Postcard from Capri: Michael Kors shares his favourite hideouts on Italy's glitziest island

What was your first impression of Capri?

“My first trip to Capri was with a group of friends back in 1994. I was immediately sold on being in a place with such a storied history, that’s chock-full of glamour but also has an easy-going quality. It’s the type of place where your captain jumps off his small boat and brings up a fresh sea urchin out of the water.”

Where do you stay?

“Grand Hotel Quisisana – it’s quintessential Capri. The views are fantastic and the location is unbeatable, in the very heart of town on Via Camerelle. It originally opened as a sanatorium in 1845 (its name translates to ‘here one heals’), but went on to become a fashionable hot spot, hosting the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Jean-Paul Sartre. It’s as glamorous as it ever was, with gilt-framed mirrors, marble floors, chandeliers and 19th-century works of art. Plus, the staff are on top of every detail and treat guests like family.”

What are your favourite restaurants?

“I always pay a visit to the D’Alessio family at their historic restaurant, Aurora – it has the best pizza on the island and always a great crowd. Le Grottelle, on the east coast, is also a must for perfect pasta and the freshest fish, with views to match. And for the ultimate Capri atmosphere, Da Paolino is set in a lemon grove towards the north coast: the ambience is festive and the food terrific. Leave room for afters: it has a dessert room piled high with local treats.”

Is there one dish in Capri that everyone should try?

“I never pass up the homemade ravioli caprese and fresh pezzogna with potato crust at La Capannina, on the picturesque Via le Botteghe, just a few steps away from the Piazzetta of Capri. Seeing three generations of the De Angelis family and how everything they do is so filled with love and warmth makes this restaurant – and this dish – a must.”

Where’s a great place for a pit stop?

“In Capri town: Gelateria Buonocore. There’s always a line down the street, it’s so popular. It’s known for its artisanal gelato, served up three scoops at a time in fresh waffle cones – but don’t skip its pastries, all made in local tradition. There’s also a little lemon-ice kiosk on the way to Punta Tragara that I adore. After a day at the beach, we always stop for a tè freddo iced tea with lemon ice at the Gran Caffè R Vuotto.”

To have an evening drink?

“The roof bar at Hotel La Palma is a new hot spot. It has cocktail combinations you’ve never dreamed of, such as the mezcal with chilli and mango syrup, or the gin and passion flower shrub and capers. A drink at Hotel Luna’s Capri Rooftop has magical views and is always full of energy. My go-to tipple is the Principessa, which is Champagne with wild baby strawberries.”

Where do you go to enjoy the great outdoors?

“The magic of Capri is that every day is a new adventure. My husband Lance and I love to stroll down a new path every day, and we often rent a boat to spend time in the crystal-clear water, swimming and taking in the views. La Fontelina on the southern tip of the island is always ideal for sun and a bowl of spaghetti alle vongole – and those blue-and-white-striped umbrellas make for the most iconic view.”

To soak up some culture?

“The Villa San Michele, at the top of Anacapri town. The classic architecture, the extraordinary sculptures and that view of the gulf and rugged coastline. It’s truly a sight to see. If you’re a history buff, there are the Villa Jovis ruins, a Roman palace built in AD 27 on the northeasternmost corner of the isle. The only way to reach it is on foot through the cliffside Parco Astarita, but it’s worth it. The site is a marvel in itself.”

To watch the world go by?

“The tables in front of the Quisisana, right on the main boulevard. You can watch all the stylish Caprese locals stroll past – it’s the ultimate fashion show.”

Where's good for shopping?

“The sandal shops are always worth checking out: Da Costanzo, in Capri town, for bejewelled pairs, and Canfora, behind the Quisisana, for the most beautiful, simple sandals – Jackie Kennedy stocked up here. I always bring back the divine lemon soap from Carthusia and Borsalino hats from Fiore. And Cabana has beautiful things for the home.”

What is it about Capri that inspires you?

“It’s the combination of incredible natural beauty, fabulous people, history and old-school charm – barefoot glamour at its best. That’s what I want to bring into my work: the joy that travel brings to life is everything.”

How did the island influence your SS24 Collection?

“Everyone dreams of blue skies and escape – to me, that is Capri. That’s what inspired me for this collection: the magic of how a holiday transports you. It’s Jackie Kennedy walking barefoot through Capri town; it’s the warm Italian breeze; it’s Brigitte Bardot on vacation, Jane Birkin in lace crop tops; bougainvillea growing all over town. For the show, I brought Capri to New York, hosting in Brooklyn overlooking the river, with giant blooms of bougainvillea.”

Any other Capri moments?

“One of my favourite things about the island is how welcoming and relaxed it feels. I took my mum to Capri for her 60th birthday and the minute she arrived, she looked at me and said she felt like she was home. With her passing [Joan Kors died a month before the show], the trips we took together resonate even more for me.”