In an age of emails and social media, there’s something wonderfully enduring about receiving a hand writing note, especially if it comes from the whimsical world of Clementina Sketchbook. Meet Clementina di Monte Rubello, the Italian-born Founder and Creative Director of her eponymous stationery brand (a favorite at Maison Carlyle).
Passionate about exploration and travel, Clementina created a fantastical world of her own with the stroke of a paintbrush. Having spent her childhood surrounded by the beauty of Italy, she developed a passion for the natural world and a discerning eye for color. Fascinated with the great outdoors, some of Clementina’s favorite inspirations and most cherished memories stem from her adventures horseback riding through the Italian countryside to watching elephants roam in Africa. As an avid African traveller and wildlife lover, she believes in conservation and became an official Young Ambassador to African Parks, donating 10% of all animal themed orders to their mission. Based in London, Clementina paints whimsical scenes and elegant designs to create charming ready-to-buy or bespoke stationery, available for purchase on her website.
We couldn’t be more delighted to sit down with our favorite artist, and talk about what Living Beautifully means to her, where she turns to for inspiration, her favourite Christmas traditions, and more.
Where did you grow up and how has your past shaped your design aesthetic?
I grew up in Milan until I moved to the United States for college. Ultimately, my Italian upbringing exposed me to history, art, fashion, and design, which in turn shaped my taste for beautiful aesthetics, interesting colour combinations and artisanal details. I also can’t forget the influence that horseback riding has had in my life…many of my botanical and animal designs were inspired from those experiences.
How would you describe your style?
Classic with a modern touch, and abundantly inspired by nature.
Where do you turn to for inspiration when you begin designing a new collection?
I am lucky to have several passions and hobbies, which fuel my creativity and provide endless sources of inspiration to draw from. I always jot down notes whenever I have a new idea and review them when it comes time to choosing the next designs.
Your whimsical watercolours are such a delight and elevate any occasion. What do you love most about what you do?
When I create my designs, I always start with a pencil sketch at first. Watercolours are subsequently layered, and my favourite part is seeing how my designs comes to life with every stroke. Watercolours are a magical and transparent technique, but also relatively quick, which is why it really does unfold in front of one’s eyes. It’s about few, but well-placed brush strokes rather than continuous layering.
Who are some of your style icons?
Ralph Lauren, LSD, Pamela Tick, and definitely my sister!
What are some of your indispensable items when entertaining and how do you ensure a memorable dinner party?
I like to think about the details, but at the same time I never want any of my parties, big or small, to feel too formal. I love it when people come over and immediately feel at home, so I make sure the atmosphere is welcoming from the beginning. Music is always on with some good funky tunes, candles lit (lots of them, and definitely a few scented), and especially not a stressed-out hostess. As soon as people come over, I stop looking at my phone, and let guests hang with me if I am still preparing some last things in the kitchen. I am one of the first with a cocktail in hand, and I find that asking one of your closest friends for help somewhat makes them feel like they are part of the organization and puts them at ease. In terms of food, I always make sure there is a mix of home cooked versus bought/catered. As for décor, I always work around a theme of some sorts, be it a celebration, a colour or food (i.e. pizza night, Swiss dinner, Halloween Housewarming, etc…). Flowers or plants are never missing either, as they truly make a house feel like a home!
What tabletop items do you invest in, and save on?
I actually would say that you don’t necessarily need a tablecloth, as I love the simplicity of seeing a table’s wooden or marble texture combined with table sets and napkins instead. Invest in beautiful sets of cutlery and save by finding great affordable glassware at Zara Home.
If you could invite any three individuals from the past, who would they be and what would you serve for dinner?
Napoleon, and I would make him ossobuco and risotto allo zafferano in real Milanese fashion.
Leonardo da Vinci, and I would serve some amazing Tuscan salumi.
Jacques Cousteau, for a pasta vongole e bottarga!
If you could hire any designer from the past to decorate your home, who would it be?
I would love a mix between Mongiardino and David Hicks, but with a touch of extra contemporary.
What does living beautifully mean to you?
To feel incredibly comfortable at home. I am constantly moving around objects in my house as I am in constant search of harmony among all my pieces – whether it is to adapt to a new bouquet of flowers, a plant that needs new light or just to welcome a new addition to my collection.
How do you make every day feel special in your home?
If you create a warm and cozy environment at home, you really don’t need to do anything else. Since I work from home, the most wonderful feeling is at the end of the day when I get to share my home with my husband.
What is your typical morning routine?
I am very bad at routines! It varies per day or per period, it depends on my mood. But generally, I am slow at getting started in the mornings, and all my speed, efficiency, and creativity seams to activate best from mid-afternoon onwards! So, mornings are for random quick tasks, or for long uninterrupted painting time.
How do you like to unwind after a busy day?
A dinner and movie with Vincent will always do!
What do you love most about living in London?
I love how it can be the most country-chic city and at the same time very sexy, I love the city’s constant art related events, autumnal and spring seasons, magnificent parks, and especially its history and pride.
While traveling, are there any objects you enjoy collecting?
I often pick a shell if I go to the beach or a small rock if I am somewhere else in nature. Otherwise, I am not much of a collector other than taking millions of photos.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
Japan, swimming with whale sharks, riding in Kyrgyzstan, paint on a huge canvas and getting a dog! One of these is happening in two months. Let’s see if you can guess which one!
What would your dream project be or who would your dream client be?
I dream to collaborate with Hermes and paint for one of their children’s collections.
What are some of the greatest lessons you learned from your parents?
Travel, learn, and meet people from my mom. Be humble from my dad.
Clementina's Favorites
Favorite Travel Destination?
I’m going to cheat as I have three! St Moritz, Cape Town, and Buenos Aires.
Favorite historic house museum?
The Frick Collection in New York City.
Favorite piece of furniture in your home?
A vintage bamboo bar that I keep in my conservatory among kentias and my palms wallpaper.
Favorite tabletop brand(s)?
Favorite china pattern?
Literally anything Cocó makes at Laboratorio Paravicini.
Favorite wallpaper pattern?
Each new wallpaper I create bespoke for a client becomes my new favorite pattern!
Favorite design book(s) you most often turn to for inspiration?
Any one of David Yarrow’s wildlife photography books as well as Peter Beard’s book.
Favorite movie every decor lover should watch at least once?
Something’s Gotta Give.
Favorite Christmas tradition?
Opening gifts on Christmas morning all together, still with Santa’s surprise effect!
Favorite piece of advice from your mother?
Paint! …And look where it has gotten me!
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