The Outlierman goes to... Villa d’Este and Lake Como

The Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este is among those élite international events that celebrate vintage cars, as well as being one of the most appealing engagements for Gentleman and Lady Drivers who get together every year on the shores of Lake Como to enjoy the magic of an event of illustrious tradition and the beauty of an exceptional location.

Gems of Italian cultural and natural heritage, Lake Como and its surrounding places are breathtaking to experience all year round. We at The Outlierman know these areas well because it was precisely here, in the district that has been a symbol of Italian excellence in silk craftsmanship for over 500 years, we found the tailors par excellence that completely handcraft, in the traditional way, our collections of silk bow ties, pocket squares, braces, foulards and ties.

Allow us, then, to share with you some lifestyle tips on what not to miss out on and the real gems for connoisseurs in this incredible corner of Italy.

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The Concorso D’Eleganza Villa D’Este

If you have always dreamt of seeing the rarest and most beautiful classic cars in the world, we highly recommend the 2019 edition which will be held from the 24^th to the 26^th May at the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este and Villa Erba, with eight classes of cars competing for the title of Best in Show.
STYLE TIP: join the celebration of the Queens of elegance of the car world by wearing the ties 166 mm Barchetta or Type 57 Atlantic or the pocket square from our Best of Show Collection.

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Villa D’Este
Renaissance aristocratic residence surrounded by a private park of 10 hectares, it was the residence of princesses, sultans and Tsars. Today offers unique occasions such as the aperitif with lake view at the Bar Canova, where from 7:30 pm a pianist will provide accompaniment for the sunset, and a dinner at the refined Il Platano restaurant.
EXPERT TIP: for couples, you can ask for a romantic table on the balcony.
STYLE TIP: wear a silk scarf so as to enjoy only the romantic side of the lake breeze in style.

Menaggio e Cadenabbia Golf Club
It is said that this is the most British golf club in Italy, it is certainly amongst the most long-lived: founded in 1907, it is the second oldest golf club in Italy. With a course of 70 par and a club House which transports you back to England in the last century, it is an unmissable place to visit for anyone who loves this sport.
EXPERT TIP: book a table next to the main window for a lunch with a lake view.
STYLE TIP: a Weekender Garment Bag in quality Italian leather, perhaps in authentic British Green, it’s what Gentleman define “a style that reflects the occasion”.

Gran Hotel Tremezzo
An architectural delight of the Art Nouveau period which overlooks the crystal clear waters towards Bellagio and the peaks of the Grigne. Its Belle Époque charm is further enhanced by a park of 20 square kilometres and by 3 swimming pools, of which one is Water-On-the-Water floating right on the lake.
EXPERT TIP: enjoy an excursion on a classic speedboat to Bellagio or the crossing in your car on the ferry ready to head off once you reach the other shore.
STYLE TIP: an Italian quality leather Backpack is the ideal travel companion for those trips both on the road and on the boat.

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Como Classic Boats

These luxury tours on classic wooden boats offer a rare and exclusive insight into some of the most secret views of Lake Como, visible only from the water.
EXPERT TIP: in warmer weather, a short stop for an unforgettable swim in the emerald waters of the lake.
STYLE TIP: a scarf in cashmere and silk is the ideal partner for a trip on the lake, protecting your neck, shoulders and head from gusts of wind and temperature changes in distinctive style.

Villa Leoni
For those who want to pamper themselves with a pleasant stay in a villa, here is a real jewel from another era: set in the stunning Zoca de l’oli (oil basin) cloaked in olive groves, this Villa treats its guests to a privileged view over Comacina island, one of the most striking parts of the lake.
EXPERT TIP: from the Villa you can head off on a great number of excursions in search of nearby parks, Villas and Lidos.
STYLE TIP: beautiful and essential, a Duffle Bag will stylishly hold everything you need for two days in a Villa equipped with every comfort you could wish for.

Villa del Balbianello
Located in Lenno, on the tip of the Lavedo peninsula, and protected by the Fondo Ambiente Italiano, Villa del Balbianello is an elegant and romantic 18^th century residence surrounded by an astonishingly beautiful garden with statues, panoramic terraces and copious flowering blooms.
EXPERT TIP: head to the Villa by taxi boat or on foot along the scenic path.
STYLE TIP: a silk bow tie hand made right there on Lake Como reflects the stately character of these places.

Photo credits: Dominico Savio Lee, Federico Bajetti, Sajin Park, Daniel Minárik