The other
day I made a quick visit to Milan on the invitation of a longstanding friend of
mine, Giansandro Cantori who owns a very smart lifestyle magazine called
beSpoke for the launch of his beHouse concept.
A Maserati
had been arranged to pick me up from the airport, a handsome new four door
model which smelt as though it had only just left the showroom. Settling into
the reassuringly firm leather passenger seat, I noticed that the dashboard was
clear of the usual array of dials giving a pleasing sense of simplicity and
modernity with only a touchscreen visible. With that said, in contrast with the
streamlined dashboard was a clock that looked as though it was better suited to
be sitting on Grandma's mantelpiece.
Giansandro
invited me to try a wet shave, something I have never been tempted to before
but the barber looked competent and experienced so I thought I’d give it a go.
As I sat in the vintage chair and hot towels were applied followed by an ample
brushing of almond shaving soap, I relaxed into my chair as the razor passed
smoothly over my chin. I noticed their products neatly arranged and all
beautifully packaged in red and cream striped boxes and made a mental note to
visit their shop in Via G Morone.
Established
in 1904, I wondered why I had not heard of Antica Barbiera Colla before.
Tucked away off Via Manzoni, it's a traditional barber shop and the walls
are plastered with photographs of famous clients. I purchased some products but
was surprised they made no cologne; I was assured that it would soon be
added. I managed to squeeze in a couple of magazine interviews before being
whisked off to the airport by Maserati, apologies to Aston Martin but when in
Italy...
Jeremy Hackett
Jeremy Hackett