Venice has always been a luminous gem of inspiration for me, a city that has shaped my journey as a designer. My first visit at just 16 was to experience the Venice Biennale, a kaleidoscope of art, fashion, and architecture. Years later on my honeymoon in 2008 I returned and found inspiration in unexpected places including the intricate costumes at Atelier Pietro Longhi. Their tricorn hats and ruffs were used for styling in my 2008 fashion show.
This past February, I revisited Venice, accompanied by my parents, my 8-year-old daughter Valentine, and my husband and design partner Patrick. This journey became a tapestry of shared wonder and discovery with their humor and Valentine's curiosity. With my Chronicle Coat as my constant companion I explored my favorite spots, each place steeped in magic and meaning. If you ever find yourself on this enchanted island I hope you seek out these must-visit destinations where the beauty of Venice reveals itself in the most wondrous ways. Here is a link to read this guide on my new Substack.
During my trip, I stayed at the Hotel Il Palazzo Experimental, a hotel that felt like a palazzo with a palette of beautiful design. With its hip ambiance, amazing restaurant, and cool location in the Dorsoduro neighborhood, it offered a perfect balance of being less touristy while still centrally located for exploring the city. One of my favorite features was the dock right out front, where you could arrive in style by motorboat directly from the airport — a splurge-worthy experience that set the tone for the trip.
Fortuny Museum
Known for turn of the century goddess pleated gowns and otherworldly textiles, the house of Fortuny has always been an inspiration. Fortuny is still making magical things today, visit the museum to take a step into their world and experience the inspirations. The wall murals and curiosities are so original and transport you.
Known for turn of the century goddess pleated gowns and otherworldly textiles, the house of Fortuny has always been an inspiration. Fortuny is still making magical things today, visit the museum to take a step into their world and experience the inspirations. The wall murals and curiosities are so original and transport you.
Step through the gilded doorway of Ca' d'Oro and into of Renaissance Venice, and Wander this jewel-box merchant's house, its opulent beauty a world away from the bustling crowds, we had this all to ourselves to dance around in!
Teatro La Fenice di VeneziaWe saw The Barber of Seville, if you have a chance check an opera, the ambiance is intoxicating. Especially during Carnival where you have masked faces peeking down at you from the balconies. It was hauntingly epic, must have been the inspiration for Eyes Wide Shut. I got so many compliments on my Climbing Rose Dress.
JMG Murano Glass
A quick boat ride from Venice will bring you to the magical glass making island of Murano. We picked up these hand blown glasses from JMG Murano Glass. We browsed the countless shops and came upon this newer glass shop showcasing the work of up and coming artisans going beyond the traditional glasses and giving a contemporary spin. I love how the ones we found echo the forms and colors of one of my favorite designers, Gaetano Pesce.
A quick boat ride from Venice will bring you to the magical glass making island of Murano. We picked up these hand blown glasses from JMG Murano Glass. We browsed the countless shops and came upon this newer glass shop showcasing the work of up and coming artisans going beyond the traditional glasses and giving a contemporary spin. I love how the ones we found echo the forms and colors of one of my favorite designers, Gaetano Pesce.
Cesare Toffolo
A true master of the artform, if you are in Murano dont miss the opportunity to take a peak in this magical shop.
A true master of the artform, if you are in Murano dont miss the opportunity to take a peak in this magical shop.
Locanda Cipriani in Torcello
If you have enough time it is well worth taking some short boat trips to other little islands dotted around the lagoon in which Venice is located. One such place is Torcello, a short boat ride from the bustling city, this is a small slice of the countryside one can escape to for the day. We strolled along the canal surrounded by farms and crossed by the picturesque bridges made famous by the Cartier-Bresson photographs. There are a couple small inns with restaurants, we chose the Locanda Cipriani and it was a worthy destination for our lunch that day. It had such a cozy feeling for that cold winter day, with its large fireplace and countryside decor. I could also imagine it spilling outside under umbrellas in the summer.
If you have enough time it is well worth taking some short boat trips to other little islands dotted around the lagoon in which Venice is located. One such place is Torcello, a short boat ride from the bustling city, this is a small slice of the countryside one can escape to for the day. We strolled along the canal surrounded by farms and crossed by the picturesque bridges made famous by the Cartier-Bresson photographs. There are a couple small inns with restaurants, we chose the Locanda Cipriani and it was a worthy destination for our lunch that day. It had such a cozy feeling for that cold winter day, with its large fireplace and countryside decor. I could also imagine it spilling outside under umbrellas in the summer.
Another Island nearby to visit is Burano known for its colorful houses and lacemaking. We had our dream Venetian lunch here with the best versions of all the local specialties
Gritti Palace
The ultimate glamorous Venetian hotel, if it is in your budget by all means stay there. I, on the other hand decided to pop in for a drink at the bar and take it all in the best I could. This bar is the ultimate respite in Venice, to recount your magical day in the most cozy opulent room. It felt like the Chateau Marmont of Venice, very stylish and great people watching.
February during Carnival is a great time to go to see the city come to life with vibrant costumes and happenings, and it is much less crowded than peak summer tourist season.
The Atelier Pietro Longhi Hats used in our Fall 2007 Fashion Show, I spy Comedian Alice Wetterlund here.
Me (right) with my sister Gillian (left) at the 1997 Venice Biannale