THE STYLIST RETREAT AT VILLA PORTO RAPALLO
A vision of style, realised on the Italian Riviera
Some retreats are planned. Others are authored.
The Stylist Retreat, led by Isobel Kershaw, unfolded as a carefully curated experience bringing together fashion, business, and personal evolution — set within the quiet elegance of Villa Porto Rapallo.
With over three decades in the fashion industry, Isobel has long been recognised not only for her work as a stylist, but for her ability to mentor, shape, and elevate others within the industry. As the founder of The Stylist London, her approach blends creative instinct with strategic insight — supporting women not only in how they present themselves, but in how they build and position their careers.
This retreat reflected that depth.
A space designed not simply to refine aesthetic, but to unlock clarity, confidence, and direction
A Setting, in Harmony with the Vision
At Villa Porto Rapallo, the setting played a quiet yet defining role in bringing Isobel’s vision to life.
With its sense of privacy, understated elegance, and connection to the rhythm of the Riviera, the villa offered an environment naturally suited to reflection, creativity, and meaningful exchange.
Supporting the experience was Lisa Pelloso, whose considered approach to nourishment added an additional layer of care throughout the stay.
From beautifully prepared, nutrient-rich meals to a natural emphasis on balance and energy, her contribution complemented the flow of the retreat — ensuring guests felt supported, restored, and able to fully engage in each moment.
Style as Strategy, Expression as Identity
At the heart of the retreat was Isobel’s distinctive methodology — where style becomes a tool not only for expression, but for positioning.
Through immersive workshops, guests explored colour, silhouette, and wardrobe as powerful extensions of identity. Each session was designed to move beyond surface-level styling, encouraging a deeper understanding of how image can influence confidence, communication, and opportunity.
What emerged was not simply a refined wardrobe — but a clearer sense of self..
Moments of Theatre
Beyond the workshops, the retreat unfolded through a series of beautifully orchestrated moments — where style moved from theory into expression.
Under Isobel’s creative direction, guests stepped into editorial-style shoots designed to embody confidence, presence, and play.
A striking, cinematic scene inspired by The Devil Wears Prada brought drama and attitude to the villa’s grand staircase — bold silhouettes, sharp tailoring, and a sense of unapologetic power.
In contrast, a staged wedding editorial — set against the soft romance of the Riviera — offered a different narrative. Elegant, feminine, and quietly celebratory, it reflected the many identities women can step into.
These moments were not simply for the camera.
They were an invitation — to embody, to experiment, and to be seen.
A Collective of Expertise
Complementing Isobel Kershaw’s vision was a carefully curated group of contributors, each bringing a distinct perspective to the experience.
Lisa Pelloso, naturopathic nutritionist and co-owner of Villa Porto Rapallo, led the retreat’s approach to nourishment and wellbeing — guiding guests through the role of nutrition in supporting energy, clarity, and overall balance. Her presence added a grounding, restorative dimension to the experience.
Amy Youssef shared her expertise in corporate styling and personal branding, offering insight into working with high-level clients and building a successful career within the industry.
Craig Feldmeier delivered a powerful session on financial growth and entrepreneurial thinking — guiding guests through the foundations of building long-term wealth as creative business owners.
Together, these voices created a multidimensional experience — bridging style, wellbeing, business, and personal development.
A Celebration, in More Ways Than One
The retreat also coincided with a special moment — the celebration of Isobel’s birthday.
Marked with an intimate gathering on the terrace, it was an evening defined by laughter, connection, and a shared sense of occasion.
Glasses raised, stories exchanged, and the Riviera sky softening into evening — it captured, in many ways, the essence of the retreat itself.
A Shared Energy
What ultimately defines a retreat is not only its programme, but its people.
This particular gathering was shaped by an exceptional group of women — open, ambitious, and willing to step into something new.
It is their presence, their conversations, and their willingness to engage fully that brought the experience to life in such a meaningful way.
To each of them, we extend our sincere thanks
A Perspective from Our Villa Owner
For Lisa Pelloso, the retreat reflected a deeper philosophy:
“When women are given the space to slow down, nourish themselves properly, and reconnect with who they are, everything begins to shift — their energy, their clarity, and the way they show up in the world.
It was a privilege to support Isobel’s vision and welcome such an inspiring group of women into the villa.”
Host Your Own Experience
Villa Porto Rapallo continues to welcome a new wave of thoughtfully curated retreats — from wellness and creativity to business and personal development.
For hosts seeking a setting that offers both privacy and presence, the villa provides something increasingly rare: a space that holds the experience as much as it hosts it.
If you are looking to create something meaningful — for your clients, your community, or your brand — we invite you to begin the conversation.