Fashion & Beauty

Supermodel Lily Aldridge’s Italy-inspired essentials

For model Lily Aldridge, growing up in an Italian family meant “lots of gatherings filled with great food and lots of laughs.” The Victoria’s Secret Angel and Sports Illustrated cover star now carries on those same traditions with her husband, Kings of Leon frontman Caleb Followill, and their children, 7-year-old Dixie Pearl and 9-month-old Winston Roy. Aldridge is also busy growing her own perfume empire: Her second fragrance, “Summit,” launches Nov. 15 (which also happens to be her 34th birthday). The glamorous jet-setter — who splits her time between Tennessee, New York and runways around the world — shares with Alexa a few of her secrets for living la dolce vita.

“It’s incredibly lightweight, so it provides coverage without making me feel I have a lot of makeup on. I can use it as a hydrating base all over my face — no mid-event touch-ups needed!”

Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk foundation, $64 at Sephora.


“I can style it in so many different ways: as a cross-body when I’m with my kids or as a clutch when I need an evening bag. Everything is detachable — the handle, the belt, the chain and the leather strap. So you have four bags in one.” 

Alexander Wang x Bulgari belt bag, $2,350 at Bulgari.


“He cooks traditional Italian recipes, but puts his own twist on them. It gave me the confidence to do that, too, and find ways to make classic meals my own. Maybe I will write a book … ‘Italian, Lily’s Way’!”

“Italian, My Way” book by Jonathan Waxman, $19 at Amazon.

“They are slouchy and comfortable and look great with jeans or with bare legs and a dress. They have a Blondie rocker vibe!”

Prada “90” suede boots, $1,200 at Net-a-Porter.


“This is one of my favorite movies of all time. Two words: Audrey Hepburn. I truly believe this was her best film — and it was her first feature role! She’s my style icon.”

“Roman Holiday” DVD, $17 on Amazon.


“I started using this when I was pregnant and still use it every day. It’s all natural and supereffective. If I don’t have time to do my makeup, just using a great moisturizer is all I need to look healthy and glowy.”

Tata Harper repairative moisturizer, $116 at Nordstrom.


“I love these and wear them every day. I also have my eye on some Serpenti earrings, which I am hoping Santa will get me for Christmas.”

Bulgari Serpenti 18-k white-gold ring with diamonds, $6,300, at London Jewelers.

Bulgari Serpenti Seduttori stainless-steel watch, $4,600 at London Jewelers.


“My family is Italian (and English), so Frank Sinatra was a staple in my house growing up.”

Frank Sinatra “Ultimate Sinatra” vinyl set, $35 at Target.


“It’s a gorgeous wood and spice blend with pink pepper, cinnamon, leather and patchouli musk — perfect for winter.”

“Summit” eau de parfum, $50 (50 ml; available Nov. 15) at Lily Aldridge Parfums.


I would love every single piece from the Valentino spring 2020 show. [Creative director] Pierpaolo Piccioli is a genius!”

Dress, $4,400 at Valentino, 693 Fifth Ave.


“This mask is a lifesaver on long plane rides. They’ve also been great for all my sleepless nights as a new mom.”

111SKIN Sub-Zero de-puffing eye mask, $105 at Net-a-Porter.


“This is my favorite hotel in Rome. They have an amazing spa. After a long day of shows or being at a shoot, there is nothing better than their hot stone back massage.”

Hotel de Russie, Via del Babuino 9, Rome.