Venice Fashion Week: Tradition of lace in a new light.
Venice Fashion Week presented a new collection of nightwear by a luxury home linen and Burano lace producer Martina Vidal with a designer Michela Gaiofatto.
Have a look at what they demonstrated in Hotel Danieli!
How does it look, when the established brand and producer of luxurious Burano lace and exclusive accessories cross forces with a young fashion designer Michela Gaiofatto?
You can see in the upcoming lines and photos!
Autumn 2020 in Venice was not only filled with a typical Venetian fog and atmospheric rain but as well with a fashion. In 2020, the theme of Venice Fashion Week and its autumn line went in the tone of „Fashion is slow“.
There is probably not a better place where to promote this idea, that has always been present in the fashion, however, with the time and change of industry, it may have disappeared in many cases.
We could have enjoyed a spectacular interior of the legendary Hotel Danieli in Venice´s very centre and presentation of the new collection of nightwear for women.
I asked the organizers of Venice Fashion Week. How it was prepared for unexpected situations, that could arise with the pandemic. It is not usual, to have the event in such a not-easy time when the restrictions can literally change from one day to another.
We have an empowering context that Venice will thrive and we are unstoppable. Furthermore, our company works both on fashion and on digital communication, therefore we prepared in advance that Venice Fashion Week may have been partly or entirely online.
What happened is that half of the event happened both in-person and online (with only 15 guests in presence per show, and the catwalk happening twice to allow further 15 guests) plus live streaming and the second half happened entirely online. We’re not worried about what is unusual, but what works for Venice.
It is a common theme in Venice to talk or argue, how Venice was in the past and how the crafts were flourishing here. Opposite to talking and arguing, you importantly DO something to increase awareness about artisans, local producers of Venice or Italy. Would organizers of Venice Fashion week note more about this?
We believe that Venice great past paves the way for a great future and we operate accordingly. We believe that mixing traditional excellent techniques, contemporary design and digital communication will result in success for artisans and will set Venice as a centre of production of fine craftsmanship and magnificence.
Lorenzo Cinotti & Laura Scarpa, Venice Fashion Week, Venezia Da Vivere.
Martina Vidal is not a new name, in Venice Fashion Week. Previous years, there has been a demonstration of her products. Interestingly, she places lace on the nightwear, or clothes that can be enjoyed in the home, embracing high-quality materials and enjoyable lifestyle.
Martina Vidal stands for the family history of Burano lace- producers. Today, the company is focused on the production of luxury home linen goods, in decent colours and elegant patterns. It is easy to understand, that this „traditional“ production is ready to face a new era and new demands of the market, and in the end, the customers.
The luxury bed linens, but as well dining- room items will be perfectly fitting to „classic“ homes but also contemporary and more minimalistic ones. Who is searching for a decent design and tasteful objects connected to handcrafting history, Vidal´s production will be something to look forward.
The collection of nightwear, that was presented during Venice Fashion Week in 2020, would be perfectly fitting for ladies, that like soft precious materials. Elegant yet simple and creative lines, with savvy usage of lace details.
If you want to bring a piece of Venice, and also to wear it, pieces from this collection will be a perfect thing to gift to someone, or... to yourself.
The production of Burano lace is similarly to Glass of Murano very significant for artisan production of Venice. As many handcrafts, it is surely not a „mainstream“, but Burano lace is still researched items. In the 15th and 16th century, production of Burano lace ensured the main income for the inhabitants of Burano island.
In the past, women living on the island of Burano used to produce these precious pieces of lace. It would become parts of dresses, parts of the interior of church decorative pieces ( such as pieces, that would decorate altars). Noble dresses would not be finished without soft lace- finishing off the sleeves or neck collars, giving the dress elegant and exclusive look.
Burano lace was world- renown and I hope it will enjoy its renaissance, also thanks to the brands such as Martina Vidal. Seeing only from „outside“, it is optimistic seeing customer-centric behaviour and being proud of this local and in her case also a family heritage.
I hope it will be enriching for you to hear more from „behind the scenes“ of Martina Vidal and her brand. Maybe it will make you think about lace, not as a craft of the past and something, that can be bought only as a souvenir from this legendary island of Venice.
Can you tell us more about your history of this craft surrounding your family?
The Venetian needle lace is typical workmanship of the island of Burano. In the flourishing period of its production, the lace was made by the women of the island at home and within the family. The Vidal family has been linked to this tradition for 4 generations.
How did you manage to transform traditional Burano lace production into new products with different lines of products?
We wanted to combine traction with contemporaneity because the use of lace has changed. In our homes, there are no longer tablecloths made entirely of handmade lace because we need fabrics and materials that are easy to use and wash. So today we make lace that can be inserts or pieces of completion and ornamentation. Today we make several product lines that meet the needs of the customer.
What was the main idea for your new line of this nightwear with the collaboration of Michela Gaiofatto?
The main idea that inspired us both was the lightness and beauty of lace.
This inspiration is truly visible in your beautiful line!
What is your most favourite piece or which part of the collection you like the most?
The favourite piece of the new collection is the one in silk and lace because it best represents the beauty, brightness and quality of the product.
How would you describe the collaboration with Michela Gaiofatto?
The collaboration with Michela was intuitive and pleasant. We immediately found ourselves in agreement!
We also saw a „table“ decorative pieces in Hotel Danieli, created in the technique of Burano lace. It is a famous technique that was once very popular in Venice. Do you think this technique has a future in our fast-paced world, where fast and cheap production is ruling the world?
It's not easy to find appreciation for handmade lace tablecloths and sheets because customers often think of lace as something delicate and not easy to use. By rethinking lace as something unique, of quality and true beauty, we can think of a new future and new uses in fashion.
Personally, I liked the nightwear collection, and can truly imagine wearing it. Also, I am sure your products will be great for a demanding customer, searching for high quality or luxurious goods. I am aware that you have an online shop on your website. Though, are there some other selling points offering your products?
The selling – points are Atelier in Burano and online. Our products are mainly made to measure so the sale must be direct between us and the customer. We have thought of increasing the points of exposure to make our products known.
What is a dream of Martina Vidal?
Among Martina Vidal's dreams, there is also Burano lace because it represents a strong family bond and because the know-how of craftsmanship should not be lost.
With this dream, I hope the one that will happen, I will thank Martina Vidal for the time and kindly agreeing to talk to #structuresofvenice.
Photo + text: Karolinska - Structures Of Venice
Event: https://www.venicefashionweek.com/ + https://www.veneziadavivere.com/
Martina Vidal: https://www.martinavidal.com/
Michela Gaiofatto: https://www.gaiofatto.com/
Jewelry: Maria Conti Jewelry https://www.mariacontijewelry.com/password