OH, LA BELLA FIGURA a phrase that rolls off our tongues with deceptive ease, yet its essence eludes many in our digital age, where the true art of making a beautiful impression has become a fading masterpiece. What is La Bella Figura and how can we adopt and preserve it?
BY MONICA IOTTI
October,2024
It begins by cultivating the environment in which we live, respecting what has been passed down to us. The quest to preserve Italian culture and elegance starts from our roots, from what you've been taught since childhood. Our culture is extremely strong because we are surrounded by so much elegance and beauty, but "la bella figura" and good manners are born within the family.
I see a person who embodies La Bella Figura as someone who:
- Takes care of and respects inherited antiques
- Proudly wears a well-loved tweed country jacket
- Owns few clothes, but all of high quality
- Never compromises on a tailor-made suit crafted from fine fabric
- Appreciates the artistry of hand-embroidered handkerchiefs
- Cherishes the character of an old, worn leather work bag used daily
- Finds joy in certain scents and flavors that evoke precious memories
These are some examples that reflect and represent the elegant and chic person who remains faithful to their values of life and culture, but La Bella Figura is not limited to the material.
Good manners are an integral part of La Bella Figura and have nothing to do with wealth. I am increasingly convinced that kindness, loyalty, grace, and humility are the characteristics of a "beautiful person", which are unfortunately increasingly rare these days.
If I could give you one piece of advice today, it would be this: Never be fashionable, it's not elegant. One must live in the present but always be true to oneself and always remember the little things, which are actually the big things, such as walking calmly - hurry is never chic, and going calmly allows us to observe and savor life's beauty.
For me, preserving La Bella Figura means not abandoning what I learned from my parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles. It's an incredibly important legacy that I now try to transmit and pass on to my children, explaining to them that certain things are the salt of life.
Monica’s latest book, “Elegance is Served” (L’eleganza è Servita), published by the esteemed house of Rizzoli, is a reflection of her passion and scholarship. As she describes it: “This book springs from notes, love, dedication, and the study of what I consider one of the world’s most beautiful subjects. Indeed, etiquette is a true discipline that I cherish exploring, and it’s a journey we’ll embark on together through these pages.”
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