Persol draws new inspiration from Casa Malaparte

A work of architectural genius becomes inspiration for a unique design Synonymous with class and great Italian quality, Persol will be celebrating its new Persol Capri Edition collection tomorrow at the Atra space at 1, Via Burlamacchi, Milan from 6 pm to 10 pm.   Capri is a wonderful island off the Gulf of Naples. Its enchanting beauty has long attracted internationally renowned poets, painters, actors and writers and it is probably one of the most iconic symbols of Italy's "Dolce Vita."   A special blend of history, nature, culture and events has spawned Capri's legendary status. A legend unrivalled anywhere in the world, adored by film idols Charlie Chaplin, Grace Kelly, Prince Rainier of Monaco, Greta Garbo, Jacqueline Kennedy, Kirk Douglas, Liz Taylor, Rita Hayworth, Sophia Loren, Clark Gable, and also Marguerite Yourcenar, Pablo Neruda, Norman Douglas, Monika Mann and Roger Peyrefitte.   Passion, emotions and tradition are the values permeating this big little island, the same values that have always represented Persol. Perched on a promontory on the eastern side of the island, stands Casa Malaparte, one of the best archetypes of modern and contemporary Italian architecture. The building was designed in around 1937 by the Italian Rationalist architect Adalberto Libera for Curzio Malaparte, a famous Italian journalist, playwright and diplomat. The outline of Casa Malaparte, with its striking colour, merges with the cliff, almost becoming a natural extension of the rock. The large terrace juts out over the sea and can be reached via a trapezoidal staircase which is perfectly sculpted into the rock face. A rare example of modern architecture blending harmoniously with nature, Casa Malaparte is considered a masterpiece which reflects the contrasting personalities of its designers.