The Italian brands every owner needs on their superyacht

To the cycling enthusiast the maglia rosa, Campagnolo and Colnago – with its “ace of clubs” logo – are icons one and all. Those spectacular mountain passes Passo dello Stelvio, Passo del Mortirolo and Passo di Gavia offer pain, suffering and glory in equal measure to Giro d’Italia competitors. Then there are the Italian cyclists – Fausto Coppi, Gino Bartali, Felice Gimondi and the flawed genius of Marco Pantani are heroes in their homeland and giants of the sport.

It’s no surprise then that Italian brands are at the heart of cycling history and many of the world’s most coveted products are still lovingly created by Italian artisans. In a world dominated by global companies pumping out mass produced bikes, Italian family-owned businesses maintain a tradition of exclusivity and flair with a sense of history.

The ideal number of bikes you should own is n+1, where n equals the number you currently own. Every boat needs more than one bike. Campagnolo (pictured) will have to be the groupset on whatever you choose. Then it’s the perfect carbon race bike, the Colnago C60, for the mountains, and a silky smooth, custom-made titanium Passoni for those wonderfully long all-day rides. By Tony Harris

Colnago C60, £3,499, colnago.com; Campagnolo Super Record EPS groupset, POA, campagnolo.com; Passoni Top Genesis, POA, passoni.it

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

No scent is more robustly and classically Italian than the original Acqua di Parma Colonia fragrance. This light, fresh cologne of Sicilian citrus fruit, lavender, bergamot and Bulgarian rose has remained unchanged since 1916 when it was created in a tiny artisan laboratory in Parma. It was a breath of fresh air compared to the heady German perfumes in vogue at the time and soon became associated with the well-dressed elite. Hollywood stars Cary Grant, David Niven and Audrey Hepburn were all devotees, heightening the brand’s prestige. Acqua di Parma Colonia celebrated its centenary last year and is still made with the same dedication that earned its initial success. By Bella Dickie

Colonia Eau de Cologne spray, £91 for 100ml, acquadiparma.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

Many profess to design for those with boats and yachts but few have the technical chops and intrinsic understanding of what this requires. Loro Piana, however, has this knowledge in spades. Not only has the Italian company kitted out the interiors of some fine boats with its specially formulated fabrics that combat the dampness of marine environments, it has also developed a revolutionary treatment – Storm System – that makes even the most delicate of materials, including its trademark cashmere, waterproof, while maintaining its soft and luxurious properties. So it’s no surprise that Loro Piana is one of the first ports of call for sartorial elegance on deck. Combine the classically nautical Girocollo Pique Stripe cotton, cashmere and silk crewneck sweater with flattering slim-fit cotton and linen shorts for a sleek, easy outfit for every day. By Eleanor Pryor

All clothing loropiana.com

If you want an Italian pen, it should be a Montegrappa. And what better Montegrappa can there be than the one named after Miss Italia 1950? Sophia Loren is as robust and timeless and satisfying to all the senses as a masterpiece fountain pen. And she has written her own history. Hers is not the Neapolitan slum of cinema legend, but patrician Rome. In fact, she can claim the title of Marchesa di Licata Scicolone Murillo. She once said: “Everything you see I owe to spaghetti.” Even if it’s not true, it’s beautiful and immortal. By Stephen Bayley

Sophia Loren fountain pen, from £1,215, montegrappa.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

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

Prada has a unique reputation among Italian fashion houses, thanks largely to the enigmatic and cerebral character of its designer, Miuccia Prada. Her eclecticism is visible not only on the catwalk, but also in her commitment to the arts, which last year led to the opening of the impressive Fondazione Prada cultural complex in Milan. This permanent exhibition space dedicated to contemporary art and culture is housed in a former distillery redesigned by leading architecture practice OMA.

However, it’s not all about the esoteric. Since 2000, Prada has been behind the Luna Rossa sailing team, which has competed in four America’s Cups. A fragrance of the same name and collections of sunglasses and sportswear (Prada Linea Rossa) all bear testament to the company’s interest in life on the water – a passion of CEO Patrizio Bertelli. By Jemima Wilson

Visit prada.com