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La vita doesn’t get more dolce than in Italy. Long a center of international culture, the country continues to draw savvy visitors from around the world (it’s the fifth-most visited country on Earth). And no wonder: its legendary cuisine, trendsetting fashion, marvelous cities, music, literature, and much more inspire countless millions.
Including the team here at Jet Set Candy. What wouldn’t we want to remember about our trips to Italy? And for those of us not yet lucky enough to have made it there, why wouldn’t we want to express our affection for such a magical place? Enter our collection of Italy-related charms, which turn our memories and hopes into wearable, stylish, and super-fun ways to show why Italy gets our travel hearts aflutter every day.
What is Italy known for?
Ancient Roman monuments, Renaissance paintings, and cutting-edge design. Creamy gelato, heirloom produce, and sparkling wines. Millennia-old fortifications, baroque palaces, and cerebral contemporary architecture. Italy’s mix of very old and very new is unique in the world. Here are three illustrations of its cultural prowess.
1. Italian cuisine
What comes to most people’s minds when they think of Italy? The food.
Italy’s cuisine is a tapestry of flavors, colors, and history that delights diners worldwide. Yet tasty foods like pasta, pizza, gelato, and espresso are more than just calories: They are symbols deeply rooted in Italy’s history and identity.
Pasta comes in hundreds of shapes and sizes, with countless regional variations and accompanying sauces. From the hearty ragù of Bologna to the simple freshness of Sicily’s pasta alla Norma (made with eggplant and ricotta), every bite tells a story of tradition and local culture. Likewise, the divine combination of dough, tomatoes, and cheese that makes up pizza — which emerged in Naples, and is now served everywhere in the world — has become perhaps Italy’s most influential export.
It’s impossible to overstate the importance of fresh, local ingredients in Italian cuisine. Whether it’s the ripe tomatoes of the Campania region for pizza sauce or the golden wheat of the Puglia region that goes into pasta, Italians prioritize using locally sourced, seasonal, regional produce. This emphasis both enhances the flavor of dishes and reflects a deep respect for the land and its bounty. Each region boasts distinct specialties, influenced by climate, history, and culture. Gelato from Florence, for example, might taste different from gelato in Rome — for Florentine and Roman cows don’t have the same diet.
Espresso, the fuel of Italian mornings, is another cornerstone of Italian culinary culture. Just about every Italian performs the daily ritual of enjoying a perfectly brewed espresso in the morning. From the meticulous roasting of coffee beans to the precise delivery of each espresso shot from a beautiful machine, the process reflects Italy’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality. Whether sipped leisurely at a sidewalk café or hurriedly at a bustling espresso bar, this iconic drink offers a sip of pure Italian essence.
If you want a taste of Italy yourself, collect one of Jet Set Candy’s whimsical charms.
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Parmesan Cheese & Grater Charm
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Espresso Coffee Pot Charm
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2. Italian fashion and design
Italy is a giant of the fashion industry, with legendary brands such as Versace, Gucci, and Prada having shaped the style landscape for decades. These and other iconic fashion houses have become synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship, and innovation, — and embody Italy’s rich cultural heritage and flair for elegance.
The fashion house founded in 1978 by the late Gianni Versace in 1978 is celebrated for its bold and extravagant designs, vibrant colors and opulent embellishments. Since 1921, Gucci has delighted its sophisticated customers with its iconic double-G logo and goods ranging from handbags to chic ready-to-wear pieces. Miuccia Prada reinvited her family’s luxury leather-goods firm, and her brand is revered for its minimalist aesthetic and avant-garde approach to fashion, which continuously pushes boundaries and sets trends.
Fusing impeccable craftsmanship, attention to detail, and tradition with innovation, Italy’s aesthetic influence extends into industrial design, interior decoration, and luxury automobiles. From sleek furniture by designers like Gio Ponti to iconic lighting fixtures by Artemide, the Italian “look” enhances homes and public spaces worldwide. Luxury Italian automobile manufacturers such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati exemplify elegance, performance, and expertise, and set the standard for automotive excellence. Across various industries, Italy stands apart as a global powerhouse in design and luxury.
Jet Set Candy ❤️ Italian design.
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3. Italian art and architecture, history and culture
The history of Italy encompasses ancient civilizations, flourishing empires, and groundbreaking artistic movements. The ancient Roman Empire provided the foundation of Italy’s rich history, leaving an indelible mark on Western civilization through its advancements in governance, engineering, and law. The imperial capital of Rome became a beacon of power and culture, with iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, standing as remarkable feats of engineering and some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks.
Some of the most celebrated artists who ever lived called Italy home. Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci, one of the greatest polymaths of all time, used his understanding of anatomy and keen observation of nature in works that define art, such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. A contemporary of Leonardo, Michelangelo created moving sculptures (including David) and the awe-inspiring frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, which continue to captivate visitors. In such paintings as The Birth of Venus and Primavera, Sandro Botticelli epitomized the Renaissance ideals of grace and harmony. These geniuses are emblematic of Italy’s golden age of art.
Italy’s architectural wonders also dazzle. With its distinctive tilt, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a marvel of medieval architecture that attracts tourists from around the globe. In Vatican City, the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica and magnificent Sistine Chapel represent the pinnacle of Baroque and Renaissance architecture, respectively. Such architecture elevates this spiritual and cultural center for millions of Catholics worldwide..
Italy’s historic traditions live on through a calendar brimming with vibrant festivals and celebrations. From the elaborate Carnevale di Venezia to the historic Palio di Siena, these events illustrate Italy’s many regional customs and beliefs. Religious festivals like Easter in Sicily and the Feast of San Gennaro in Naples showcase Italy’s strong Catholic identity, while secular festivities such as the Sagra del Tartufo (Truffle Festival) in Alba highlight the country’s culinary range.
Join Jet Set Candy in celebrating Italy’s cultural heritage.
4. Italy’s thrilling cities
Italy is a treasure trove of enchanting cities, each with its own unique vibe. Rome — the Eternal City — immerses visitors in millennia of history as they wander through world-famous landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Pantheon. A living record of architectural styles, Rome’s cobblestone streets are lined with Renaissance palaces, Baroque fountains, and piazzas packed with contemporary life. In the sovereign state of Vatican City, the Vatican Museums are home to Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel, and the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica.
The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence enchants with its stunning architecture, world-class art collections, and picturesque streets. Such landmarks as the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio draw art enthusiasts from around the globe. Within the dense blocks of the historic center, visitors can marvel at masterpieces by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, and sample hearty Tuscan cuisine in charming trattorias.
Venice is a city like no other. Among its labyrinthine, car-free streets and world-famous canals lie landmarks such as St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge. Don’t skip a gondola ride along the Grand Canal to take in grand palazzos and churches from the water. Venice’s unique atmosphere, rich history, and artistic heritage make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking romance and inspiration.
The fashion and design capital of Milan offers a cosmopolitan vibe, world-renowned shopping districts, and architectural marvels. The city’s crown jewel, the Duomo di Milano, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Old-master paintings line the galleries of the Pinacoteca di Brera, while some of the world’s most beautiful voices fill the ornate auditorium of the Teatro alla Scala. The fashion flock gravitates toward the shopping district of Quadrilatero della Moda, where the flagship stores of such famous houses as Versace, Armani, and Prada showcase luxury, Italian style.
At the foot of the Alps, Turin combines regal splendor with the hum of industry — a blend of grandeur and innovation that’s unique in Italy. The city’s grand boulevards are lined with elegant palaces, including the Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Madama, while institutions such as the Egyptian Museum and the National Automobile Museum showcase a range of beautiful objects.
Take a tour of Italy’s most exciting cities with Jet Set Candy’s luggage tag charms.
- Rome FCO Luggage Tag Charm
- Florence FLR Luggage Tag Charm
- Venice VCE Luggage Tag Charm
- Milan Italy MXP Luggage Tag Charm
- Torino TRN Luggage Tag Charm
See why Jet Set Candy loves Italy?
Food, art, history, fashion… and we’ve barely scratched the surface of all there is to love about Italy. Jet Set Candy is all about collecting adventures, making memories, connecting with fellow travel lovers, and taking experiences to the next level — and Italy is a pretty solid place to start.