Roots & Radiance: Reflecting on 2025 and the Girl Who Never Forgot Italy
Benvenuti, Family & Friends,
As we stand at the threshold of a New Year, I find myself looking back at 2025 with an overflowing heart. This was the year La Rella finally came to life—no longer just a whisper of an idea, but a living, breathing community of people who appreciate the art of dressing well.
But to understand why La Rella exists, I have to take you back further. I think of the 10-year-old girl who arrived in this country with a suitcase and a heart that stayed partially tucked away in the cobblestone streets of Italy. For years, I have carried a "mal d'Italia"—a longing for the culture, the scent of the morning espresso, and the effortless way Italians carry themselves.
In Italy, fashion isn't just about "high fashion" or labels; it’s about the everyday. It’s about a coat that fits perfectly, a fabric that feels like a second skin, and a garment so well-constructed that it lasts a lifetime. That is the dream I brought to life in 2025, and it is the promise I carry into 2026.
Coming in 2026: Sourcing from the Heart of Italy
Next year, we are taking a giant leap. I will be personally sourcing some of our new collections directly from Italy. My mission is to continue handpicking the "everyday excellence" that defines our brand—clothes that tell a story of craftsmanship and timelessness. The boutique website will explicitely highlight the fashion we bring from Italy. Stay tuned.
Capodanno Traditions: Luck, Love, and Letting Go
In Italy, we don't just "celebrate" the New Year; we invite good fortune with rituals passed down through generations:
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L’Intimo Rosso (The Red Underwear): If you want luck in love and life, you must wear red underwear on New Year’s Eve. It’s a cheeky, vibrant tradition you’ll see in every shop window in Italy this time of year!
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Fuori il Vecchio (Out with the Old): In some parts of Italy, there is a tradition of throwing old plates or even furniture out the window to symbolize letting go of the year’s past grievances. (At La Rella, we prefer "out with the fast fashion, in with the quality!")
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The First Step: The first person you meet on the street after midnight is said to dictate how your year will go. Meeting an elderly person signifies wisdom and a long life ahead.
Winter in Italy: What’s Happening in Early 2026
If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Italy in the coming months, the atmosphere is magical:
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Pitti Uomo (Florence, Jan 13–16): The world’s most important platform for men’s clothing and accessory collections. The "street style" in Florence during these days is a masterclass in tailoring.
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Milano Fashion Week (Jan 16–20): Where the world watches the future of fashion unfold in the most stylish city on earth.
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Carnevale di Venezia (Jan 31 – Feb 17): The streets of Venice transform into a 17th-century dream with masks, velvet capes, and grand balls. 2026’s theme, “Olympus: The Origins of Play,” promises to be spectacular!
I Nostri Preferiti (Some of our Winter Favorites)
Bring a piece of the dream into your wardrobe today. Here are a few pieces I’ve handpicked for the winter season:
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The Dramatic Balloon Sleeve Mock Neck Sweater – A staple for the sophisticated winter silhouette.
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Sweater Knit Cardigan with Pearl Buttons – Everyday luxury that feels like a warm embrace.
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Contrast Satin Trim Detail Loung Pants – Functionality meets Italian structure.
Una Ricetta per la Fortuna: Lenticchie di Capodanno (Lentils bring good fortune for the New Year)
In Italy, we eat lentils on New Year’s because they symbolize coins—the more you eat, the more "wealth" (in spirit and health!) you’ll have in the coming year.
Hearty Winter Lentils
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Ingredients: 250g dry brown lentils, broth to cover the lentils, 1 diced onion, 2 carrots, 1 celery stalk, a sprig of rosemary, and a splash of Italian extra virgin olive oil.
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Method: Sauté the vegetables (the soffritto) in oil until soft. Add the lentils and rosemary, cover with broth, and simmer until tender (about 25-30 mins). Serve warm with a thick slice of crusty bread. Buon appetito!
A Heartfelt Grazie
To everyone who made a purchase, shared a post, or simply trusted me with your fashion choices this year: Grazie di cuore. You didn't just buy a piece of clothing; you supported a dream that started decades ago in the mind of a young immigrant girl.
I can’t wait to show you what 2026 has in store for La Rella.
Con tanto amore,
Lina Founder, La Rella