A Fine Italian Hand
When Dana Pisarra, a much-beloved Italian knitwear company, closed its doors last winter, Jane and Emily began the search for new sources of cobweb-like camisoles, cozy tops, and hosiery. LIke sleuths in an Italian mystery novel (called a “giallo” in Italian, which means yellow, the color of all its mystery covers), the pair scoured the European lingerie markets. At last they found two Italian sources that met their standards for this all-important, almost invisible layer. One, Boglietti, provides stealthy intimates to protect and caress. The other, Pierre Mantoux, creates hosiery that is not only elegant, but also brilliantly state-of-the-art.
Italians seldom heat their homes in winter in the way many Americans do. It’s cold both outside and in. So their Boglietti undies are essential. Keep this in mind when traveling. A long-sleeve Boglietti top or camisole in finest rib-knit silk wool blend can substitute for bulkier woolies. And take you out in the evening too. The new Corr Black Long Sleeve is a wardrobe essential that can be layered or allowed to stand alone with a sleek skirt or trousers. The lacy Anita Blue Camisole and the Alba Green Camisole will keep you weightlessly warm on the airplane or on a December beach.
For stalking in stockings, welcome the new season with Pierre Mantoux. Jane and Emily have chosen the most charming assortment of Mantoux’s tights, stay-ups, knee highs, and cute little socks. Bask in knowing that your black stockings are in order: make yourself a gift of Safra dots (in stay-ups, knee highs, and ankle socks) and Joey jacquard (in patterned stay ups and ankle socks).
It is also nice to know that Jane’s Vanity, with its own fine hand, is looking out for you and keeping you toasty. So go curl up with a mystery,* or book a ticket for Sicily in winter. You’ll blend in like a local, which, in a way, you have cleverly become.
*Agatha Christie refers several times to “a fine Italian hand’ in her mystery Towards Zero (1944).