EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW AND PHOTOS
ITALIAN FASHION DESIGNER
AT HER CHIC HOME IN ITALY’S EXCLUSIVE CORTINA D’AMPEZZO
Couturier Elisabetta Franchi brings the same passion to her homes as she does to her fashion collections and they’re infused with as much imagination. So at her family’s refuge in Italy’s Cortina D’Ampezzo she’s embraced the mountain mood in her own special way, turning a traditional chalet into a melange of warm sensuality and avant-garde style.
The creativity doesn’t stop there. As we see in these pictures, Elisabetta has even come up with fun custom outfits – such as a dirndl skirt with crop top and boots – to fit the scene.
All in all, it’s a true winter wonderland and she loves to share it. Giant toy bears welcome her guests and she gathers everyone around a rock-hewn fireplace or in her spectacular snow garden, as she tells us here.
How long have you had this house, Elisabetta?
“I bought it in 2010, after a long search. It’s a classic 1940s Ampezzan chalet and as soon as I saw it, I fell in love and bought it immediately.
“I believe you should respect a place that has welcomed you, but equally, I do have my own taste, so here among the beautiful Dolomites, I decided to amp up the mood and give it all a modern touch.”
What would you say were key elements of the renovation?
“Wood is very important because it makes up 80 per cent of the house. It was fired at a certain temperature to obtain this particular light shade. Then I wanted a touch of marble. The kind we’ve used looks as if it’s dusted with snow.
“As for the colour scheme, Is thought the traditional dark Cortina shades like burgundy would be too heavy, so I played with lighter ones like ecru, especially on the lower floors. And I used lots of mirrors, to add light and interesting perspectives.” Tell us about some of the spaces. “There are three living rooms, on different floors. In the one in the basement, a 23ft wall made of rock connects it to the floor above and gives a sense of height. Set into it is a fireplace that looks like a tongue of flame. The top salon is long and narrow, so I designed the sofas
