This is our 30th issue – a milestone by any measure. Of course, we’re quarterly, so not 30 years, but we’re confident you’ll extend us some measure of poetic license and let us celebrate in style?

It’s the end of 2020, so lots of reasons to rejoice, not least the back of this bonkers year, but let’s fete good things to come instead – positive mental attitudes are precious things. And so, we celebrate! This issue is a few parts dirty, a few parts 30, and most parts, a party – we’ve been starved for those of late, so here is one between two covers.

In this issue we talk to celebrity event planners about how to downscale in size but upscale in style. We bring you stories from the most monumental parties in history, and a menu for our very own 30th party, designed by Michelin-starred chef and friend Yannick Alléno. We celebrate men in dresses, because what’s not to celebrate? And from the past few issues we present you with moodboards from some of our collaborators who’ve thought about what the end of 2020 means for them – a glimpse into how each is feeling at this difficult, but hopeful point in time.

We’ve shot a house party in Jeddah with Gucci and Saudi songstress Tamtam, a beach party in Umm Al Quwain, a party in the jungle with Chanel, and a hundred balloons with Bottega. And would you even believe it, our cover star Monica Bellucci first stepped off runways and onto the silver screen 30 years ago. Thirty. A life of glitz and glamour, with roles in more than 60 films, she is an icon of Italian cinema, and Hollywood. Her turn as Bond Girl Lucia Sciarra opposite Daniel Craig in 2015’s Spectre was electric –

If you don’t leave now, we’ll die together. 
I can think of worse ways to go.
Then you’re obviously crazy, mister…?
Bond. James Bond. 

– and this year, she portrayed 20th century soprano star Maria Callas on stage to critical acclaim. In this issue, for Sorbet, she channels another superstar – Madonna – as we recreate, with master photographer Ellen Von Unwerth, that other icon’s groundbreaking music video for hit single ‘Material Girl.’ And on set, at Paris cabaret Paradis Latin, we caught up with Monica surrounded by plates of pasta and strapping lads.