travel
AT HOTEL CRISTALLO, A CELEBRATION OF FEMALE CRAFTSMANSHIP CULMINATES IN AN ALL NEW COLLECTION.
- BY dressingscreen
- July 9, 2022
- 4:28 pm
Cortina, Queen of the Dolomites. Already in the mid-nineteenth century, the railways reached its borders bringing the first affluent Anglo-Saxon, German and Russian travellers to discover its beautiful mountains with intriguing pink hues. Endeared by Hemingway and the Savoys as a prime destination for the Italian (and often international) jet-set, Hotel Cristallo’s splendour still endures today as a one-of-a-kind luxury five-star hotel.
A story that began in 1901, the hotel celebrates its 120th anniversary this year with a special tribute: an homage to local designers and artisans, whose craftsmanship has resulted in an unprecedented collection comprised of clothes and jewels, home décor and accessories. Today, the TDS Italian Grand Tour, which last year began its journey throughout Italy highlighting the artisanal treasures of Italy’s most majestic hotels, explores the wonders of Hotel Cristallo.
“The Cristallo Hotel reopened completely, after having been renovated by my grandfather in 2001 and, today we celebrate 120 years,” says Maria Giulia Gualandi, spokesperson for the activities related to the anniversary. Maria Giulia is also active in the digital marketing and events arm of the Bolognese family business.
The hotel houses 74 rooms, including splendid suites, a frescoed spa and deluxe gym. Its bistro, veranda and Gazebo restaurant are a shrine of the gourmand world and are overseen by renowned chef Marco Pinelli.
“Taking on this innovative project was really spontaneous: a collection created to find not only initiatives that would enhance the Cristallo’s prestige, but also represent something positive for the local community,” says Maria Giulia. There is a strong bond among the women of this hotel … On the occasion of Women’s Day they proved their dedication and proposed a long list of Italian artisans and creatives and Made in Italy products. “We had to narrow the list down. It was very difficult! The result? Works crafted by thirty artisans for a total of about 40 pieces, presented at the beginning of July in the hotel with a great event.”
Maria Giulia’s favorites? Among them is the iconic Dolomié 1224 coffee table that echoes the territory’s charm, by Angelica De Paolis. From its crystal apex you can glimpse spirals of galvanized copper. Its lines evoke the “enrosadira”: a phenomenon whereby many peaks of the Dolomites take on a reddish color at sunrise and sunset.
The Ice & Rock glasses by Glenda Menia Cadore are also ready to wear: “Their maxi line is very exuberant, but I wear it perfectly. They are treated in detail, the case is like a small handbag!” Cellulose acetate, iridescent in sunlight, its material represents “crystal” in all its facets and conveys the beauty of the Dolomites, from its soil to its glaciers.
Also worth mentioning is the sustainable maxi vest line jacket by Uplà, Elisabetta Venturelli’s eco brand:
“They are garments made with repurposed recycled materials. A versatile and elegant garment, that makes a great impact,” says Maria Giulia describing the jacket like detailed etching and stitching that naturally recalls the facets of Crystal.
Why not let yourself be captivated by the fairytale charm of DZOYÉ’s Soques (traditional Aosta Valley footwear). Where a precious oval and retro cameo emerges from the blue background: alternating on the right the iconic silhouette of the Cristallo Resort and, on the left, the profile of the Tofane, surrounded by garlands and floral details. To truly feel like queen of the Dolomites.
