Rome's hidden gems

But for those in the know, there is much more to Rome's architectural landscape.

The district of Coppedè is a hidden gem to locals, built by architect Gino Coppedè in the 1920s. The Florentine began working in Rome in 1919 and was known for playing with architectural conventions -- mixing art nouveau and art deco, as well as medieval, mannerist and baroque styles.

One of his little-known masterpieces -- a fountain in the heart of the district -- is a particular source of inspiration for jewelry designer Delfina Delettrez Fendi.

Fourth generation of the Rome-based fashion dynasty, Delletrez briefly studied costume design, then training in couture, before launching her own independent fine jewelry brand in 2007. Known for her surreal aesthetic, her collaborative pieces, hand-made in Italy, grace magazine front covers, and adorn the stars -- from Emma Watson to Rihanna.

Speaking to CNN Style's Derek Blasberg, she explained how Coppede's work has influenced her: "It's all hidden symbolism, but with an ironic touch. It's like mixed fairytales, coming up and creating a whole different parallel universe; so there is gothic, art deco, liberty, the medieval...it's incredible."

She's not the only one who has been struck by Coppede's work. Director Dario Argento has used the architecture in many of his movies, while it's rumored the Beatles actually took a bath in the fountain after one of their concerts -- "very La Dolce Vita revisted," jokes Delletrez.

We're sure the architect, no fan of convention, would have approved.

(CNN)