Kristen Schott Kristen Schott | October 23, 2019 | Style & Beauty,
With Appian Market, Toni and Domenico Apollaro are fashioning a luxurious little Italy right here in DC.
Toni Apollaro sets the rose gold Colonna watch she wears daily to Italian time. Husband Domenico likes to buy his wife Italian goods that she never thinks she’ll wear, but end up favorites. And, via Appian Market, they’re giving the District’s fashion mavens and moguls the chance to collect their own stylish wares from the country too. “Our [online] boutique brings to light the artisan designers and creators within centuries-old generations of family businesses born out of Italy,” says Toni, co-founder and fashion director. “It is a platform of curated passions and was truly born out of a labor of love and quality.”
Ruga leather two-toned Rex trim Kelly handbag, $275, by Bevini Modena
The couple started the brand in 2016 to bring more Italian traditions into their family (they have a daughter named Sofia), but also to share a piece of Domenico’s past (he was born in Sibari) with a larger audience. They combined their backgrounds in restaurants (he’s executive chef and partner at La Tomate), retail and hospitality, and started with a refined group of makers Domenico knew.
Today, they carry items that “transcend the seasonal fashion and decor trends for a more timeless and sophisticated style,” says Toni. Handcrafted products are selected from artisans and feature limited-edition fashions and home accessories. This fall, they’ve sourced such pieces as a Meccaniche Veneziane Nereide watch. For women: 100% percent silk scarves by Neapolitan painter Ruggiero Bignardi and boots by Laura Biagiotti. And they’re launching a custom shoe design platform for men early next year.
Vanità e Beltà silk scarf, $182, by Ruggiero Bignardi
Then there’s the exclusive $100,000 Thomire Flowers Candelabra by Baldi—aka jewelry for the home, says Toni. “My husband has known... [Baldi] since 2001,” she notes. “Our connection allows us to customize any design vision.” They once outfitted a client’s yacht from bow to stern in Baldi creations.
Nereide Ardesia men’s watch, from $849, by Meccaniche Veneziane
Naturally, they do a bit of travel to source new product—next up is Florence for Pitti Uomo and Milan for Fashion Week. Then there’s the family vacay in Domenico’s hometown. More locally, they have big plans too. There is, of course, the busy holiday shopping season (expect a pop-up or two). And they’re working toward opening a brick-and-mortar retail-restaurant concept for customers to “experience the complete authentic Italian lifestyle,” finishes Domenico.
It’s all a matter of Italian time.
Photography by: GREG POWERS; THE HECHT WAREHOUSE AT IVY CITY; AMINA RUBINACCI, GEORGETOWN AND DANIELE BERDINI HEELS, APPIAN MARKET; COLONNA AND CUSTOM SUIT AND SHOES; BRANDS