Blue and white tiles through the ages, Isle de Stromboli, Italy…

Stromboli is probably the most famous of the Aeolian Islands, it’s permanently active volcano shoots up a fiery show that can be seen at night from boats off shore, other islands or from the top of the crater, for those willing to hike up {I wish I had}. The island has a long and wild history which is somewhat documented in the cemeteries we came across during our lowland hike on the island. While they may not be well tended to anymore, at one time these graves were carefully constructed and finished with exquisite hand painted blue and white tiles by loved ones in honor of those who have lived and died on this rough, remote island that is beaten by wild winds, crashed upon by the Tyrrhenian sea and constantly threatened by the resident volcano. 

The tiles reminded me of my favorite pieces from the D&G Italia is Love collection, the frocks inspired by the classic Italian artistry of painted tiles, particularly those in blue and white designs with touches of citrus.

Stromboli is somewhat of a mecca to hikers, thrill seekers and wanderers. A part of the attraction is the fact that this is where the scandalous romance between {then married} leading lady Ingrid Bergman and director Roberto Rossellini was ignited while filming the classic film Stromboli {a must watch if you haven’t yet}. 

The film is a story of love that also illustrates the challenges of living on this black sand beach island with Europe’s only volcano that is continuously erupting {on a small scale}. 

But for now, let’s not worry about all of that, let’s just lust over the weathered blue and white beauty we found there and the outfits that were inspired by intricately painted tiles such as these. 

Even the police station is marked with a hand painted tile. 

Here are a few more shots from our wander around this beautifully aged village. 

As enticing as their signs were, we didn’t make it to Casa Frank 

or Zurro

but we had a lovely lunch on the terrace of Ristorante da Luciano’s which I highly recommend, it also offers an incredible view out to the sea.