Bocce with Barnard!

It's been an especially busy and exciting design month so far, and we're really pleased to add yet another fun note to the mix: our very first Designer Date. In this new series, we get to know our favorite creative minds a little bit better by stepping outside of the studio and heading out into the world for some fun. For our debut date, the lovely Camilla Barnard and I visited Milan locals' fave U Barba, a great restaurant with killer bocce courts out back. Camilla, who is the subject of one of our most recent feature interviews, took time out of her busy schedule during Salone (where she was exhibiting at Designersblock) to join us for the evening.

We knew we'd have a great time; what we didn't expect was to meet three of Milan's rising bocce talents (a trio of very friendly young gentlemen who happened to be there for dinner with their parents)—Marco, Marco, and Alberto. The boys were very welcoming and showed us the ropes, and we played about 500 rounds over the course of a few hours. . . it was definitely a good time. And while the boys clearly dominated the court,  Camilla was no slouch herself, and I'm pleased to say we may have even helped discover her hidden bocce star. Thanks to all for the great night, and to Camilla for being such a great sport!

U Barba's awesome bocce courts

Camilla poised to take her turn

in action

the boys give us some advice

Marco takes a turn

The day's last light is fading, but we're still playing.

Everybody shows off their bocce muscles in between rounds

Of course, Camilla brought along some night-out-friendly sculptures—ranging from an evening clutch to her favorite (mini) beer.

The victors (and, as far as we're concerned, Milan's premier bocce team): Marco, Marco, and Alberto

U Barba: Via Decembrio 33, 20137 Milano / www.ubarba.it 

*Photos by Giulia Soldavini for L'AB/Pamono