Fiat, Lancia) to Alessi (kitchen accessories, appliances, tableware, etc. designed by the likes of
Ron Arad, Achille Castiglioni, Frank Gehry, Michael Graves, Aldo Rossi, Ettore Sottsass and
Philippe Starck). Below are some resources here and abroad to help you keep in touch with
this extraordinary world.
Domus. Publishes Domus magazine, one of the bibles of Italian design. Constantly updated
site with new design and articles. Subscribe to their free newsletter, although it may only be in
Italian.
Abitare. Another "bible" design magazine. Also has a free newsletter.
Waffle weave towels. Popular in Europe, including Italy, these towels are lightweight and
have a waffle weave. Proponents say they are more absorbent and easier to wash and dry
than standard plush towels. 'It's another example of the `bigger is better' way of thinking in the
U.S.,'' said Ursula Terrasi, owner of Scandia Down on the Plaza (where the towels can be
purchased) and a native of Italy. ``Americans want these huge beds that you need a stepping
stool to get into, and they think towels should be big and fat.'' Terrasi says many Europeans
prefer to air dry their laundry rather than use electric dryers. Air drying heavy plush towels just
isn't feasible. Cost for these towels is comparable to high-end plush towels.
Wood fiber and cotton blends. Another towel trend that is beginning to take hold is blends of
wood fibers and cotton. Just like clothing made with Tencel, a product called Legna (the
Italian word for ''wood'') made in Italy by SDH feels noticeably softer than 100 percent cotton.
Legna towels are 70 percent wood fiber and 30 percent Egyptian cotton, but the loops are 100
percent wood fiber. No word yet on where these can be purchased in Kansas City.
