Retail
Piedaterre Venezia, San Marco and San Polo
Friulane, the classic velvet slippers that hail from the northern Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, have a humble origin story: they became popular following the Second World War and were initially made from bicycle tyres and curtains sourced from shuttered theatres. Piedaterre Venezia started selling its sumptuous models in 1952; pick from an array of colours that line the shop’s packed shelves.
Chiarastella Cattana, San Marco
From tablecloths and bathrobes to throws and pillows, Chiarastella Cattana’s elegant home textiles are made by artisans across Italy. Having worked in Milan’s fast-paced fashion industry, Cattana wanted a reset; her shop near Palazzo Grassi conveys the serenity that she found in this pursuit.
Gabriele Gmeiner, San Polo
After stints at some of Europe’s most renowned luxury brands, including John Lobb and Hermès, Austrian shoemaker Gabriele Gmeiner moved to Venice to train under a master cobbler. She has been making brogues, loafers and boots to measure in her atelier since 2003. After the initial fitting, it takes approximately 12 months to receive the final pair – but it’s well worth the wait.
Gianni Basso Stampatore, Cannaregio
Venice is home to a centuries-old tradition of papermaking, from binding and marbling to silkscreen printing, and artisan Gianni Basso has been keeping the practice alive at his workshop. Having trained under Armenian monks on San Lazzaro island, who have maintained a long tradition of book-making, Basso uses antique letterpress machines to print all manner of stationery, which can also be custom designed.
Calle del Fumo, 5307
Barena Venezia, San Marco
With a name that references the tidal marshes surrounding the lagoon, this fashion label is inspired by the city’s natural environment and the style of its sailors and fishermen. Its pieces are all made in Italy and crafted from high-end textiles – soft, deconstructed blazers are the brand’s signature but its boxy shirts and timeless trousers are also wardrobe essentials.
Bruno, Dorsoduro
Graphic designers Andrea Codolo and Giacomo Covacich have been running this ultra-sleek bookshop in Dorsoduro, a neighbourhood with young, design-minded residents, since 2013. On the shelves are their own print editions as well as experimental titles by independent publishers. The shop also hosts presentations, talks and DJ sets.
Micromega, San Marco
The glasses-making capital of Italy, Belluno, isn’t far from Venice, so it’s only natural that the city should be well-equipped with smart eyewear shops. But not all have their own Venice workshop, as is the case with Micromega. Founder Roberto Carlon pushes the boundaries with his refined models, many of which feature unusually shaped lenses and ultra-thin titanium frames.
Venini, Murano
Venini is a leading light among the companies preserving the tradition of glass-blowing on Murano island, all while maintaining a design-led approach to production. It has collaborated with masters including Carlo Scarpa, Gio Ponti and Ettore Sottsass, and still draws on big names for sculptural vases, tableware and lamps.
Al Duca d’Aosta, San Marco
Having started in 1902 as a company that sold shirt fabric, Al Duca d’Aosta later made its own garments before turning into a multi-brand retailer with outposts across northeastern Italy. At the San Marco flagship, you’ll find top brands, including Bottega Veneta, Caruso and PT Torino, as well as the shop’s own line.
Palwer, San Marco
Formerly the creative director of Emanuel Ungaro, designer Alessandro Palwer worked in Parisian fashion houses for decades before swapping clothing for jewellery after moving to Venice in 2010. Stop by his pint-sized shop in San Marco for bold earrings, rings and necklaces, which also draw from his training in sculpture.
