An expertly curated, luxuriously produced compendium of all things Naples, Naples Illustrated brings to life personalities and takes you inside the exclusive homes, parties and interests of the world’s most affluent and influential people.
It’s 2023. We made it. What is it about a new year—a simple delineation of time, a mere uptick of a single digit—that encourages us to renew our hopes, to set new goals, to effect change? I’ve never been too big on making resolutions—at least not the New Year’s kind—but there’s something about closing a chapter and starting a new one that spurs excitement. It means new possibilities, and for me, optimism is always affixed to new opportunities. This issue, our first of 2023, showcases several Neapolitans who’ve made the most of their opportunities, specifically in the world of culinary arts. Starting on page 115, you’ll find the recipients of our tenth annual dining awards, which include both editor’s picks by Gina Birch and readers’ choices, determined by online voting.…
It’s a brand-new year and I, for one, am excited for a fresh start. This past year has brought our community together in so many ways—especially because a Category 4 storm blew through Southwest Florida toward the end of hurricane season. When I see what so many have had to endure, I am beyond proud that I live in a community where resilience, strength, and the power of togetherness dominate. Looking ahead, there is much cause for celebration this coming year: It’s a double centennial—the City of Naples turns 100 years old, and it is also the 100-year anniversary of Collier County. Numerous organizations and businesses will no doubt be recognizing and reflecting on this landmark. Here, at Naples Illustrated, the coming year also marks our silver jubilee. Stay tuned…
RED CARPET RECEPTION WHAT: Premiere episode of MotorTrend TV’s Ride of Your Life WHERE: CMX CinéBistro Coastland, Naples DETAILS: Designer Wilfredo Emanuel planned and organized an evening reception and premiere party for Courtney Hansen, the creator, executive producer, and narrator of her new show Ride of Your Life, and friends. GOLFERS GATHER WHAT: Greater Naples Chamber 2022 Golf Classic WHERE: The Club at The Strand, Naples DETAILS: Presented by Gallagher Insurance, the Greater Naples Chamber hosted its annual golf event for members, attracting 122 golfers and 25 business parties. Golfers had the opportunity to create meaningful connections in a fun and interactive environment. SHY WOLF SCRAMBLE WHAT: Second Annual Shy Wolf Scramble WHERE: Heritage Bay Golf and Country Club, Naples DETAILS: Participating teams competed in a best-shot format in various golf…
On the morning of February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. Missiles, rockets, and airstrikes hit across the country, including in the capital city of Kyiv, displacing millions of people and causing millions to flee the country. Additionally, there were tens of thousands of deaths. Self-taught artist Nancy Iannitelli, who moved to Naples from Massachusetts in 1990, considers herself “deeply sensitive” and was moved to create a painting in response to the news about Ukraine’s displaced citizens. At the time, she had no canvas nearby, so she used a remnant of fabric, stretching it and painting directly on the cloth. To her delight, she discovered the colors of the fabric enhanced the artwork and added an extra layer of dimension to the result. Turn the page for more on Iannitelli and…
I annitelli, who works as a hairstylist a couple days a week, went on to create 27 paintings from her imagination—all on fabric remnants, most of which were gifted to her from friends and clients. She painted faces of people from the various locales of the world where war is currently waging, creating likenesses of the nationalities. For example, she took the colors in the Ukrainian flag and created a stylized painting of what she imagined a typical person from that part of the world would look like—adding distinct features like eye and hair color. “Everyone has a story,” she says. “So many people are dealing with war. I did not want these people to be forgotten.” The fabric remnants, she explains, were the perfect mediums—and metaphors—for her to portray…
Starting a charity is more difficult than it seems. This past year, three students at Community School of Naples (CSN) created an international foundation to donate clothing and school supplies to an impoverished community in Medellín, Colombia. Zach Smitley, a junior at CSN, traveled to the city where his family comes from. While visiting, he discovered just how much poverty existed in the area. As a result, he started an organization, Smiles for Medellín, and enlisted the help of his brother and a friend to realize his vision. Smitley worked with a lawyer to understand the laws on importing donations, registered the charity, and opened a bank account. He then spent time gathering clothing, donations, and buying school supplies for 469 students. When he arrived in Colombia in June of…
