ITALIAN FASHION DESIGNER ELISABETTA FRANCHI

AT HER CHIC HOME IN ITALY'S EXCLUSIVE CORTINA D'AMPEZZO

- NANA BOTTAZZI

Couturier Elisabetta Franchi brings the same passion to her homes as she does to her fashion collections and they’re infused with as much imagination. So at her family’s refuge in Italy’s Cortina D’Ampezzo she’s embraced the mountain mood in her own special way, turning a traditional chalet into a melange of warm sensuality and avant-garde style.

The creativity doesn’t stop there. As we see in these pictures, Elisabetta has even come up with fun custom outfits – such as a dirndl skirt with crop top and boots – to fit the scene.

All in all, it’s a true winter wonderland and she loves to share it. Giant toy bears welcome her guests and she gathers everyone around a rock-hewn fireplace or in her spectacular snow garden, as she tells us here.

How long have you had this house, Elisabetta? 

“I bought it in 2010, after a long search. It’s a classic 1940s Ampezzan chalet and as soon as I saw it, I fell in love and bought it immediately.

“I believe you should respect a place that has welcomed you, but equally, I do have my own taste, so here among the beautiful Dolomites, I decided to amp up the mood and give it all a modern touch.” What would you say were key elements of the renovation?

“Wood is very important because it makes up 80 per cent of the house. It was fired at a certain temperature to obtain this particular light shade. Then I wanted a touch of marble. The kind we’ve used looks as if it’s dusted with snow.