Review: Capri Dolce Vita
A look at this fabled corner of the world through the ages.
Located in the Bay of Naples and famous for its Blue Grotto and rugged coastline, the island of Capri has long been associated with the so-called ‘dolce vita’ and has been a summer playground of celebrities and royalty since the Roman Empire. In the 19th century, it was a magnet for artists, writers and poets – including Graham Greene and Pablo Neruda – and was cherished by Swedish physician Axel Munthe, who recommended its clean air to his patients as a cure for bronchitis.
Munthe’s Villa San Michele, and its garden, is now one of the most visited sites in the island’s Anacapri commune. French film director Jean-Luc Godard used Capri as the setting for his 1963 film Contempt, while style icons such as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis were drawn to its cobblestone alleys and boutiques, as well as the famous Carthusia perfumery.
Part of Capri’s charm is that cars are prohibited, so transport tends to be by boat or vintage taxi, which adds to its languid appeal. Writer, lecturer and former editor Cesare Cunaccia traces the allure of Capri, with many images of the jet set, and documents the gardens, villas and piazzetta which make up this ‘paradise on earth’. If you haven’t been, this book should inspire you.
Capri Dolce Vita
Text by Cesare Cunaccia
Assouline
The Latest
In conversation with Karine Obegi and Mauro Nastri
We caught up with Karine Obegi, CEO of OBEGI Home and Mauro Nastri, Global Export Manager of Italian brand Porada, at their collaborative stand in Downtown Design.
An interview with Huda Lighting at Downtown Design
During Downtown Design, we interviewed the team at Huda Lighting in addition to designers Tom Dixon and Lee Broom.
Downtown Design Returns to Riyadh in 2026
The fair will run its second edition at JAX District
Design Dialogues with KOHLER
We discussed the concept of 'Sustainable Futures' with Inge Moore of Muza Lab and Rakan Jandali at KCA International.
Design Dialogues with Ideal Standard x Villeroy & Boch
During Dubai Design Week 2025, identity held a panel at the Ideal Standard x Villeroy & Boch showroom in City Walk, on shaping experiences for hospitality.
A Touch of Luxury
Here’s how you can bring both sophistication and style to every room
Outdoor Living, Redefined
Messara Living and Vincent Sheppard Unveil “Outdoor at Its Best 2026”
NOMAD Opens Its Doors in Abu Dhabi’s Iconic Terminal 1
A modernist landmark is reimagined as a global stage for collectible design, contemporary art, and cultural dialogue.
In photos: Winners at the identity Design Awards 2025
Presenting the winners of 2025 identity Design Awards.
Identity Design Awards 2025 – Winner’s List
Here are the winners of the identity design awards 2025
Hogg’s Hollow
Set along the bend of a quiet river and sheltered within a mature, tree-lined enclave of Toronto, this riverside residence offers a dialogue between structure and softness, restraint and warmth
Salone del Mobile.Milano Paints Riyadh Red
The “Red in Progress” installation marks a powerful first step toward the city’s full-scale 2026 edition