The fall books are starting to arrive and my absolute favorite is Marella Agnelli: The Last Swan. Although she was born into a aristocratic family, her life really began when she married Gianni Agnelli in 1953. The book written with her niece Marella Caracciola Chia is part memoir, family album, and home and garden tour. Marella Agnelli worked with some of the world’s best architects,  interior designers, and gardeners on the family’s many homes around the world all of which are featured in the book. While most people consider wicker furniture only for the out of doors, Marella used it in almost all of the interiors which I can imagine was very comforting while traveling.  This is one book where the story is just as compelling as the photos and I loved learning more about Marella Agnelli’s incredible life.  It’s definitely a must read for autumn.

Villar Perosa in Italy has gardens designed by Russell Page.

Marella and Gianni Agnelli on their wedding day on November 19, 1953.

The interiors of Villar Perosa were designed with Parisian designer M. Stepahane Boudin.

Villar Perosa gardens.

The Chinese gallery at Villar Perosa.

The Agnellis outside Villar Perosa.

UPDATE: The other photos in this post were removed at the request of Rizzoli. Please purchase the book to see all of the Agnelli’s beautiful homes and to read more about her life.