[7 Italian Essentials That Make Me] Our staff's favorite items, revealed!

Working with "Italy"

I often find myself in moments where I exclaim, "Oh, how cute!" or "Ah, I'm enchanted!" or "So beautiful...!"

As I conduct business with various Italian individuals day by day, I've come to realize that there's a standard that is valued as much as (and sometimes even more than) sales and profit.

That standard is "Is it beautiful or not beautiful?"

It's not something everyone can understand like numbers; it's a criterion heavily influenced by sight and emotion, and sometimes inefficient. However, perhaps this is precisely why Italy has produced brands and cultures that captivate people worldwide.

Here's a look at what's inside the bags of ITALIAKARA staff members, who are immersed in Italy every day and at the forefront of Italian business! (Note: We're introducing Italian items that our staff bought themselves and cherish, including some non-sale items).

First up is AYA, a bubbly wine lover who also adores Italian fashion and lifestyle!

1. Accessory / FERRARI Stopper

"You might wonder why this is in my bag, but with its round form and beautiful logo, it's so cute, almost like an accessory, so I carry it around in my bag. Due to my job, I often attend potluck wine dinners in the evenings, and there are times when I don't have enough stoppers! When I pull out the FERRARI stopper in such situations, wine lovers exclaim, 'Wow, that's wonderful!'"

"For a limited time, if you purchase any of our lucky boxes (Matsu, Take, Ume sets), you'll receive one for free, so how about getting a matching one? :)"

Click here for a list of special-priced lucky boxes available until July 24!

2. Fragrance / COLLAVINI Scented Alcohol Spray

"In this AI era, the world of scent is gaining renewed attention. It's said that scent stimulates our sixth sense and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, easing tension and stress in both body and mind. What I carry with me is an alcohol spray from the Italian winery COLLAVINI."

"It has an enchanting scent reminiscent of sweet, elegant wine, so I give myself a spray to refresh my mood whenever I feel stressed. It's more than just an alcohol spray; it's my favorite scent, so I sometimes use it as a substitute for fragrance."

"ITALIAKARA carries COLLAVINI wines, so please check them out! They make for a delightful glass!"

3. Hand Mirror / Chikazawa Lace Stainless Steel Mirror

"As someone working in the Italian industry, I absolutely had to buy this! I saw it on social media and immediately ordered it. The hand towel was sold out, but I managed to get the mirror!"

"It features a Naples pizza design, with vibrant red fresh tomatoes and basil that are simply adorable! Whenever I take it out of my bag, people ask, 'Where did you get that?' It's a mirror that allows me to showcase my good taste. I also love the delicate details and design that convey respect for Italy, characteristic of Japanese brands."

4. Bag / FENDI Peekaboo

"I bought this at the flagship store in Rome two years ago when I visited. Ever since my student days, it had been a dream bag of mine to purchase at the Rome flagship! The bag, whose cute name means 'peek-a-boo' in English, was an idea that creative director Silvia Fendi came up with while playing with her grandchild. It presents a dignified impression when closed, and reveals a completely different expression when opened, which is why this legendary bag was named Peekaboo."

"In 1925, during an era when women's suffrage was absent and it was difficult for them to enter society, Adele Casagrande Fendi founded the company with her husband. Subsequently, with her five daughters, she continued FENDI's journey, leaving behind a history and numerous legends of female entrepreneurs thriving over 100 years ago."

"It's an iconic bag for me, one that gives courage and confidence to working women."

5. Fashion / Prada and Ray-Ban Sunglasses

"My eyes are sensitive, so I carry these year-round, but they're especially essential for the strong summer sun that's coming up. Prada sunglasses fit my face shape perfectly, and I've repurchased several pairs. Even on busy days when I've dressed a bit plainly, just putting on sunglasses instantly elevates my style, so I always keep a pair in my bag. I also collect Ray-Bans because some sizes can be shared with my husband ★"

6. Accessory / BARCLAYS Empty Mint Tin

"I've had braces for many years, so interdental brushes are indispensable, but I couldn't find a convenient and stylish case to carry them in. Then, it struck me that an empty mint tin I bought at an Italian supermarket would be perfect, and I've been using it for two years now."

"After enjoying the mints, I repurpose the tin as an interdental brush case. I'm also happy with myself for using it sustainably."

7. Fashion / Nichio Shoji Original Wine T-shirt (Not for Sale)

"When I wear this, people often ask, 'How cute! Where can I buy it?' Nichio Shoji, which operates ITALIAKARA, has a history of importing Italian wines for half a century, so they handle an incredible number of wines and brands...!"

"From that selection, 20 carefully chosen wines became T-shirts this summer. Our nearly 100 employees wear these 20 T-shirts every day, each enjoying their own unique styling."

"Recently, I chose the PLANETA Chardonnay, which was also very popular at the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Italian Fair. I picked an XXL oversized fit and enjoy styling it by tucking it into pants or skirts."

"The glossy light blue pants evoke the beaches of Sicily, where the Planeta vineyards are located. To prevent it from looking too casual, I add costume jewelry and sandals for a dressier finish, making it a style suitable even for dinner meetings despite being a T-shirt."

"If you see someone wearing this T-shirt in town, it might be an ITALIAKARA staff member!? Please feel free to say hello! :)"

T-shirt / JET Pants / REDValentino Shoes / MSGM Bag / FENDI (All Italian brands)

Text & Photos / Bubble Lover AYA

Design / Alexander

*The products introduced here are personal items that staff members purchased and use as individual consumers. Therefore, we cannot answer inquiries about these products.

*Some items are not for sale.

*The impressions and reviews of the products are the subjective opinions of the staff.