Culture

Peroni brought the it-crowd of Stockholm to the Amalfi coast without leaving the city

By Eleanor Kittle

Italian brewery label Peroni Nastro Azzurro transformed Stockholm's Djurgården into the Amalfi Coast with ineffable elegance. Discover the Italian labels' summer extravaganza below

To hear of a party being held at an embassy, one cannot help but think of clichéd visions of sterile offices, drab rows of desks, and tepid beverages served in flimsy plastic cups. Yet, Fridays' gathering at the Italian Embassy was a masterclass in Mediterranean elegance that rendered such an idea entirely obsolete.

Our journey began aboard a polished wooden boat, gliding through the sparkling Stockholm archipelago, catching glimpses of the city's royal celebrations for the King and Queen's golden wedding anniversary, before arriving at the embassy docks thoroughly sun-drenched and expectant. Upon disembarking, we were met by a striking blue installation featuring a simple, tantalising command: "Pling for Peroni." A quick tap of the button prompted an elegantly gloved hand to emerge from behind a velvet curtain, presenting us with a crisp, condensation-beaded bottle of Peroni –the perfect introduction to the afternoon, and the whole reason for our visit.

Along the shimmering waterfront, DJ Anna-My started the soundtrack, her melodic beats blending seamlessly with the surroundings to cultivate a relaxed, sophisticated, and undeniably premium vibe. Guests sampled exquisite delights from the renowned Eataly, each bite offering a momentary culinary escape to the Amalfi Coast. The crowd itself was a testament to Stockholm's vibrant social scene, with the likes of Omar Rudberg, Charlie Lindström, Lisa Tellebe, Andreas Palm and Canadian producer Kaytranada, all seen enjoying the golden charm of a Peroni under the Swedish sun (or an equally delicious and refreshing 0.0%).

The tempo quickened as DJ and producer Axel Boman took the deck, his captivating performance injecting a surge of electric energy into the gardens. Between sets, guests cooled off with decadent servings of authentic gelato, deepening the sensory immersion into the Italian lifestyle. A truly breathtaking highlight arrived when opera singer Richard Hamrin surprised the attendees with a powerful, impromptu performance that echoed across the embassy grounds.

As the sun hung low yet brilliant in the sky, signalling the transition to the late Swedish summer evening, headliners Anoraak and Elasi took to the stage, transporting guests into a rhythmic reverie, encapsulating the day's blend of Nordic light and Italian soul: an afternoon that lingered long after the final note and the last sip.

Below, explore the event that brought the Italian summer to Stockholm's waterways: