The Last Emperor Opens in the US

"The Last Emperor," the documentary about the life and career of Roman designer Valentino, opens in the US in March. The Film Forum in NYC on March 18th is the first venue for this exciting movie that has all the fashion world talking. The movie provides an inside look at the high fashion world and all its foibles, and most endearingly portrays Valentino Garavani's 50 year relationship with his partner Giancarlo Giammeti. If you can't get to Manhattan for the show, see it in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Dallas.

Mario Batali's Lazio and Frascati Recommendations

Mario Batali,the famous Manhattan restaurateur whose newest project is a series on Spain with Gwyneth Paltrow, has an extensive website with recommendations for restaurants and hotels all over Italy. Of particular interest to the Modern Traveler are his recommendations for Lazio, the region around Rome. He touts two spots in Frascati, the site of the baroque Villa Aldobrandini (pictured). For gnocchi and views he recommends Zaraza and for a more upscale experience (with wine caves) Cacciani in the center of town. If you can't make it to Lazio, but you are in Manhattan and want a taste of Rome, visit Batali's Roman-style restaurant, Lupa.

Moschino Comes to New York

Moschino, one of Italy's more avant-garde fashion houses, has come to New York City's Meatpacking District. Moschino is known for its witty take on classic pieces. There are three brands, Moschino (the most expensive line), Moschino Cheap and Chic (not exactly cheap, but cheaper), and Love Moschino (the casual line). Moschino is definitely not for the faint of heart, but even the most traditional shopper can find something to love in their accessories lines. Their shoes are fun and fabulous! The Modern Traveler always tries to pick up a pair when she is in Rome (Via Borgogna 32/a). See the New York Times for an article on the new store in Manhattan.

Readers: What do you think of Moschino? Fabulous or ridiculous?

Valentino: The Last Emperor

The Venice Film Festival was the site of the premiere of a new documentary about the life of fashion designer Valentino Garavani. Valentino retired last year but his designs are still going strong-and so is his influence. Rome, of course, hosted his retirement party last summer in full glory, with a retrospective of his designs in the Ara Pacis Museum (pictured) and a stunning party at the Villa Borghese. This fall, from September 3rd through September 10, Samsung is hosting a digital exhibition of Valentino's works during New York City's Fashion Week called "The Red Thread: The Inspiration and Passion of Valentino." There you can also see sneak preview footage of the new documentary, "Valentino: The Last Emperor."

Ancient Rome Comes to the Big Apple

Conversations in Tusculum, a play set at the end of the Roman Republic, is now playing at New York's Public Theater. Cicero and Brutus, among others, explore the responsibilities of Rome's aristocrats under the rule of Julius Caesar (pictured). Should they continue to live their lives, oblivious to the Republic's downfall, or should they save Rome from the ruin caused by a reckless man? Tickets are only $50 and the show is playing until March 23rd.

Parmigianino's Antea: A Beautiful Artifice

There has been much talk about an exhibition at the Frick Museum in New York City of Parmigianino's famous painting Antea (in the Economist and Vogue, among others). The painting depicts a mystery woman whose beauty and expression rivals da Vinci's Mona Lisa. Her dress indicates that she may have been a courtesan. In fact, the title of the painting, Antea, given almost one hundred years after Parmigianino created it, was also the name of a famous Roman courtesan who may have been involved with the artist. The painting is on loan to the Frick from the Museo di Capodimonte in Naples, Italy from January 29 to April 27, 2008.