Wear: 

Emilio Pucci gown (on sale here; other pieces in this same print on sale as well! midi dress, mini dress)

Judith Leiber clutch (older; similar options here and here)

Kenneth Jay Lane earrings (here)

Jimmy Choo shoes (similar here and here)

Where:

Palazzo Colonna in Rome, Italy for a private dinner and opera and ballet performance.

Originating in the 14th century, Palazzo Colonna is regarded as being the most beautiful private palace in Italy. It is one of the oldest palaces in Rome, which is saying a lot consider the vast amount of history contained within Rome.

The palace was the seat of Pope Martin V Colonna from 1420 until 1431. Here, he masterminded the rebirth of the city of Rome after the period of papal exile to Avignon. Since then, the palace has remained in the Colonna family. In fact, part of the palace continues to be used as a private residence. Over the centuries, the family has continued to expand and embellish this amazing place. The older wing of the complex, known as the apartment of Princess Isabelle, is adorned by a magnificent collection of paintings, very reminiscent of the halls of Versailles.

As for the main ball room, when I turned the corner to enter the room, I was left breathless. Quite simply, the hall is the most beautifully stunning room in which I’ve ever stepped. It is hard to grasp the scale here, but for reference, the room is roughly the size of an American football field. To see that much space so richly decorated with Baroque opulence was remarkable. Quite a grandiose setting!

As an aside, you might also recall Palazzo Colonna as being the setting for the final scene of the classic film Roman Holiday, starring film legends Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.

Why:

What does one wear to a dream setting like this?

First, as you may have noticed, I enjoy wearing designers from the various countries I visit. With this being my first time to visit Italy, I was enthralled by the idea of donning some of my favorite iconic Italian designers on this trip – Valentino, Emilio Pucci, Dolce & Gabbana… So many greats founded in this wonderful country!

Then, when I read on the itinerary about this fairytale setting for the closing evening event, I knew immediately what I was wearing. What represents the glamor and rich opulence of Italian fashion more than an Emilio Pucci gown? The elegant silhouette, the striking back, the colors, the pattern… I knew this was the one. With this being such an exquisite piece, I kept my accessories very simple.

What a night it was! I will never forget it. Truly, a dreamy ending to my Roman holiday.