The Borgo De Nor Founders On Fashion, Travel & Food
Carmen Borgonovo, says…
Creative Director
I spend a lot of time in Francia Corta, Italy in a small town called Borgonato. Although I stay in my husband’s family home, there is the most beautiful spa and wellness hotel close by called L’albereta Relais Chateaux, which is set amongst rolling hills and vineyards. We often go for dinner or to enjoy a spa treatment.
Summer is always wonderful in Italy. The weather is perfect and there are so many things to do in the area – from long hikes in the mountains, sailing in the lakes (Lago di Garda and Lago D’ Iseo) and wine tasting. It's a region that’s not been fully discovered yet by tourists; there’s so much diversity and beauty on offer.
There is a little island in the middle of Lago D’Iseo called Monte Isola. I love bike riding around the island and then finishing with a lakeside lunch in any of the restaurants along the lake. It’s a jewel of a place, and worth the trip if you’re visiting the area.
The best views are among the vineyards.The beauty of the vines and rolling hills are breathtaking and there is something magical about taking a long hike in a mountain range, reaching the top and looking at the stunning farm land and lakes below.
The best place for sundowners is Lago Iseo. I love an apéritivo accompanied by a lakeside sunset. Heaven. For dinner afterwards I recently discovered a beautiful restaurant in a town called Rovato nearby called Trattoria Del Gallo.
For holiday, my must-pack beauty products are sunblock – protection is so important. I’m also never without Dr Barbara Sturm’s rich face cream. It’s so comforting and also protects your skin against free radicals. Hermès also makes beauty products now – I love this lip enhancer in the shade ‘Rose Abricote.’ If you’re having a bad hair day, then Living Proof’s perfecting spray is all you need, and I also love Trish McEvoy’s Beauty Booster Oil. My go-to fragrance is probably Neroli by Czech & Speake.
This year, I’m excited to hit the beach in some pieces from our new swimwear collaboration with Talia Collins. A good beach bag is also essential – I have my eye on this one from Saint Laurent.
The other pieces going in my suitcase are our Petra dress for sunset dinners. I also love the Esme style for long summer lunches and Gigi for a summer event. If you want to do some sightseeing in style, it has to be Eta and our Sunshine Girl t-shirt will look great over a bikini and worn with denim shorts. Finally, I think this Thakoon jumpsuit will work for so many occasions.
As for accessories, I can’t imagine I’ll take this anklet off all summer. These trainers by The Row will literally go with everything in my wardrobe and what is a good outfit without the perfect pair of sunglasses? For evenings, a stylish pair of flats will see you through.
Joana de Noronha, says…
Commercial Director
I’m originally from Portugal and tend to go home three or four times a year. The best time to visit is any time between May and July or September to November, when you can rely on the weather being warm and mostly sunny. Portugal is very relaxed but has become more popular and international in the past few years. Lisbon still has the flair of a Southern city, with lots of little ceramic and tile shops that I could spend hours in.
My favourite hotels in Portugal are the new Ivens Hotel in Lisbon and the Hotel das Amoreiras. I also love Quinta da Comporta. The service is great and the pools are the place to be in the summer. I often stay at my family’s house in Estoril, too. There are so many great houses to rent in Comporta if you want more space and seclusion.
My ideal evening would include sundowners and dinner at Sal by the beach and a stroll on the wide white sands of Comporta. The views are insane and you get the best sunsets there. Also, Colmo is fun and lively during the day and at night turns into a buzzing bar.
The best restaurants for long, lazy lunches are Taberna do Calhau, Tasca das Flores and Praia No Parque. There are so many, it’s hard to pick just one…
The must-pack beauty products on my list are Kiehl’s Intensively Hydrating Lip Mask and Estherderm’s Bronz Repair Moderate Sun which is really multifunctional – it stimulates tanning, prevents the first signs of ageing and firms the skin. Lastly, Bobbi Brown’s Pot Rouge comes in a handy travel-sized compact.
As for beach accessories a great straw hat is key. Maison Michel makes some of the best out there. I’ll be opting for a classic version.I never go anywhere without sunglasses, either – preferably these Ray Bans. And a good-sized beach bag is essential for throwing everything in. This Altuzzara one is on my wish list.
Other items on my summer packing list include some of my favourite Borgo De Nor dresses and swimsuits – our new capsule collection comes out in June, and I can’t wait to wear it.
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