Etro Takes Residency at Studio C in Montecito
Etro’s lush new spring ready-to-wear collection lands at Studio C in the Montecito Country Mart for a month-long residency, launching with trunk shows held on April 10 and 11
Veronica Etro’s exuberant designs are affecting on any given day, but in this moment, a year after the start of the pandemic, her bold combinations inspired by the Italian Riviera feel transformative. Etro’s lush new spring ready-to-wear collection, with prints drawn from the house’s 1990s archives — paired with rope bags, canvas totes and bright sandals — lands at Studio C in the Montecito Country Mart for a month-long residency, launching with trunk shows held on April 10 and 11.
Etro says she found herself playing Neapolitan songs on a restored record player as she created the collection of breezy seaside looks given a nautical twist with rope motifs, shells, anchors and summer stripes. Lightweight twill blazers top printed skirts made with archival prints initially inspired by frescos from Italian palazzos. A playful flag print from 1992, the Bandiere da Parata, is now a flowing skirt. The palm tree-strewn Albero delle Meraviglie print from 1993 tops a cotton belted maxi skirt. Elegant graphic foulard prints from 1994 and 1995 including the Trionfi e Soffitti and Palais Jamais brighten tossed-on looks.
A printed bikini in shades of aqua and turquoise blue paired with Bermuda pants, patchwork button-down shirts with multiple clashing paisley designs (an Etro signature), plus flowing tunics — particularly in the most vibrant shade of red — and upcycled denim all foster an elevated look that’s refreshingly uncomplicated. Utilitarian cork sandals with printed straps and bold metallic buckles plus woven belts with similarly eye-catching closures round out a refreshingly sweats-free collection.
“Etro’s lush new spring ready-to-wear collection lands at Studio C in the Montecito Country Mart for a month-long residency, launching with trunk shows held on April 10 and 11”
Knotted silk scarves worn as micro tops are a genius take on Riviera summer style, as are bustier tops paired with straight or tiered skirts in romantic sorbet-like shades of turquoise, mint, lime yellow, salmon, orange and lavender shot through with maritime hues of blue, red and white. Also new this season are the monochromatic paisley motifs. Etro even created a new logo character, the Pegasus-Triton, emblazoned on sporty cropped knit vests worn atop crisp striped shirts. This transporting jolt of elegant-yet-accessible Italian style couldn’t have come at a better time. 1016 Coast Village Rd., Montecito.
John De Bastiani
The interior designer’s new Montecito digs
In the dining room, vintage leather chairs sit atop a rug from Jamal’s Rug Collection in L.A.
The interior designer’s new Montecito digs
East Coast native and renowned interior designer John De Bastiani is no stranger to big cities. He’s lived and worked in Boston, Miami, and, most recently, L.A. A few months back he decided to shift his home base to Montecito, a quieter spot close to family and clients. In relocating, De Bastiani renovated a 1930s adobe home in Romero Canyon, applying his signature clean, comfortable aesthetic. New floors and French doors combine with original steel windows and collected décor for a look he calls airy and more “today.” As with most of his projects, a muted color palette makes for a relaxed mood that feels appropriate to a town like Santa Barbara. “Here you walk down the street, and everyone says hello and holds the door for you,” he says. “This feels like the Nantucket of the West Coast.” JOHNDD.COM. Jennifer Blaise Kramer
Wall Street
The calm, cool, and collected canvases of Colette Cosentino
The calm, cool, and collected canvases of Colette Cosentino
Artist Colette Cosentino in her studio flanked by two works in progress.
Wander into Colette Cosentino Atelier + Gallery and delight in the talents of the namesake owner, a decorative painter whose exquisite hand-painted murals adorn the town’s toniest walls. Cosentino also creates individual paintings, and the renowned house of Schumacher recently unveiled a wallpaper collection designed by the artist. 11 West Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, 805-570-9863, @colettecosentinoatelier, COLETTECOSENTINO.COM. L.D.P.
Rise and Shine
The Jeff Shelton-designed four-story Ablitt Tower on West Haley was (rather miraculously) built on a 20 x 20 foot lot in 2006.
Celebrating the traditions of southern Spain that inform the quintessential abodes of Southern California, The Spanish Style House: From Enchanted Andalusia to the California Dream (Rizzoli New York, $55)—written by Rubén G. Mendoza and photographed by Melba Levick—includes a walking tour of architect Jeff Shelton’s downtown Santa Barbara buildings.
Photograph: MELBA LEVICK, The Spanish Style House: From Enchanted Andalusia to the California Dream (Rizzoli New York, 2021).
Digital Sunsets
I enjoyed the task of illustrating each of these uniquely beautiful places
“I enjoyed the task of illustrating each of these uniquely beautiful places as it gave me the opportunity to explore the surrounding areas of Santa Barbara that are lesser known to me,” says the local artist whose vibrant works can be seen throughout “Block Party”. S.B. Must Dos Family trips to Hendry’s Beach. • Walking to La Bella Rosa Bakery for fresh concha. • Jogging through the streets of S.B. in search of my next Digital Sunsets composition. digitalsunsets.net
Miramar Reborn
At last, the long, long, long, long wait is over. The Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecito hotel has opened…
At last, the long, long, long, long wait is over. The Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecito hotel has opened with a flourish in its iconic oceanside setting, the culmination of developer Rick Caruso’s 12 years of patience and financial investment. Yes, the Pacific panorama is mesmerizing, but don’t be daunted by the shiny newness of the surroundings. Just give in to the seductive feeling you’ve been invited to a grand mansion or an elegant country club. The welcome mat is out for celebratory occasions as well as casual get-togethers and parties on the vast lawn. Locals have already discovered that the Manor Bar—with its old-school Rat Pack atmosphere—is the place to hang out in what is arguably the ultimate roadside attraction. Rates: From $800/night. 1759 S. Jameson Ln., Montecito, 805-900-8388. Joan Tapper