Escapist, flamboyant, fun: White Lotus inspires love for the Italian maximalist look

Fans of The White Lotus will be familiar with the classic Sicilian vases known as testa di moro that adorn the fictional luxury hotel in the TV drama's second season. The hand-painted faces recall the legend of a Moorish man who fell in love with a local woman, only to have his head cut off when she discovered he had a wife at home.

< p class="dcr-1b64dqh ">The director uses these ornaments as a powerful visual motif to remind viewers to beware of guests and their actions. But their appearance on the hit show has also sparked renewed interest in Italian maximalism and ceramics.

British online seller Bettina Ceramica, specializing in handmade traditional Italian ceramics, has been inundated with messages.

Meanwhile, online retailer Etsy reports an increase of more than 20% in searches for testa di moro and Italian-inspired pieces compared to a year ago - a trend that should continue to grow. "model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement" class="dcr-a2pvoh">

While maximalism - and Italy in general - is already having a pop culture moment, evident in fashion, television and interiors, Le Lotus Blanc has only helped to energize the trend. "Excess seems to be the rule du jour," said Carl J Dellatore, New York writer, textile designer and author of More Is More Is More.

"And Italian maximalism, especially Memphis...