Francesca Bortolotto Possati, Chairwoman and CEO of the Bauers, Venezia, is a woman with exquisite taste. Drake London met with her at Claridges, and she spoke about her love of finding unique pieces, of mixing high-end designers with vintage, and artisanal accessories. The emerald-green slouchy bag she carries – a recent buy from a small Venetian designer (Studio Arnoldo e battois) is a case in point, crafted from the most divine Italian leather.
She explains that most of her purchases are love at first sight; she is always on the go and stumbling across new boutiques in the magical labyrinth that is Venice, constantly reinventing her style as she goes- metamorphosis seems to be the word of the day.
Wearing a crisp white shirt, embellished with a captivating jade pendant that she has looped through a delicate gold necklace, so it sits almost as a choker, her style is effortless and chic. Her insight into Venice is unparalleled, and we listened to her, enthralled, as she painted a landscape of her city…
Venice’s Hidden Boutiques:
Gianni Basso
Cannaregio 5306, Calle del Fumo
An old-world printing shop that makes custom engraved stationery. It is a place to order elegant letterpress ex libris, calling cards and stationery. He has hand-set custom printing for writers, movie stars like Hugh Grant, celebrities and nobility.
La Perla shops are found in the main street on Burano island – the old fishermen’s island, famous for its lace. The Bon family run La Perla shops with the great cordiality and friendliness that distinguishes the people of Burano. Find hand-made crafts to furnish your home such as tablecloths, sheets, bedspreads, doilies and towels, as well as tapestries, curtains, masks and costume jewellery. Another space dedicated to the high quality of original lace has also recently opened: La Perla Gallery.
Via Galuppi, 376 e 287 Burano Island
L’Estrosa
Via S.Martino sinistro, 230/234, 30012 Burano (Ve)
L’Estrosa-Burano is a local landmark. The lovely little shop at 423 S. Mauro is run by a mother – daughter team who are only too willing to share their knowledge of the trade with you.
Jesurum
Flagship store: Calle Larga XXII Marzo 2401
Jesurum collections are still today exclusively manufactured in the Venetian area; they revive and update the Venetian lace and embroidery tradition in full respect of the highest standards of craftsmanship and quality of materials used. Its refined and original collections together with the more classical collections embellished by white, écru and polychrome lace (created by Michelangelo Jesurum at the beginning of the XX century) respect Jesurum’s ancient tradition in image and décor, whilst at the same time combining it with contemporary home wear trends.
Venetia Studium
Calle Larga XXII Marzo, San Marco 2403
Venetia Studium creates exclusive velvet fabrics in a splendid array of colors and turns them into scarves, bags, stoles and pillows of various sizes. They also make the famous pleated Fortuny dress and Fortuny lamps.
For Jewellery:
Attilio Codognato
Calle Dell’Ascensione, 1295 San Marco
This historic jewellery house continues to make original designs, such as snake bracelets that coil around your wrist.
Laboratorio orafo
Diana vittorio, San Polo 64
Laboratorio Orafo has a stunning selection of original models, from classical “Venetian Moretto” to the copy of antique Doge’s ship “Bucintoro”
For a spectacular dinner:
DE PISIS at THE BAUER PALAZZO
tel +39 041 5207022 San Marco 1413
www.bauerhotels.com
The tasting menu makes dining on this terrace by the Grand Canal one of the Venice’s special experiences. The chef He brilliantly transforms traditional Venetian dishes, creating innovative recipes such as duck
Cooked in a sauce of liquorice, soya and onion.
Caffe Quadri
Caffè Quadri, in the historic Piazza San Marco, probably tops most people’s list as the perfect venue for an intimate meal. Star Chef Massimiliamo Alajmo just reopened its door in June 2011.
(Closed on Mondays)
For the most authentic Venetian meal:
Antiche Carampane
Rio Terà delle Carampane 1911, San Polo, Venezia tel +39-041-5240165
www.antichecarampane.com
One of Venice’s oldest trattoria, Antiche Carampane is part of Venice’s dining history. Loved by intellectuals, artists and city personalities, it has become famous by word – of- mouth, hidden from all but the savviest of traveller. A haven for those wanting to escape hoards of tourists.
Reasonably priced and very high quality, you can still find home-made sweets and biscuits, traditional cooking and genuine service. A specialty of the restaurant is Casso Pipa (spaghetti with spices and sea food, old style preparation of the pasta from Chioggia).
Francesca’s top picks for Contemporary Art Galleries
Punta della Dogana: The Centre of Contemporary Art
With its triangular shape, Punta della Dogana splits the Grand Canal from the Giudecca Canal. A centre for contemporary art , the former monumental port of the city presents a permanent exhibition of works from François Pinault Collection.
Fondazione Giorgio CINI
Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore
The Fondazione Giorgio Cini was created in 1951 by Vittorio Cini in memory of his son Giorgio. The initial aim of the Fondazione was to restore the Island and to re-integrate it in Venetian life as an International centre for cultural activities and important meetings. Le Stanze del Vetro is devoted to studying the art of glassmaking in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
For bags:
Pelletteria Veneta srl,
Campo San Luca 4269
Craftsmanship from the Veneto region
Pietro Mazzon
Campo San Tomà, Sestiere San Polo, 2807
High quality leather bags and accessories are handmade in a variety of colours and styles The workshop produces items almost exclusively made-to-order, with an expected waiting period of about 20-days.
Stay tuned for part two of Francesca’s hidden gems, including the best places for Venetian Glassware, Antique Furniture, Espresso and a quiet place to read, the most exquisite Florists, and the all-important brunch venues!