Cabana proudly presents I Salotti Letterari, a reenactment of the academic talking seminars of old. These popular meetings to discuss art, culture and politics, formed in the 15th and 16th century, have been used as a reference point to recreate a new community at Casa Cabana: a "melting pot of modern creativity".

Uniting Milanese society and an international crowd of intellectuals and creatives, these elevated forums will take place throughout the year, on a conscription basis, to come together for mediated conversations between notable members of the Big Cabana Family. 

Editor-in-Chief Martina Mondadori headlined the first meeting, bringing literature to life at Casa Cabana, the home Renzo Mongiardino decorated for her parents. "The idea of the salon originated from the desire to personify the pages of Cabana Magazine. We wanted to reignite all those personalities who can generate debate on our favourite themes: antiques, interior design, cinema, literature, photography and so on." 

The inaugural conversation, moderated by Martina Mondadori, took place between two Italian antique dealers, Alessandra Di Castro and Carlo Orsi, who shared the pleasures and pitfalls of collecting and curating meaningful objects.

Alessandra explored the voyage of creative discovery. "Discovery is the best part of the work of an antiquarian. It is that coup de foudre, that rapid heartbeat, when you see something you immediately recognise, something that speaks to you and tells a story."

Carlo Orsi lamented feelings of loss and regret. "Missed opportunity is sadly a common thing. I forgo countless objects due to a lack of experience when I got started. A portrait by a Florentine mannerist named Bronzino comes to mind, which I found in a private home in central Italy; but because of a series of unfortunate coincidences and my lack of knowledge at that time, I let it get away. That portrait is now held by an important American museum." 

Carlo also offsets the principles of devotion with family rivalry. "My father was an antique dealer, and I am the middle brother of three siblings. However, above all it was a matter of passion. My education was as an architect, and in that role I worked on restoration and museum design. I clearly remember one morning waking up thinking my true calling was to be an antiquarian. I worked with my father but left after just two years as there were too many family problems."

Martina concludes: "The primary installment of our literary salon shows what we have created is a popular melting pot of modern creativity. It is a way for us to involve, expand and feed our ever-growing and loyal community.

"Cabana enthusiasts are like no other, and our experience programme must be reflective of their sophisticated values and interests."