In the heart of Milan, close to the church where Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper is displayed, Martina Mondadori’s richly decorated apartment is a similar feast for the eyes. She shares it with her partner and fellow interiors guru Ashley Hicks, and, welcoming us in together, the couple reveal that every detail is a celebration of their passion for beauty, art, history and culture. As the scion of two Italian business dynasties – the Mondadori publishing empire and Zanussi home appliances – Martina grew up surrounded by elegance.
She tells us that it was her childhood home, a treasure trove of trompe l’oeil, unique antiques and lush fabrics by famed designer Renzo Mongiardino, that inspired her to found her luxury biannual decor magazine Cabana and its lifestyle brand Casa Cabana. Ashley, meanwhile, is the grandson of the King's adored uncle, Earl Mountbatten of Burma, and the son of acclaimed British interior designer David Hicks, whose talent he has inherited. Although his own creativity also spans sculpture, writing, painting and photography, Ashley insists: "Of course, this place is the project I'm most proud of.
I had absolutely the best 'client' – and because I love Martina, it was a huge pleasure.".