When Sarah Gargano was 33, she met an Italian surgeon who was getting his PhD in Rome via a friend who was the public relations director at Hermes.
She was living in New York City and the PR director for Lalique. After traveling back and forth for their long distance romance, the couple got engaged and moved back to Italy. “We moved to Amalfi, where he’s from. The home where he was born is the famed Hotel Santa Caterina di Amalfi—absolutely breathtaking!” It’s a historic five-star luxury hotel perched on the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. Her soon-to-be-husband’s great-grandfather actually built The Santa Caterina with his own two hands in 1893.
The pair eventually moved to Modena and Gargano landed a job in Milan in luxury PR. The position took her to Paris and London where she worked with stars such as Kate Winslet, Daniel Craig and Jude Law. Throw in a stint handling the global De Beers Jewellers account out of London, working with the likes of David Rockwell and Armand de Brignac in the middle east and Asia, and then eventually a move to Miami where her husband had a fellowship and you’ll see that Gargano has lived and worked in some of the most stunning cities around the globe.
Four years ago, the mother of two moved back to New York City to open Sarah Gargano Communications and counts Lalique, Valmont, the Italian Government (she speaks their language fluently) and McLaren Automotive as current clients, among other luxury brands. The PR star is currently opening outposts of her firm in both London and Los Angeles. So who better to ask for a global go-to list of the hot spots to check out this summer and fall.
LONDON
"Momo’s basement bar in Mayfair just reopened after a massive refurbishment. The menu features North African delights like tagines in a colorful setting filled with furnishings from a Moroccan souk. My ‘go-to’ cocktail there is Momo’s Special, with vodka, fresh mint and lime. So refreshing!"
PARIS
“My dear friend Armel Soyer has the most incredible contemporary art gallery in LeMarais devoted to 21st century decorative arts. Galerie Armel Soyer represents emerging artists, like Mathias Kiss, who experiment with shapes and natural materials, pushing boundaries toward a type of ‘counter-culture’ that’s amazing to see. She and her family built their home in the mythic ski town of Mejeve, in the French Alps where they live and have a second art gallery that adjoins their house.”
“Hotel Costes embodies everything that Paris means to me—mystique, fashion and decadence. When the doors open you are immersed into powdery velvets, flltered lights and a sea of burgundy. The clientele is impossibly chic and the permanent coming and going of guests makes it feel like you are watching a movie. Each time I’m in Paris, I stop by their perfume shop to stock up on their original scented candle that became Hotel Costes’ signature scent. Warning: they are completely addictive.”
AMALFI, ITALY
“Hotel Santa Caterina is the definition of heaven on Earth. The Santa Caterina is my most favorite place on the planet. It’s essence immediately envelops you as warm ocean breezes waft through the air mixed with the intoxicating smells of citrus from the lush lemon and orange groves. The view from the terrace is breathtaking and is the best spot for an aperatif. I was married here in a magical celebration with Amalfitan music, dancing and spectacular fireworks overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.”
NEW YORK CITY
“I love Il Buco because it feels like you are in Italy eating at your family’s dinner table.The rustic, authentic vibe with the artisanal plates and fresh flowers are transporting.They have a wine cellar in the basement that you can rent out for intimate dinners .Fantastic people watching, too—old New York legends and artists like Chuck Close.”
LOS ANGELES
“Whenever I am in LA, I always go hiking with my best friend in Topanga Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains. Near Malibu, its rolling hills and rocky peaks are perfect for clearing your head. We go to the top of Eagle Rock, sit down and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean and the Palisades. Afterwards, we go to Sugarfish in Santa Monica and order the ‘Trust Me’, Chef Nozawa’s philosophy!”
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