Growing up in Italy, we’ve learned lots of rules regarding the table–you must sit upright and never lean against the back of the chair; you must wait to eat until after the head of the table has begun; and you must never (ever!) rest your elbows on the table. But despite these etiquette guidelines, we Italians know how to have fun. The table is a space for arguing, laughing, and loving–and now, for playing backgammon. With this chic, custom-made tablecloth and matching napkins from Roman atelier Le Tre Sarte, you don’t even have to clear the postprandial pandemonium in order to start a game. If we’re not allowed to play with our food, then we might as well play next to our food with this multi-purpose decor piece, made with leftover dead-stock fabric.

The Roman atelier Le Tre Sarte makes tailor-made garments, shoes, and home decor with dead-stock fabrics that would have otherwise been thrown away–a particularly chic way to reduce, reuse, recycle.

NAME: Camilla Voci

LOCATION: Rome

AGE: 31

When and why did you decide to start Le 3 Sarte?

Le 3 Sarte was born two years ago, after my experience in Paris, where I had the fortune of working for the Opera Garnier. I was involved in philanthropy for contemporary opera, and below my office was the workshop of the costume designers. Visiting the seamstresses and getting lost in the colors of silks became a daily habit. It was thanks to them that I refined my sense of touch and learned to recognize the quality of fabrics.

Back in Rome, I wanted to recreate a bit of that magical world of theater, costumes, and tailoring, but reinterpret it in a modern key and make it accessible to the younger generation.

What are your greatest inspirations? 

The history of art and theater, opera and cinema, as these arts all are part of my past and my present food for thought and soul. A very important role in this project is also held by the city of Rome itself with its colors and light. 

Are there traditional or unique techniques that you incorporate into your work?

Our seamstresses and tailors do most of the pieces in the heart of Rome–every piece is hand cut and stitched the old way. We also collaborate with artisans around the world, like the last capsule of capes for which Mexican artists embroidered the collars and details. 

How does your cultural background contribute to your artistic expression?

I have grown up in an artistically sensible and creative family. My mother’s father was a well-known Swiss architect, building mainly churches, and her mother’s uncle was the genius film director Fassibinder. My father, an Italian with origins well rooted in the south, infused our German culture with all things Italian: humor, elegance, lemons, and wine. I believe that parts of both worlds are visible in what I do today: a mix of Nordic bohemian style and classic Italian elegance. 

Tell us three of your favorite places in Rome.

The frescoes of the loggia of Palazzo Altemps.

Osteria Pennestri: maybe not the most charming, but for sure the best food in Rome.

Last but not least, Le Tre Sarte Atelier in Via dei Pianellari 15+17, our tailor shop where you can play with fabrics and shapes to realize your dream pieces.