J.J. Martin’s Favorite Things Include Shamanic Spiritual Lessons and Venetian Slippers

Italy has taught J.J. Martin many lessons, among them, she writes in her new book, Mamma Milano (Vendome), how to “bask in her beauty, slow down, glow up, create consciously, flirt shamelessly, [and] live joyfully.” In 2001, the former marketing executive moved to Milan for a romantic relationship—and though it didn’t last, she sowed the seeds of a different kind of love story. “Italy gradually and gently took me in with her Big Mamma energy: fed me, spoiled me, taught me, tickled me, and cracked my armored heart wide open,” she writes. She channeled her newfound exuberance into La DoubleJ, first an online platform for vintage wares that she has since transformed into a ready-to-wear and homeware brand inspired by everything that is Italy. Here, Martin’s ode to Milan, in all its maximalist glory.

Style File

EVERYDAY BAG: My Lutz Morris Parker. BELOVED JEWELRY: A giant Egyptian pendant gifted to me by [former Chanel global CEO] Maureen Chiquet. TO LOUNGE: L.G.R for Blazé sunglasses, La DoubleJ kaftan, and ViBi Venezia venetian slippers.

On Wellness

BODY CARE: Verden Herbanum wash. SKIN BOOST: Phyto Nectars I Am Radiant. DAILY RITUALS: Breath work, chakra cleansing, Yin yoga, and multidimensional energy meditations. FOR HEALING: Weekly shamanic spiritual lesson with Lelama Sjamar.

For Pleasure

LISTENING TO: The Footloose soundtrack. READING: We, the Arcturians (A True Experience) by Norma J. Milanovich et al. WATCHING: Il Gattopardo. INSPIRED BY: The unnamed Franco-Flemish artist who designed this circa-15th-century millefleur tapestry.

At Home

ON THE WALL: My portrait painted by La DoubleJ’s former design director, Molly Molloy, two very zen circle paintings done by my energy healer, Paolo Nicolò Ferraguti, and in my dining room, custom wallpaper based on collages I found in Bali painted by Kirsten Synge Kongsli. ON THE SHELF: My new book, Mamma Milano. ON THE FLOOR: A Tibetan tiger rug and Chinese carpet, both from the 1930s. VINTAGE GEM: A pair of 1950s curved walnut Carlo Ratti chairs. MOST MAXIMAL: My four closets.

The Menu

MORNING CUP: Dr. Linda Lancaster’s Liver-Cleansing Drink, freshly made. HOME-COOKED SPECIALTY: Farro linguine with a tomato, olive, and caper sauce that I learned how to make by watching the chef at a tiny restaurant in Pantelleria. INDULGENT DRINK: Aperol spritz.

Around Milan

MUST-SEE: Casa degli Atellani. FOR PRINT LOVERS: Bonvini 1909. VINTAGE: Cavalli e Nastri. DATE NIGHT: Ratanà. DESSERT: Sacher torte from Pasticceria Cucchi. BEST-KEPT SECRET: The painted ceiling inside Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore. BEAUTY BREAK: Massage at You Off. DAY TRIP: Passalacqua in Lake Como. LAKESIDE: Colville beach bag. TO KEEP THE CITY CLOSE: Inside Milan by Nicolò Castellini Baldissera. SOUVENIR: Shrink-wrapped Parmagiano Reggiano from Peck.

On the Road

TRAVEL DAY FOOTWEAR: High-top Nike Air Jordans. CARRY-ON: Pine green Paravel Aviator roller. NEVER WITHOUT: Australian Bush Flower Essences for jet lag, a Vodafone global cell phone plan, and Ram Dass YouTube lectures.