IDENTIQUETTE– the secret lives of the nobility
MARGHERITA DE CLES is descended from one of Trentino’s most established wine producing families, she is creative, stylish and a lover of every art form. The young noble woman tells all, exclusively to ’Monte Carlo Time’
By Simona Artanidi
MARGHERITA DE CLES spent her adolescence twixt mountain and vine; the third of four children, her family has the most antique origins with a genealogical line reaching back to 1082, the year of the construction of Castle Cles and the village in Non Valley. Amongst the personalities that graced the family was Bishop Prince Bernardo Clesio, Renaissance Prince, and adviser to Ferdinando I of Hapsburg. As Bishop Prince and member of the
Imperial Junta the Prince voted for the succession of Charles V in 1519. The Barons de Cles have put all their efforts to agriculture in recent centuries and the production of “soave liquor” in particular the Teroldego Rotaliano vintage, much loved by Clesio which he could not relinquish even during his proclamation as Bishop Prince.
To find myself chatting to Margherita or Brixi, to her intimates, is almost like having an entire library to refer to, one gazes at all the books but is unable to choose a subject to begin. How interesting is this young noble woman’s life story with her intensely black eyes, her gentle manners and her sweet smile. She resembles a modern day Cinderella who works away but never stops dreaming. Still I managed to detain her for a few hours and enjoy a glass of excellent “Rosso cardinal” as together we traced her identikit and as we are friends she allows me to address her informally.
Margherita, tell me something about yourself, about your youth, the first thing that comes to mind, in this way we may break the ice… The first thing that comes to mind is an enduring love for nature and accompanying father round amongst the vineyards, ignoring that one day I would be important for the company’s success. (Azienda Agricola Barone de Cles N.d.R.). Like every well bred young girl I took dancing lessons with my sister Francesca; and father dedicated the new wine “Primizie Clesiane” to us. Watching mother cooking in the kitchen was always a pleasure and it was she who presented a red apron to me which then became trapped in the cooker hob. The favourite boy doll was called Camillo, inseparable and I also enjoyed playing with Barbies, stitching magnificent dresses from scraps of material. A vivacious character as I was soon became a problem for the family and at 14 I was sent to a convent boarding school in Cortina d’Ampezzo. It was the first time that I had lived away from the family and the pain of separation did wonders for relationships with others. I never stopped dreaming though and the favourite story was always ‘Cinderella’, a woman who embodies my personality, an idealist who never stops dreaming
Today what occupies your time? For nearly a year now working for the family company as a marketing and communications advisor has been interesting. The changes between generations are always difficult and like all family firms progress is slow so attending courses has been vital, the most recent being the master course in musical performance.
What do you do in your free time?
Reading, especially volumes on oriental philosophy and thanks to this I have been able to deepen aspects of life denied in the past. From reading I have moved on to writing in fact for a while now I am writing an essay on a very difficult subject: love in its totality. Going to the latest art exhibitions is enjoyable as to antique markets. I sing all the time and also find moments to dedicate to dance. Music is something that has always been present in my life and so going to different concerts is regular. Finding myself in a deeply relaxed state, I meditate under the old ginkgo tree in the garden and read the legendary poems of Hemingway, whilst smoking a cigar and drinking a decent glass of wine. I have great faith in alternative medicine and in the right mood I snatch up a pencil a paper and sketches evening dresses which later are created by the tailor.
Just out of curiosity why do they call you Brixi?
Mother, Augusta, is a little fey and has given every component of the family a pet name. Mine is Brixelle, abbreviated form, Brixi, and this onomatopoeic word also refers to the vivacious and bubbly temperament, thus those who are closest friends are permitted to address me thus.
What does it mean to be a noble these days?
Nobility used to mean the honour bestowed on one who had served to the bitter end. Nowadays I prefer to see nobility as a fable, a dreamy vision of what is reality. I like to imagine stories about princes and ladies shut up in castles that have to be rescued. Having a title has been a burden because I can never be sure that people who become close are there because I am Margherita and not the rest. I can become deluded for this reason; perhaps this is why I have developed a rebellious streak. When one is noble one is responsible for a patrimony which is a very heavy part, a large Karma that can create problematic situations especially in the internal part of ones’ life but that can be confronted with courage and honour. Now I can truly say that I am definitely independent of the name that I carry, in other words my true self is certainly ‘Margherita’. It is important to remember that the peculiarity of the titled aristocracy is the expression of spiritual values rather than the material elements, and only this renders one uniquely noble...
Tell us about your typical day?
Waking with the sun softly caressing my hair is certainly a marvellous start to the day, otherwise I can recuperate with some good music. Clothes are chosen whilst emptying the wardrobe and choice is based on mood, normally veering towards the colourfully vibrant... Breakfast is sacred, the best part of the day, a time when peace is needed to adjust to the moment. Diet is tightly controlled and forms part of the new consumer health regime, rigorously biological, full of fibre and preferably ‘kamut’. I attempt to visit the gym first thing in the morning and after, full of energy, I go to the office. In the afternoon I take out Penelope, a cocker spaniel, and Sissi, an English bulldog for a walk. Then I call friends for a drink but a night out is not always on the cards since the area is not noted for youthful activities alas, so the cinema is a frequent diversion...
So what would you prepare for an improvised supper with friends?
Organisation is a word that I have never shrunk from in fact from infancy I have been organising rowdy birthday parties for family and friends. If today the occasion arose for a surprise dinner, thanks to mother’s instructions (she is an excellent cook) the menu would be as follows. Risotto with red wine Teroldego, red chicory pie, fresh prawn, grapefruit and mustard salad, and a home-made strawberry tart. Obviously the choice of wine is practically infinite but the evening would certainly end with a delicious dessert wine, Passito and a seasoned cigar.
Tell us about your latest project.
During the first working period at the family winery a new product that should release a fresh new movement in the wine business occurred, in other words I created a new wine that contained all that is feminine. In a patriarchal business it is already scandalous that a woman works in that environment let alone that she created a new wine. It was indeed a provocation in the eyes of my uncles but ‘Notes of Heart’ has been a resounding success and gives great satisfaction. It is not only a rosé from Teroldego’ but has something a little extra, something than comes from within, as if every woman realises that flower exists within her own immense garden, a bloom that distinguished itself in beauty, delicacy and elegance. It is verily a wine that sees woman’s image return as muse and inspiration, a romantic exultation that at the same time is a demonstrative sacrifice for the love of all woman-kind.
So what is the next dream in the pipeline?
They say that the real danger is in dreams that become reality: as far as I am concerned I had a chance to make some dream come true, but honestly speaking they are not the only ones….it is quite impossible to a dreamer like me. My dreams have always been imprinted on my own soul, but now they are projected towards the well-being of the others. However, I still long for great Love, just one more dream for me…
In vinum veritas?
In a glass of wine one’s dreams, travails and joys are captured. In those who imbibe immoderately the risk is always that a part of the soul escapes, that one could never imagine existed. Or in other cases inhibition disappears and a pleasant character emerges or even worse repressed aggression. As in everything is it better to not allow the sting of dependence to ruin the simple pleasure of enjoying the distilled flavour of perfume and earth.
What could you simply not do without in your wardrobe?
My wardrobe contains absolutely everything and more, there are even clothes that have never been taken out of their packets because there have not been occasions to use them. There are jackets of every form and colour and adorable tops. I adore silk shirts and as a stylist I have made a couple of them that I wear in the summer. Colours range from pastel to deep intense shades for daytime and evening use respectively. Black trousers are another staple in satin, cotton or lamé and are ideal for every occasion. Another must are ‘pashmire’ scarves embellishing a total black look or matching whatever colour. Every day wear often consists of jeans and a jacket or twin set in the Brixi style; that is adorned with, ruches, pleats, appliqué, beads, the more feminine the better. Scarves are another favourite with Hermes the most desirable, I have got one hundred of shoes and mother frequently threatens eviction as she is so irritated with shoes and clothes all over the house. As for bags, a shopping bag is best for day and a little one for the evening. However with all these garments there are still moments of desperation when it seems that there really is nothing to wear.
What is in your bag ?
In my bag a cellular telephone lurks with all its hanging widgets. At the moment there is a lilac pompom that was given to me by two woman friends, a long lasting shiny lip-gloss which is excellent on lips that have a tendency towards dryness, a compact with the two C intertwined, a little brush, a Hermes diary, a Mozart minipen and a book..
What for you is the definition of luxury?
Luxury at one time was something for the few but now it has become a lifestyle for all. Everything now is considered indispensable but in my own case being free from luxury is the ultimate luxury.
What must a woman avoid to be elegant?
A woman who is truly elegant never needs to ask what to do. Everything she does in simply naturally elegant. True style is born not learned. It would be like asking a King Charles spaniel why he looks so regal, he would not be able to explain at all, it is innate, part of the DNA
Are you material or spiritual?
We are children of sin and to live completely within a spiritual dimension would be arduous in this earthly reign, so the conflict between material things and the spirit torments us daily. Life is a continuous experiment between harmony and balance which can be illuminating only after profound self examination. On earth perhaps we are obsessed with our goods that can only be enjoyed during life whereas the everlasting spirit is what endures even though it is somehow underestimated: confusion springs from ignorance of our true mission.
What is beauty for you?
All is beauty; everything created is in harmony with other things. Beauty can generate an admiring stupor, emotions. When I refer to beauty of course I am not referring to material beauty – it is far more interesting to look at the beauty of a conversation, for example, between two people, the gracious art of conversation is an irresistible manifestation of attraction. The Physical sort of beauty soon fades, it is better to concentrate on something more lasting – the beauty of the soul.
Which word do you use most frequently?
The word I most frequently use is love, the true motive of my life. As a young child the heart was a constant theme in my artistic expression at school and appeared with a hat, smiling, tongue sticking out, and with a blinking eye. The fact is that today this theme is not coincidental because it is the first and last thing in our life, a force, energy, a law, a vibration trapped within a word that tends to the infinite.
If you could have a wish from Aladdin’s lamp?
A cure for cancer, the end to all wars, a new spiritual plan of life.
What do you think of in bed at nights…
I think of the demands of the day and dream...
Wht is the first thing that you look for in a woman and a man
In both woman and man the eyes are the window of the soul.
Are you in love?
The love of life is the primary love and once this is achieved one can be ready to find true love. Now one feels ready to fall into true love.
What s the craziest thing that you have ever done? And the most sensible?
The crazy things that love makes you do at the age of 16. Hidden in crowded train one travelled for 5 long hours to spend a few hours with a boyfriend. As for sensible things – well that remains to be seen….perhaps they will occur
What is the name of your best friends?
Daddy Leonardo is my first best friend, a very cultivated man and for this reason he inspires deep affection and he is a person who should be imitated in his life experiences and studies., Angelo is another dear friend who has been near at difficult moments and his affection and patience bring joy back to a situation. There is Simona, an exceptional woman who is far away physically but will always be close to my heart.
Montecarlo is…
Montecarlo is luxury, prestige and magic, as is the tradition of a principality that lives and enjoys certain fame. It has a magnificent and fascinating position on the splendid coast with wonderful shops, chic restaurants with their lists of the best French wines, the casinos and the enormous boats docked at Port Hercules.
A List of Bests by Margherita de Cles:
5 unforgettable addresses
Macy’s New York, Manohlo Blanhik New York, Harvey Nichols London, Chanel Montecarlo, Prada Milan
Your best hotel in the world
Burj-al-Arab Dubai
The most refined restaurant
Enoteca Pinchiorri Firenze
Where you feel at home
Castel Cles
Favorite book
The alchemist
Favorite writer
Paolo Coehlo
Favourite journalist
Bruno Vespa, for his eclectic reporting, understanding and for being one of the few right wing people working at RAI.
Favourite stylist
Chanel, she is respected not only as a stylist but also as a personality. However, no one but me knows what is best to suit me.
Favorite tv channel
Mtv
Favorite music
All music from classic to pop. At the moment a great deal of classical music, especially opera.
Favourite musician
Francesco Libetta, pianist from Salento of international fame, with the style and grace of few, he is a true aristocrat of the pianoforte and is the only one to bring tears to my eyes when listening...