Some companies are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. For Italian lighting and furnishings manufacturer FontanaArte, all three points are true. Founded in 1932 by industrial designer Pietro Chiesa and architect Giò Ponti (the Frank Gehry of his day), the company — a division of glass manufacturer Luigi Fontana — was a dynamo from the get-go. Aiming to unlock glass’ potential as a building material, it achieved such early triumphs as creating the colorful windows for the historic Duomo in Milan.

But it was with light fixtures that the company really shone. Ponti and Chiesa’s aim was to redefine the actual use and language of glass; that meant combining it with technology in unexpected ways. You can see the results in early classics like Ponti’s Bilia (a glass orb balanced on a nickel-plated cone) and Chiesa’s Luminator (a sleek torchiere that opens into a fluted top). As the company has evolved, it has kept alive its founders’ mission. Now included in its roster are the top international artists and designers practicing today, including Renzo Piano, David Chipperfield and Gae Aulenti. Stop by the event to pick up a piece of design history. It’ll light up your life, guaranteed.

Shine on at the FontanaArte sale starting Saturday, April 10, at noon ET.

Summer is almost here! Is your summer body? Just in case you need a little extra something, we decided to introduce Fitness Week on Gilt! Personal trainers from Crunch Fitness, classes from Soul Cycle and Pure Yoga NYC, and workout gear form Wilson, adidas Porsche Design and New Balance – everything you need for the physique you want. Even Escali scales to monitor your progress! 
 
Trim up in our Fitness event starting Friday, April 9, at noon ET.

Move over, Robert Downey Jr., Iron Girl is coming to a town near you. This girls-only triathlon consists of an 800-meter swim, an 18-mile bike ride and a 3.1-mile run. With events in 12 cities across the country and more added each year, Iron Girl is becoming quite the girl-power phenomenon. Iron Girl executive Judy Molnar, a onetime couch potato who is now a top triathlete, shares her training tips and talks about why women in particular can benefit from triathlons. ... Read more

Gilt’s Get Fit sale is just in time for spring. Whether you want to freshen up your already rocking gym routine or you need a good reason to start a new one, our fitness extravaganza makes it easy. But first things first: what to wear? Cute, cutting-edge workout clothes, of course. Our sale will feature track jackets and pants from Y-3 adidas and Gola, yogawear from be present and NaLa Seattle, and sneakers from New Balance and Reebok. Next step: where will you wear your new gear? How about Crunch, the nationwide gym with the hottest classes and the latest equipment? We’re offering sweet deals on memberships at select Crunch locations. Also in the sale are Phil & Teds jogging strollers, Aflac Iron Girl training and race packages, Sharper Image juicers, Jetsetter spa getaways, and lots more. We’ve got everything you need to greet spring looking and feeling great — even if you’re wearing the tiniest of spring fashions.

Spring into action in Gilt’s Get Fit sale on Friday, April 9, at noon ET.

Nat Nast started making bowling shirts in 1946 – back when it was the No. 1 sport in the country. But nowadays, these shirts dress men from all walks of life, from Bill Clinton to Charlie Sheen. So just how did Nat Nast go from the bowling leagues to the big leagues? We caught up with Nat Nast executive vice president (and Nat Nast’s daughter) Barbara Saletan to ask her just that.
 
Tell us about the brand’s history.
Nat Nast created the very first bowling shirt in 1946. He would give credit to team sponsors by embroidering their logos on the backs of the players' shirts. This business evolved through the 1950s, eventually gaining a new name – Swingster. The brand specialized in customized embroidery for colleges and universities. 

In 2000, my sister Patty and I started Nat Nast Luxury Originals, basing our luxury men's sportswear collection on Dad's iconic bowling shirts. We used the idea of embroidery on the shirts, developing them to be authentic American stories with original artwork. Along with our colorblock novelty shirts, these have become the signatures of Nat Nast.  
 
Have the shirts changed at all since the 1940s? 
Originally, the product was made out of washable rayon. Today, Nat Nast Luxury Originals are made from the finest fabrics available – silks, pima cotton and cashmere blends. 
... Read more

We’re celebrating the opening day of Major League Baseball – Gilt Man style. From hand-stitched baseballs to opening day tickets and baseball computer games, we’ve got whatever you need to kick off the season.
 
Knock one out of the park today in our Opening Day sale at noon ET.

1. Charriol Jewelry: Rectangle earrings. Gilt price: $198. Original price: $495. Sale starts Wednesday, April 7, at noon ET.

2. LAI: Santa Monica python satchel in grey. Gilt price: $748. Original price: $1,500. Sale starts Tuesday, April 6, at noon ET.

3. Nili Lotan: Silk Charmeuse tank in storm. Gilt price: $88. Original price: $220. ... Read more

1. Lulu Frost: Blue satin bib necklace. Gilt price: $150. Original price: $325. Sale starts Tuesday, April 8, at noon ET.

2. Reem Acra: Silk chiffon embroidered drop waist dress. Gilt price: $1,299. Original price: $4,620. Sale starts Monday, April 8, at noon ET.

3. ACNE Jeans. Darty silk crepe dress. Gilt price: $227.60. Original price: $569. Sale starts Tuesday, April 6, at noon ET.... Read more

Prepping for a baby’s arrival is no easy task, especially when you’re a first-time parent. We at Gilt Children want to help. To simplify your shopping, we’ve partnered with the experts at TheBump.com to create an exclusive baby-gear sale just for you. Find all the essentials you and your little one will need to hit the road in style, from twin strollers to luxurious blankets. The event starts Tuesday, April 6, but here’s a sneak peek of three of TheBump’s favorite items.... Read more

Associated with style icons like Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy, the silk scarf is a classic way to update a look. But the most glorious characteristic of the scarf might just be its sheer versatility. That’s why we asked Gilt stylist Lindsey Hogan to show us the myriad ways a scarf can add a powerful pop to any ensemble. Watch her sling, sweep and slip these scarves into handbags, halters and headwraps, and then tie one on yourself with our step-by-step illustrations!
 

Get wrapped up in our Nina Ricci and Christian Lacroix scarves sale today, April 2, at noon ET.

Illustrations by Michael Hoeweler

As the official supplier to the U.S. Air Force, it’s only fitting that Cockpit pay homage to the ladies who help our pilots get through tough times. That’s where the Cockpit 2011 Warbird Pinups calendar comes in. Check out behind-the-scenes video of the calendar’s photo shoots, taken at the American Airpower Museum. Scantily clad in military-issued Cockpit jackets, these pinups would do Bettie Page proud. And if your wife takes issue, you can always use the charitable defense -- 20% of proceeds from calendar sales go to the American Airpower Museum. They’re available at the Cockpit USA store, NYC and at www.cockpitusa.com

Take off in our Cockpit sale on Thursday, April 1, at noon ET.