Fashion is, of course, a central character, and Martin talks about how she arrived in Milan as a Calvin Klein girl (she worked for the minimalist American designer before her emigration) and her rapid transformation into an acolyte of all things embellished.

Throughout, her love for Italy remains infectious. “My heart belongs here,” she says. “I don’t feel Italian but I do feel so at home here – I see the Italians as these frisky, loving, open-hearted humans and it’s just a pleasure to be surrounded by them.” 

Here are her tips on how to look like them, too. 

Don’t be afraid of admiration

“Men on the street here will stop you and make comments about how you’re dressed. In America this would be an insult, but in Italy it’s this beautiful exchange between the sexes,” she says. “The key is that they’re usually not hitting on you, they’re just telling you they appreciate you.”

Since moving to Italy, Martin learned to take pleasure in stepping outside and letting herself be admired. “It’s wonderful,” she says. “Clothing can start a beautiful conversation – you put on a bright colour and feel good in it at home, but then you go out and realise that other people are also getting their mood boosted by just looking at you.”