Over the weekend, Sciò launched a new lifestyle and e-commerce site; Issimo is named for the Italian suffix that enhances the meaning of a word (for example: bellissimo). Inspired by the look and language of vintage Italian newspapers, the platform will offer twice-monthly newsletters from Sciò, as well as daily content exploring Italian craftsmanship, culinary arts, and culture. There are also Italy-centric city guides, as well as a dedicated shopping section featuring collaborations and capsule collections with brands including Missoni, Chinti & Parker, and Loretta Caponi. Sciò has collaborated with brands like Birkenstock and La DoubleJ in the past, and in celebration of the launch, a selection of the newly minted Issimo collaborations is currently available online at MatchesFashion.com.

Issimo is an extension of the IRL offerings at Il Pellicano and its sister hotels, including famous recipes like the Pellicano Negroni. But more important is the fact that Sciò is shining a light on independent heritage brands and craftspeople of her home country, names like Borsalino hats and Lisa Corti textiles. Currently on the site are locally produced tiles for the home, linens, shoes, handbags, and jewellery. While not all of the products are made in Italy, those that are constitute the vast majority.

“We wanted to be a platform that gives space and a voice to these artisans and small brands,” Sciò told Vogue. “They need to have their stories told.” Even as Italy has begun to slowly reopen, many of its local, family-owned, small artisan workshops and factories are in danger of closing for good. Sciò’s aim is to create a digital space where “you can discover small Italian gems.” She adds, “I would love for people to travel deeper and go slightly underneath the skin of Italy online.”

Previously published on US Vogue