The Italian brands every owner needs on their superyacht

To the uninitiated the name Billionaire Italian Couture may seem ostentatious, but delve deeper and you’ll see just how well founder Flavio Briatore understands the lifestyle of today’s international jet set.

The Formula One mogul launched the brand in 2005 and it offers chic casualwear that is perfect for stepping off a long flight (private jet, of course) or on to a yacht for the weekend. The latest collection comprises impeccable tailoring with bold, quintessentially Italian stylistic touches – from ornate embroidery to eye-catching patterns. At the heart of the range is also a dedication to practicality. Its lambskin bomber, with micro-hole detailing cut out with a laser, is the perfect example of the combination of fashion and function. “Comfort and lightness are paramount for the Billionaire man,” explains the brand’s creative director Michael Ködel. By Eleanor Pryor

Vist billionairecouture.com

Lingerie has long had a reputation for being a French fancy but the Italians know a thing or two about it, too. Renowned corset maker Ada Masotti founded La Perla in Bologna in 1954, combining the city’s silk and textile heritage with her knowledge of where to lift and sculpt. Her creations were presented in boxes lined with velvet, as if they were jewels, giving rise to the company’s name – the pearl. To channel your inner Gina Lollobrigida or Claudia Cardinale – whether on shore or on deck – try one of its black bodysuits. By Natasha Daniels

La Perla bodysuit, from £215, laperla.com

Since founding its luxury yacht division in 2012, interior design brand-to-know Stefano Ricci Home has decked out some of the world’s most lavish boats. The brand is synonymous with the finest Italian craftsmanship thanks to its dedication to a “100 per cent Made in Italy” philosophy. Pieces in its crystal line are intricately decorated and made from the highest quality glass. The Royal Chisel and Cashmere collection is particularly unique. Once the design has been hand-drawn, it’s engraved with an artisan stone bur to create a beautiful opaque effect, which contrasts brilliantly with the clear crystal and looks fabulous in the dining saloon. By Jemima Wilson

Royal Chisel and Cashmere crystal, POA, stefanoricci.com

If you talk to Giuseppe Zanotti about decks, he won’t think first of boats but of DJing. The designer, who comes from San Mauro Pascoli, a small town near Rimini famous for shoe manufacturing, was a keen DJ in the 1980s.

But a passion for art, design and fashion, combined with the craft history of his native town, led him into a career as a women’s shoe designer. Zanotti worked first for small artisanal shoemakers by day, while still spinning records at night, before graduating to the likes of Thierry Mugler, Missoni, Fendi, Roberto Cavalli and Valentino. He has amassed many fans in the world of entertainment. Today that means men, too. Any onboard journey will surely be enhanced by Zanotti’s Kriss high-top trainers for him. Check out his bags, accessories, jewellery and clothing for more of the Zanotti spirit. And if you ask nicely, he might even come and DJ at your next boat party. By Peter Howarth

The Kriss high-top sneakers, from £505, giuseppezanottidesign.com

As horological success stories go, Panerai’s is more remarkable than most. Originally a maker of military optical equipment, the Florentine company was commissioned to create a series of watches for the Italian navy during the 1930s and went on to develop several unique models designed for diving, with highly luminous dials, waterproof cases and patented crown-sealing levers.

By 1970, however, Panerai’s watch operation had become dormant. It resumed small-scale production in 1993 with a civilian range that (so the story goes) attracted the attention of actor Sylvester Stallone. His influence helped revive interest in the brand, which was bought by luxury goods giant Richemont in 1997 and the company is now helmed by CEO Angelo Bonati. Panerai has since developed a cult following with a series of watches that have, largely, remained true to the design ethos of the originals.

The Luminor Submersible 1950 Flyback, pictured here, features a case, dial design and crown-locking mechanism that can be traced back to the 1950s, although the standard of quality, fit and finish is much better today than it was 60 years ago. The watch uses Panerai’s P.9100 movement and is available with a 47mm case in steel or titanium. There is also a special Regatta version, which has an additional pre-race start timing function. By Simon de Burton

Luminor Submersible 1950 Flyback, £13,100, panerai.com

While cars have their benefits, nothing goes quite so well with a superyacht, a sun-soaked cruise and an adventurous spirit as a motorcycle or scooter, to be kept on board for use in port. And Italians have always made the most stylish ones in sizes small and large. In its post-war heyday, Italy was home to dozens of motorcycle manufacturers, but only a handful remain.

1. For maximum street cred – you’ll need Ducati’s ultra-cool Scrambler, a 21st century take on its classic 1960s trail bike. The new one features an 800cc L-Twin engine and can be had in Icon, Urban Enduro, Classic and Full Throttle guises, depending on the look you like.
2. For a cruise on the highway – you’ll need the latest version of Moto Guzzi’s California tourer. With a 1400cc, V-Twin engine, built-in panniers, comfy footboards and retro-looking Perspex screen to deflect the wind, the Cali dates back to 1971, when it was designed in collaboration with the LAPD as a patrol bike.
3. For nipping to the shops – you’ll need a Vespa (just like Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn did in Roman Holiday, above). Launched in 1946, the Vespa (so called because of its narrow-waisted, wasp-like appearance) has sold in the millions. The latest models have quiet, four-stroke engines, electric starters and fuel injection. Choose from four versions and many more colours. By Simon de Burton

Ducati Scrambler Classic, from £8,395, scramblerducati.com; Moto Guzzi California 1400 SE, £16,635, uk.motoguzzi.it; Vespa GTS Super 300 ABS, £4,693, uk.vespa.com

Summoning an image of a palazzo in Rome or Florence immediately evokes the sights and smells of several things: sunshine, pizza, breathtaking Renaissance architecture, gelato and coffee. You can’t always be in Italy but you can make a damn fine espresso, care of Illy.

The company was founded in Trieste, where beans first came to Europe from North Africa, in 1933. Illy beans are still roasted in Trieste today. For more than 80 years Illy has represented the best in coffee production and innovation. Once roasted, the quality of its beans endures thanks to its pressurised cans, which make sure no aromas or essential oils can escape. This truly Italian dedication means that every Illy coffee can take you straight back to the bustling palazzos, wherever you’re shored. By Jane Fulcher

Illy espresso beans, £77.76 for 12 x 250g, espressocrazy.com

Only this famously creative Italian jeweller could have seen the potential for creating a wristwatch in the form of a snake. But when the first Serpenti watch appeared in the 1940s, Bulgari’s genius quickly became apparent. Further Serpenti products followed, such as rings, belts and bracelets – with a one-off example of the latter famously being worn by Elizabeth Taylor on the set of the epic 1963 movie Cleopatra. But the Serpenti in its horological form is what has most captured the imagination and the legend lives on with the launch of four new models. The highlight is the Serpenti Incantati Skeleton Tourbillon, a high jewellery watch available in either a pink gold case set with rubellites or a white gold case set with diamonds. The snake imagery is completed on the most valuable examples by a coiling, gem-set bracelet in matching precious metal.

Next comes the Serpenti jewellery, with mother-of-pearl, coral, onyx and turquoise combined with diamonds and pink gold, while the new Serpenti Tubogas is inspired by a celebrated Bulgari watch of the 1970s. It comes in a single coil or extravagant five-coil bracelet made from steel, or steel and gold. Perhaps the most practical and wearable of all the new Serpenti watches is the Spiga, which has a coiling bracelet made from high-tech ceramic, a material that is scratchproof, salt resistant and, just like a real snake, always cool to the touch – making it just about perfect for life on a sun-drenched superyacht. By Simon de Burton

Serpenti Secret watch, POA, bulgari.com

Italians love their shoes and one of the most famous names is Salvatore Ferragamo. The brand flourished during Hollywood’s golden age after the young Salvatore opened the doors to his Hollywood Boot Shop in 1923 and swiftly became shoemaker to the stars, wooing clients such as Marilyn Monroe, Greta Garbo and Sophia Loren with his statement, avant-garde designs. Unimpressed with American crafting techniques, Ferragamo returned home and founded a workshop in Florence. With the spoils of his ongoing success, Ferragamo was able to purchase Palazzo Spini Feroni, a medieval palace in the city centre that, to this day, remains the company’s headquarters. By Bella Dickie

Sofia leather bag, £1,385, ferragamo.com

Persol created the 649 sunglasses style in 1957 to protect the eyes of Turin tram drivers. It was taken up by Italian movie stars, including the great Marcello Mastroianni – he sports them in the 1961 film Divorce Italian Style – and now Persol has reinterpreted these iconic frames. Here, actor Scott Eastwood, son of Clint, models a pair of the acetate and metal sunglasses, referencing the style’s screen heritage. Look no further for the ultimate yachting wardrobe essential. By Peter Howarth

Persol 649 sunglasses, £253, davidclulow.com