Emilia Wickstead X Passalacqua: Lake Como’s Most Stylish Souvenir

Forget postcards and tacky fridge magnets, the new collection between Emilia Wickstead and Passalacqua is far from your typical souvenir pickup. The London-based womenswear designer has launched a limited summer capsule with the award-winning Lake Como hotel that is worthy of leaving space in your suitcase.

Crowned the winner of the World’s 50 Best Hotels and featured among Elite Traveler’s Top Suites for 2024, Passalacqua’s picture postcard charm is clearly not wearing off any time soon.

[See also: The Most Idyllic Hotels in Lake Como]

Vintage floral patterns are inspired by Passalacqua's seven acres of gardens / ©Emilia Wickstead

From influencing politics to literature to art, the 24-suite villa has played host to the likes of Napoleon Bonaparte, Bellini and Winston Churchill, and is now making its mark on the fashion world.  

The Emilia Wickstead X Passalacqua capsule takes direct inspiration from Passalacqua’s lake-side surroundings and luscious landscaping.

[See also: Enjoy a Private Opera at Lake Como’s Villa La Cassinella]

The thin orange-striped pattern is a nod to neighboring sibling hotel Grand Hotel Tremezzo / ©Emilia Wickstead

The collection features patterned swimsuits and caftans perfect for days basking around the lake and structured linen dresses made for meandering through Passalacqua's seven acres of flourishing gardens. 

Wickstead reimagined her signature modern feminine silhouettes in a bright and cheery summer palette inspired by the colors of Passalacqua: think vintage rose patterns in hues of cobalt blue and soft mustard yellow, the same shade as the 18th-century villa’s exterior.

A thin striped orange pattern plays reference to Passalacqua’s neighboring sibling, Grand Hotel Tremezzo (the de Santis family owns both properties).

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The brand released a lookbook for the collection, captured at Passalacqua / ©Emilia Wickstead

“Passalacqua [is] a paradise where time stands still,” said Wickstead upon the announcement of the collection.

“I hope this collection transports the wearer and makes them feel the same sense of vibrancy, ease and sophistication. The designs are timeless and perfectly encapsulate the synergies between Emilia Wickstead and Passalacqua.”

[See also: Adora Swim is Shaking Up Our Summers]

Wickstead was inspired by Passalacqua's timeless charm and elegance / ©Emilia Wickstead

The collaboration also released a lookbook for the collection’s debut with imagery captured within the grounds of the luxury villa. The photographs feature six creative Italian women – including interior designer Enrica Stabile and chef and author Mimi Thorisson, among others – perfectly capturing the spirit of la dolce vita lifestyle. 

The Emilia Wickstead x Passalacqua collection is available from 15th May.

www.emiliawickstead.com / www.senseoflake.com

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