www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWUb_Pwm4hw

WIJW is on German television!

Our lovely host, Niels Ruf, has been a major figure in German television for some time, having had his own late night show “Die Niels Ruf Show,” as well as having hosted German MTV -- With a propensity for cutting edge entertainment, it’s not surprising that he also happened to have created one of the first blogs in Germany! (see “99 days of 99″)

You’ll have noticed I’m not wearing my usual Dior frames since guest and host on the Looki-Looki TV show are both outfitted with video camera glasses! I’m sure you’ll agree this does produce some truly unusual and oft times quite funny first person views throughout the piece.

We’ll be sure to bring you more from Ruf -- until then, enjoy the show! Tschüs!

I’m sporting a royal blue cotton sateen jacket, a Pucci-esq print shirt, black patent belt with silver leather trim and grommets and black leather tote all by Gucci, silvery gray silk pocket square from Turnbull and Asser, Lanvin sand colored suede and gray patent leather sneakers, Cartier “Tank Divan” from Raj Tolaram and my fragrance is Creed Royal Water.

James Andrew at La Posta Vecchia.

Alas, we’ve reached the end of our Italian holiday, but I’m so glad to have been able to capture some of its essence and serve it here at WIJW – and we’d be pleased to think that it has provided you with a cooling dose of escapism during these occasionally oppressive summer days.

WIJW has opened so many doors for me. It’s been a constant catalyst to explore and actualize many of my dreams, and it is my hope that WIJW readers will find themselves inspired to create some rather fantastic realities for themselves as well. At the very least we do try to be informative and hopefully entertaining!

So here’s to the good life and the continued unfolding of more life affirming over-the-top fabulousness!

Celebrating our last evening in Italy, I’m pictured (top) on a pre-dinner stroll around the grounds of the magnificent La Posta Vecchia wearing a white cotton pique suit by Gucci, Tom Ford midnight cotton dotted herringbone print shirt, silver chain link belt and navy suede loafers both by Gucci, Cartier “Tank Divan” from Raj Tolaram and my fragrance is Creed Zeste Madarine Pamplemousse.

La Posta Vecchia.

Not wanting to lose the composure we had gained during our blissful stay at Le Sirenuse, we opted to spend our last night closer to the Rome airport rather than leave Positano in a pre-dawn frenzy. I’d always been curious to explore the hotel La Posta Vecchia and it’s located on the Tyrrenean sea just thirty minutes from the airport, so it promised to be an ideal and relaxed way to return home.

La Posta Vecchia was built in 1640 by Prince Orsini above the ruins of two imperial Roman villas, and was used for centuries as a resting point for esteemed guests en route to Rome. Unfortunately by the year 1918 it had fallen into a state of disrepair. Thankfully in 1960 Jean Paul Getty acquired the property from Prince Odescalchi. Getty embarked on a massive renovation and restoration of this spectacular seaside palazzo, engaging the services of Frederico Zeri, the highly regarded curator of The Getty Museum to decorate it with the best 17th century furniture, paintings, and tapestries. While digging to build a pool, they unearthed the aforementioned Roman ruins and further construction had to be stopped. Getty, still wanting a pool, decided to install one indoors, and subsequently found the remains of an even more spectacular villa. – And so by happenstance, La Posta Vecchia had become a veritable private Pompei with priceless mosaics and ancient architectural details.

Happily the present owner acquired the property with much of the Getty contents still in place (although the phone booth Getty required his guests to use is no longer a feature), and I heartily enjoyed playing the modern day tycoon as we strolled the extensive gardens and supped on the seaside terrace at the restaurant Cesar. As an added and unexpected pleasure we had been upgraded to the very palatial “Castello” suite – a remarkable corner room with four windows facing the sea.

Getty once described this place as a “serene and heavenly home,” and I’m glad to say that a stay at La Posta Vecchia still offers these very same qualities.

I’m pictured (top) in our super chic Castello suite wearing the palest pink cotton safari shirt and python belt both by Gucci, shorts by Our Legacy 1980-81 in hemp, cotton, and silk, ivory suede loafers by Tom Ford, sunglasses by Gucci, Cartier “Tank Divan” from Raj Tolaram and bringing a bit of Le Sirenuse along with me, my fragrance is Paestum Rose.

James Andrew at Le Sirenuse.

When I travel, I always search for accommodations that will capture the essence of a region. Having been to Le Sirenuse, I’ll now simply always equate the Amalfi coast with this most perfect of hotels. Le Sirenuse is in fact quite possibly the finest hotel that I’ve ever been to. And you needn’t only take my word for it – Le Sirenuse rates among Europe’s best hotels, and continues to draw in an ever impressive array of famous guests who most certainly share my opinion.

Le Sirenuse hotel.

Le Sirenuse was originally built in the 18th century for the Marchese Sersale as a family palazzo. Upon opening its doors to the public in 1951, it quickly became one of the most glamorous hotels on the Amalfi Coast. Everything here is highly considered – the antique furniture, fine cotton and linen fabrics, and the art – all chosen with a chic sensibility and awareness of place – a refined honesty and heightened attention to detail very much in keeping with the property’s aristocratic legacy.

The Sersale family crest.

Oh and when you go to Le Sirenuse, do venture to Carla Sersale’s super chic Emporio Le SIrenuse! Be sure to pick up several of the Sersale Eau d’Italie scents. Inpsired by the fragrant Mediterranean, the Paestum Rose became my scent of choice for the remainder of our holiday. One hint of it now plunges me into the most delicious of reveries.

Left to right. Antonio Sersale, James Andrew, and Carla Sersale.

When all is said, it really is the Sersales that create the magic in Le Sirenuse. McBee and I did have the privilege to dine at La Sponda with the exceptionally creative husband and wife team, and over a magnificent eight course meal we shared thoughts on many fronts – from ideas regarding opportunities in hotelier consulting (we’d certainly take the Sersale’s invaluable advice on this subject) to ventures in creative writing. Indeed, we hear there is a new Sersale blog in the works! We’ll of course be sure to keep you apprised.

We are gushing on a bit here, we know, and we make no excuses – you see, its just that we’re suffering from a sweet but terribly painful love hangover since our return to NYC – with the only possibility for relief being in a swift return to the heavenly realm of Le Sirenuse!

I’m pictured (top) at La Sponda sporting a royal blue cotton sateen jacket , medallion print cotton pant in blues and turquoise, brown leather sandals and a python belt all by Gucci, Turnbull and Asser turquoise and white herringbone cotton shirt with contrast white collar and french cuffs, Seaman ScheppsCharvet, Cartier “Tank Divan” from Raj Tolaram.

James Andrew at Le Sirenuse.

Positano is considered by most to be the jewel in the crown of the Amalfi Coast – and there really is absolutely nothing to dispute here. Now, if one were to refine this thought – to find the most flawless gem in said proverbial crown – then one would have to point to the immaculate hotel Le Sirenuse.

1973 Riva Aquarama speedboat.

To be sure, it must have helped a bit to have had a long-distance introduction to its director Antonio Sersale via a mutual aquantance in NYC, but our experience at Le Sirenuse truly exemplified so much of what is good and right – Italian hospitalty brought to that truly rarefied level. Take for instance the invitation we received nearly immediately upon our arrival at Le Sirenuse for a spectacular Neptunian outing on the Sersale’s ravishing 1973 Riva Aquarama speedboat – It doesn’t take even the most cursory knowledge of yachting design to recognize that the Riva is something special – and as you might imagine, the nautical portraitist Scott McBee, who joined me on our Italian escapade, nearly fainted upon seeing this twin engine mahogany masterpiece.

Ocean's eye view.

So yes, we were experiencing the Amalfi coast in the most elevated possible way – and all facilitated by the most elegant sort of people. Our afternoon’s impromptu itinerary included a salt-water dip at the Sersale’s favorite swimming spot, (onboard champagne of course), and then on to an intimate cove for mozzarella baked on lime leaves, and a fresher than fresh offering of the most scrumptious seafood.

Le Sirenuse views.

Needless to say Le Sirenuse and the Sersales absolutely define the sort of elevated experience we at WIJW so often speak of – and if you’ll allow us, we do have so much more to say about the bliss inducing Le Serenuse in tomorrow’s WIJW post!

I’m photographed here (top) upon my arrival at Le Sireneuse seated at the pool-side terrace wearing a cool white cotton voile safari shirt by Gucci, Lindeberg “Cave Beach” shorts in royal blue, python belt with silver buckle, brown leather sandals and sunglasses all by Gucci, Cartier “Tank Divan” watch from Raj Tolaram and my fragrance is Creed Bois de Cedrat.

James Andrew in the town of Amalfi.

A cute Amalfitano.

There are a few compulsory musts in the town of Amalfi. Certainly one should observe an evening passeggiata through the charming town center, and perhaps one should steal a moment’s respite on the steps of their grand Duomo di Saint Andrea in anticipation of the substantial meal you’ll be having. And oh yes, there are some exceptional restaurants here! Among the best, we can recommend La Caravella, – a well preserved fifty year old art gallery meets fine dining establishment where many among the Amalfi social elite mingle over an exquisite lemon soufflé. Or for something a bit more casual, one would certainly do well to go to Lido Azzuro – located in the harbor of Amalfi, one is sure to find an excellent menu of the very freshest seafood. Mention is also owed to Trattoria da Gemma – located in the center of town, it affords some unforgettable views of the Piazza Duomo. Be sure to save some room though as you’ll want to walk off your gustatory efforts with a cooling gelato and perhaps, if you’re lucky, you’ll get to meet an adorable Amalfitano Kitty!

I’m dressed for dinner wearing a Tom Ford “Spencer” sport jacket in rose silk linen basket weave, blue and white stiped linen pants by Gucci, white cotton shirt with French cuffs by Tom Ford, Seaman Schepps cuff links in silver pearl an pale blue sapphire, Charvet retro print silk pocket square in blues, python belt with sterling buckle by Gucci, Tom Ford ivory suede loafers, Cartier “Tank Divan” from Raj Tolaram and my fragrance is Creed Zeste Madarine Pamplemousse.

James Andrew at Il Sarceno Grand Hotel.

Having read of Lee Radziwill’s carefree days in the enchanting village of Conca, we definitely had to include it on our tour of the Amalfi coast. As a base of exploration we chose the quirky Il Sarceno Grand Hotel. Built on top of a Moorish structure dating back to the 1500′s, the hotel is filled with an eclectic assortment of Moorish and Italian antiques – very much out of the pages of The World of Interiors.

View from Il Sarceno Grand Hotel.

Certainly we didn’t lack for inspiration, but it didn’t hurt to have a splendid view from here of a seaside villa once belonging to Sophia Loren!

On a bit of a hike down the many steps to the private beach, accompanied by an intoxicated melange of lemon trees, verbena, jasmine, oleander and pine in the air, I’m sporting a Yves Saint Laurent white cotton voile kaftan style shirt with whit silk braid trim, Uniglo pale pink jeans, navy blue suede loafers and sunglasses both by Gucci, Cartier “Tank Divan” from Raj Tolaram my fragrance is Creed Bois de Cedrat.

James Andrew and the Villa Cimbrone's Terrace of Infinity.

Each new discovery at Ravello seemed to somehow surpass the previous one. Every path, stair, and winding road revealed some new and utterly captivating treasure, and a walk through the Villa Cimbrone gardens on our last day in Ravello was unquestionably the most uniquely memorable discovery of them all!

The Avenue of Immensity.

The Temple of Ceres.

I’m photographed here (top) amongst the Renaissance busts that border the aforementioned “Terrace of Infinity.” Do you suppose these folks were so overwhelmed by the beauty of the place that they turned to stone?

I’m dressed for dinner in a navy cotton pique jacket by Gucci, Ralph Lauren cotton voile paisley pocket square in pinks and blues, Tom Ford shirt in navy blue end on end cotton with french cuffs and contrast white collar and palest pink silk pants, silver pearls with pale blue sapphire Seaman Schepps cuff links, Gucci silver chain link belt and navy suede loafers, Cartier “Tank Divan” from Raj Tolaram and my fragrance is Creed Zeste Mandarine Pamplemousse.

Thursday July 22nd from 6 – 8 PM at the Envoy Gallery, 131 Chrystie Street (between Delancey and Broome) New York City.

It should be fairly self evident to you by now that Lars Stephan is one of our very favorite photographers – All one has to do is browse the many really superb photographs he’s made for us here at WIJW to see why. Indeed many of these images have worked their way into mainstream print media both here and abroad, not to mention the whole bevy of stories about WIJW one can find online. I like to joke Sephan a bit during these collaborative efforts, calling him my Von Sternberg while I do my very best Dietrich!

Lars Stephan and James Andrew

As you might imagine, I’m thrilled to be bringing you news of Stephan’s upcoming show where you’ll have a rare chance to meet the incredibly talented (and equally handsome) Stephan, and purchase a selection of his beautiful fine art photography!

Thursday July 22nd from 6 – 8 PM at the Envoy Gallery, 131 Chrystie Street (between Delancey and Broome) New York City.

In a dual portrait captured by Stephan, I’m sporting a white linen jacket by Gucci, Tom Ford navy cotton dot print shirt, Battistoni white and navy silk mini dot pocket square , Uniglo white jeans, black patent belt with silver leather trim and grommets and loafers in black white and silver leather both by Gucci, Cartier “Tank Divan” from Raj Tolaram and my fragrance is Creed Bois de Cedrat.

James Andrew at the Villa Cimbrone.

The drive along the Amalfi Coast is as dizzyingly treacherous as it is beautiful – a pulse pounding conflation of awe and fear – and our driver, who felt compelled to navigated at Grand Prix speeds, did much to tip the scales toward the really scary side of things. Needless to say we were mightily relieved to come to a halt at the blissfully peaceful town of Ravello, which is practically devoid of motor vehicles of any sort! Following helpful little signs here and there, we wound our way upward by foot past ancient churches, shops, inns, and hotels, finally arriving at the world renowned Villa Cimbrone.

Views from the Villa Cimbrone.

Situated approximately 1100ft above sea level, the Villa commands incomparable views of the Amalfi coast, and after a brief respite in our rather palatial room, and an energizing terrace lunch, we were eager to explore its elevated vistas and richly fragrant gardens.

View from the Villa CImbrone.

The most beautiful sight that I have ever seen in the world is the panoramic view from Villa Cimbrone on a bright winter’s day, when the sky and the sea are so vividly blue that it is not possible to distinguish them from each other. – Gore Vidal

Ravello has been a haven for writers, artists, statesmen, royalty, and aesthetes since the 18th century, and the Cimbrone itself has been the romantic destination for such legendary figures as Greta Garbo and Leopold Stokowski. Other esteemed visitors include D.H Lawrence, Henry Moore, Winston Churchill and the Duke and Duchess of Kent.

Gardens at the Villa CImbrone.

More about Villa Cimbrone coming up!

Gardens at VIlla Cimbrone.