.' (Gabbana could not attend for family reasons.) Since it's the ne plus ultra of Italian cities—all roads lead there, etc., etc.—Dolce didn't do anything by half-measures. It began with a deep red velvet cape over a strapless dress, the capitoline wolf (the symbol of the city) picked out in sequins on its skirt. Next, came a series of armored corsets of the sort the Roman emperors wore, made in gilded brass with flowing chiffon skirts. Stolae, the draped dresses popular in ancient times, were designed with padding at the torso to give them the three-dimensional folds of carved statues, an astonishing effect. Simpler versions in vivid colors were unadorned save for gilded brass belts, one of which read Vini Vidi Vici, though the sublimest of all were in silk velvet, one deep purple, the other yellow gold.
What's On
12-07-2025
- What's On
Where to eat, stay and explore in Rome, Italy
The Italian capital has long been a treasured draw on Europe's tourism map for its cultural highlights, incredible culinary scene and storied architecture that commands attention at every turn. But a new swathe of luxury restaurants and hotels are creating new reason to return to the Eternal City. Here, we revisit the best bits of Rome – and highlight the new icons travellers need to know about. The essential sights Rome's cultural fabric is built around historic monuments and storied ruins, and you can enjoy them all on foot – so long as you're willing to get your 10,000 steps in before lunch. Start at the Spanish Steps, also known as 'Scalinata della Trinita dei Monti', and enjoy panoramic city views from the top, before a steep climb of 135 steps takes you to the picturesque Piazza di Spagna at the base. From here, wander 650 metres further into the city to reach one of Rome's most timeless icons – the Trevi Fountain. A Baroque-style marvel carved out in the 18th Century, it features 20 metres of intricate sculptural design, including an iconic sculpture of the Roman god, Neptune. Be sure to take a coin to toss into the fountain – legend says that if you toss a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain, it guarantees a return to Rome. Just be prepared to wait your turn – unless you're going at sunrise, throngs of tourists will likely be ahead of you. A short walk away takes culture seekers to The Pantheon, another unmissable stop on our whirlwind tour of Rome's big-hitting icons. This architectural marvel is more than 2,000 years old, built between 25 and 27 BC, then radically reconstructed between 118 and 125 AD. While you can simply marvel at its detailed inscriptions and ornate columns from the outside, you can also explore inside the basilica, which is still used as an active place of worship. Skip-the-line tickets pre-booked online start from EUR15 (Dhs65), including an audio guide. From the Pantheon, a short walk takes you to Monument Victor Emanuel II, the Roman Forum and the ruins that surround the Colosseum, where our walking tour concludes. Start at the monument of the first king of Italy, built to commemorate the unification of Italy in 1861, then journey past ruins of historic castles, historic temples and ancient forums before reaching the Colosseum. From the outside, you can admire the fascinating façade of this 189m long, 156m wide amphitheatre. But to really understand the true majesty, book a guided tour that takes you inside, accessing the arena floor, underground dungeons and gladiator's entrance. The reservations to make For fine dining: Gigi Rigolatto On the rooftop of the newly reimagined Orient Express La Minerva comes Gigi, from Dubai-born Rikas Hospitality and French lifestyle brand Paris Society. An elevated alfresco address, sharing plates of elevated Italian classics are served up in a refined setting, backdropped by stretching city views. @gigi_restaurant_roma For authentic eats: La Canonica Tucked down a side street in Rome's beloved foodie neighbourhood of Trastevere, La Canonica is a cosy ristorante where guests dine alfresco under warm lanterns, against a wall of twinkling fairy lights. Think crunchy base pizzas with gooey cheese and fresh tomato bases, or hearty pans of al dente pasta made with family recipes. @lacanonicatrastevere For rooftop drinks: Divinity Terrace Hidden in plain sight in the heart of the city, the Divinity Lounge sits atop The Pantheon Hotel, and offers panoramic views of the city. Come for drinks – there's an extensive cocktail list shaken up by the expert mixology team – but be sure to stick around for the golden sunset. @thepantheonhotel The stay: The grand dame There's an old-world glamour to Hotel de Russie, one of the inimitable Rocco Forte hospitality portfolio icons. A time capsule of Rome's golden age, you're drawn into the hotel's vibrant personality and rich soul the second you're greeted by the smartly dressed doormen. The interiors are beautiful – pops of rust red and emerald green on the soft furnishings, the lobby and lounge peppered with handpicked artefacts and ceramics. But it's the natural light flooding in from the courtyard that draws you back outside, where the hotel's true magnificence is revealed in all its glory. Here, you'll find Hotel de Russie's crown jewels – the Stravinskij Bar, Le Jardin restaurant, and the gloriously verdant secret garden, a true oasis where guests can enjoy leisurely post-breakfast strolls or pre-aperitivo wanders and drink in their splendour. The hotel's restaurant and duo of bars are exceptional. At Le Jardin, breakfast is a leisurely affair where tiers of continental dishes – think fresh fruits, homemade pastries and cured meats are arranged inside the beautifully painted restaurant. While the charismatic maître d' Mario choreographs orders of a la carte eggs, fluffy pancakes and omelettes made to order. Guests sit at tables in the serene garden courtyard, freshly ironed white tablecloths adorning the tables that give a formality, but don't feel stuffy. It's grand and glamourous, and the perfect way to start the day. New for 2025 is the Aquazzura bar, adjacent to Jardin de Russie, and an enigmatic new spot for dining and imbibing before dinner. Opening from 5pm, it's where haute fashion and renowned hospitality bring all their best bits together under striped parasols for inventive twists on signature margaritas and mini tacos stuffed with lobster, beef tartare or tuna crudo. Guest rooms offer a welcome balance of traditional grandeur and contemporary touches. We loved the turn-down service complete with Irene Forte face mask, made using ingredients from the Rocco Forte base in Sicily. Our own room overlooking the rose-tinted courtyard was the perfect base for exploring the Eternal City's highlights. And when returning from a day of sightseeing, the gentle piano music drifting subtly from the Stravinskij Bar below was enough to draw us down to continue our evening on the buzzing alfresco terrace. To further aid relaxation, we retreat to one of Hotel de Russie's most delightful secret spaces – the spa. A recently reimagined addition to the hotel's sensational facilities, guests benefit from access to a bubbling indoor pool, adorned in blue mosaics that emulate the feel of calmly cascading waves of the sea. Room rates start from Dhs8,378 per room per night. @hotelderussie The stay: The ultra-luxury innovator Six Senses might not seem like a natural fit for the Eternal City, but Six Senses Rome – the brand's first urban address – is designed to stand out. Lacing its well-earned reputation as a wellness and sustainability pioneer into an 18th-century palazzo results in a zen-inducing stay rich with its own identity. A thoughtful restoration has preserved dazzling features like the ornate marble staircase with grand columns, and the hotel's façade, which blends in perfectly next to the adjacent 16th century church. But it's in its contemporary touches where this hotel earns its wow-factor. Guest rooms are modern and minimal, with a curated pillow menu, a complimentary mini-bar, and daily affirmations left at turndown, all part of the in-room experience. Dining and wellness spaces are also designed to dazzle. Once you've marvelled at the ornate grandeur of the lobby, you're led into a lush indoor-outdoor garden, where terracotta pots are filled with tropical plants, promoting a sense of calm and inviting guests to embrace nature, even in the heart of the city. A grand emerald marble bar marks the entrance to BIVIUM, a warm and homely all-day dining restaurant that provides a social setting by day, and a more sophisticated dining destination by night. An open kitchen, barista counter, and a gelateria tucked inside (where guests benefit from daily free ice-cream) are all designed to encourage connection and community. Upstairs, NOTOS is the new addition to the culinary scene at the hotel, and will undoubtedly become one of Rome's most alluring rooftop dining destinations. Here, the cuisine is as sublime as the panoramic city views, with low-lying lounge seating, bar tables, and restaurant seating all designed for balmy alfresco evenings. The hotel spa is where the two worlds of historic Rome and oriental Six Senses collide so harmoniously, and the resulting spa features ornate Roman baths, where engravings inspired by Roman gods and goddesses adorn smooth stone walls. The facilities are exceptional: think emotion showers spiked with the scents of mint and orange, a steam room and sauna, plus three baths that are hot, tepid and cold, designed to revitalise and refresh. What impresses most is the expert curation of activities available to guests. Each day, a board announces the daily events, which range from candle making in the Earth Lab to olive oil tasting at BIVIUM. Thoughtful, intentional and designed to inspire – much like the overarching hotel experience. Room rates start from Dhs5,812 per room per night. @sixsensesrome Images: What's On & Supplied
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Researchers reveal what Ancient Rome smelled like – and it's disgusting
The roar of the arena crowd, the bustle of the Roman forum, the grand temples, the Roman army in red with glistening shields and armour – when people imagine ancient Rome, they often think of its sights and sounds. We know less, however, about the scents of ancient Rome. We cannot, of course, go back and sniff to find out. But the literary texts, physical remains of structures, objects, and environmental evidence (such as plants and animals) can offer clues. So what might ancient Rome have smelled like? Honestly, often pretty rank. In describing the smells of plants, author and naturalist Pliny the Elder uses words such as iucundus (agreeable), acutus (pungent), vis (strong), or dilutus (weak). None of that language is particularly evocative in its power to transport us back in time, unfortunately. But we can probably safely assume that, in many areas, Rome was likely pretty dirty and rank-smelling. Property owners did not commonly connect their toilets to the sewers in large Roman towns and cities – perhaps fearing rodent incursions or odours. Roman sewers were more like storm drains, and served to take standing water away from public areas. Professionals collected faeces for fertiliser and urine for cloth processing from domestic and public latrines and cesspits. Chamber pots were also used, which could later be dumped in cesspits. This waste disposal process was just for those who could afford to live in houses; many lived in small, non-domestic spaces, barely furnished apartments, or on the streets. A common whiff in the Roman city would have come from the animals and the waste they created. Roman bakeries frequently used large lava stone mills (or 'querns') turned by mules or donkeys. Then there was the smell of pack animals and livestock being brought into town for slaughter or sale. The large 'stepping-stones' still seen in the streets of Pompeii were likely so people could cross streets and avoid the assorted feculence that covered the paving stones. Disposal of corpses (animals and human) was not formulaic. Depending on the class of the person who had died, people might well have been left out in the open without cremation or burial. Bodies, potentially decaying, were a more common sight in ancient Rome than now. Suetonius, writing in the first century CE, famously wrote of a dog carrying a severed human hand to the dining table of the Emperor Vespasian. In a world devoid of today's modern scented products – and daily bathing by most of the population – ancient Roman settlements would have smelt of body odour. Classical literature has some recipes for toothpaste and even deodorants. However, many of the deodorants were to be used orally (chewed or swallowed) to stop one's armpits smelling. One was made by boiling golden thistle root in fine wine to induce urination (which was thought to flush out odour). The Roman baths would likely not have been as hygienic as they may appear to tourists visiting today. A small tub in a public bath could hold between eight and 12 bathers. The Romans had soap, but it wasn't commonly used for personal hygiene. Olive oil (including scented oil) was preferred. It was scraped off the skin with a strigil (a bronze curved tool). This oil and skin combination was then discarded (maybe even slung at a wall). Baths had drains – but as oil and water don't mix, it was likely pretty grimy. The Romans did have perfumes and incense. The invention of glassblowing in the late first century BCE (likely in Roman-controlled Jerusalem) made glass readily available, and glass perfume bottles are a common archaeological find. Animal and plant fats were infused with scents – such as rose, cinnamon, iris, frankincense and saffron – and were mixed with medicinal ingredients and pigments. The roses of Paestum in Campania (southern Italy) were particularly prized, and a perfume shop has even been excavated in the city's Roman forum. The trading power of the vast Roman empire meant spices could be sourced from India and the surrounding regions. There were warehouses for storing spices such as pepper, cinnamon and myrrh in the centre of Rome. In a recent Oxford Journal of Archaeology article, researcher Cecilie Brøns writes that even ancient statues could be perfumed with scented oils. Sources frequently do not describe the smell of perfumes used to anoint the statues, but a predominantly rose-based perfume is specifically mentioned for this purpose in inscriptions from the Greek city of Delos (at which archaeologists have also identified perfume workshops). Beeswax was likely added to perfumes as a stabiliser. Enhancing the scent of statues (particularly those of gods and goddesses) with perfumes and garlands was important in their veneration and worship. The ancient city would have smelt like human waste, wood smoke, rotting and decay, cremating flesh, cooking food, perfumes and incense, and many other things. It sounds awful to a modern person, but it seems the Romans did not complain about the smell of the ancient city that much. Perhaps, as historian Neville Morley has suggested, to them these were the smells of home or even of the height of civilisation. Thomas J. Derrick is a Gale Research Fellow in Ancient Glass and Material Culture at Macquarie University This article was originally published by The Conversation and is republished under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article
The Independent
02-07-2025
- General
- The Independent
Researchers reveal what Ancient Rome smelled like – and it's disgusting
The roar of the arena crowd, the bustle of the Roman forum, the grand temples, the Roman army in red with glistening shields and armour – when people imagine ancient Rome, they often think of its sights and sounds. We know less, however, about the scents of ancient Rome. We cannot, of course, go back and sniff to find out. But the literary texts, physical remains of structures, objects, and environmental evidence (such as plants and animals) can offer clues. So what might ancient Rome have smelled like? Honestly, often pretty rank. In describing the smells of plants, author and naturalist Pliny the Elder uses words such as iucundus (agreeable), acutus (pungent), vis (strong), or dilutus (weak). None of that language is particularly evocative in its power to transport us back in time, unfortunately. But we can probably safely assume that, in many areas, Rome was likely pretty dirty and rank-smelling. Property owners did not commonly connect their toilets to the sewers in large Roman towns and cities – perhaps fearing rodent incursions or odours. Roman sewers were more like storm drains, and served to take standing water away from public areas. Professionals collected faeces for fertiliser and urine for cloth processing from domestic and public latrines and cesspits. Chamber pots were also used, which could later be dumped in cesspits. This waste disposal process was just for those who could afford to live in houses; many lived in small, non-domestic spaces, barely furnished apartments, or on the streets. A common whiff in the Roman city would have come from the animals and the waste they created. Roman bakeries frequently used large lava stone mills (or 'querns') turned by mules or donkeys. Then there was the smell of pack animals and livestock being brought into town for slaughter or sale. The large 'stepping-stones' still seen in the streets of Pompeii were likely so people could cross streets and avoid the assorted feculence that covered the paving stones. Disposal of corpses (animals and human) was not formulaic. Depending on the class of the person who had died, people might well have been left out in the open without cremation or burial. Bodies, potentially decaying, were a more common sight in ancient Rome than now. Suetonius, writing in the first century CE, famously wrote of a dog carrying a severed human hand to the dining table of the Emperor Vespasian. Deodorants and toothpastes In a world devoid of today's modern scented products – and daily bathing by most of the population – ancient Roman settlements would have smelt of body odour. Classical literature has some recipes for toothpaste and even deodorants. However, many of the deodorants were to be used orally (chewed or swallowed) to stop one's armpits smelling. One was made by boiling golden thistle root in fine wine to induce urination (which was thought to flush out odour). The Roman baths would likely not have been as hygienic as they may appear to tourists visiting today. A small tub in a public bath could hold between eight and 12 bathers. The Romans had soap, but it wasn't commonly used for personal hygiene. Olive oil (including scented oil) was preferred. It was scraped off the skin with a strigil (a bronze curved tool). This oil and skin combination was then discarded (maybe even slung at a wall). Baths had drains – but as oil and water don't mix, it was likely pretty grimy. Scented perfumes The Romans did have perfumes and incense. The invention of glassblowing in the late first century BCE (likely in Roman-controlled Jerusalem) made glass readily available, and glass perfume bottles are a common archaeological find. Animal and plant fats were infused with scents – such as rose, cinnamon, iris, frankincense and saffron – and were mixed with medicinal ingredients and pigments. The roses of Paestum in Campania (southern Italy) were particularly prized, and a perfume shop has even been excavated in the city's Roman forum. The trading power of the vast Roman empire meant spices could be sourced from India and the surrounding regions. There were warehouses for storing spices such as pepper, cinnamon and myrrh in the centre of Rome. In a recent Oxford Journal of Archaeology article, researcher Cecilie Brøns writes that even ancient statues could be perfumed with scented oils. Sources frequently do not describe the smell of perfumes used to anoint the statues, but a predominantly rose-based perfume is specifically mentioned for this purpose in inscriptions from the Greek city of Delos (at which archaeologists have also identified perfume workshops). Beeswax was likely added to perfumes as a stabiliser. Enhancing the scent of statues (particularly those of gods and goddesses) with perfumes and garlands was important in their veneration and worship. An olfactory onslaught The ancient city would have smelt like human waste, wood smoke, rotting and decay, cremating flesh, cooking food, perfumes and incense, and many other things. It sounds awful to a modern person, but it seems the Romans did not complain about the smell of the ancient city that much. Perhaps, as historian Neville Morley has suggested, to them these were the smells of home or even of the height of civilisation.
