………………..Venice is one of the most spectacular places on this Earth………It was definitely DREAMERS who created this miracle of a city. Whenever I have been asked to name my favorite places to visit….for both Jac and myself it was Venice. Jac had been to Venice a few times. She did two extravaganzas for Armani, one for Gianfranco Ferre, and one for Valentino. She loved Venice. I had never been, so Jac was excited to take me there. I will never forget the memorable train ride to Venice. We sat in a cabin with two nuns. One of the nuns had a terrible gas problem. It took all of our strength to not burst out laughing…..as I said….memorable! We arrived at a not so pretty area, not far from the train station, where we picked up the water taxi which was to take us to Venice……..I thought is this it? Is this what Jac was so excited about to show me? Jac knew better. As we left the dock and rode for a while, we made a turn towards Venice right into the GRAND CANAL……I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Pictures do it no justice…..I looked at Jac, and she was looking at me with a BIG SMILE on her face…….she said…..”I told you so”……That smile is a memory for a life time………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………….Venice is a magical place. We found the best chocolate shop ever near the Gritti Place Hotel where we were staying. We visited the shop frequently! We walked and walked and walked soaking it all in. Of course we visited all three near by islands. Torcello, Burano and Murano……..Murano is where the famous Venetian glass is made. We were BITTEN by the magic. We bought a magnificent set of hand etched glasses….a service for 14. There were five different glasses for each place setting…………long story short………..We used them once for a Christmas dinner and my SIL broke one………We never used them again, and they sit carefully wrapped up in a huge box in storage!…….If you go to Venice beware of the bug!! You don’t want to get bitten…….LOL…..The Venetian glass jewelry is incredible! Not the tourist stuff, but the very special, VERY costly pieces. I didn’t buy any. It wasn’t Jac’s thing, but it was locked away in my memory to surface one day….We went back to Venice three more times…..We spent our days on the beach at the famous Lido across from Venice, and our afternoons roaming Venice. This NECKLACE & EARRING set, J390581, was named after Venice…..It is 72 inches long with a 3 inch extender which allows you to wear it different ways….The color beads are resin. It could never be made in real glass. It would cost a fortune and weigh a ton…This set is very light in weight…..Some of the beads are CLEAR and some are FROSTED, just like Venetian glass. The Russian Gold beads between each of the resin beads are irregular squares which gives the necklace an ARTISAN look………….In the photos above, second column from the left, you can see the necklace doubled and tripled…..You know me….I like abundance and lots of layers for a glamorous and dramatic look. There are photos to the right with two and three necklaces layered. There will be a whole group of apparel that will coordinate beautifully with the necklaces. Right now I’m sure there is lots in you closet that will work perfectly with these Venetian pieces……..I call this color…….ICE………………………………………………….enjoy……………………..much Love………………………..Louis
Dear Louis,
I’m also headed to Italy, including a stop in Venice, in the fall–my very first time!! I can’t believe it’s taken me so long, but better late than never;) This will be my first long haul flight, since a serious medical issue, so I’m a little nervous. But, onward to living life to the fullest! I love these necklaces–so beautiful–and the story of you and Jac behind their creation. I’ve already ordered the indigo and the ice and can’t wait to wear them, as I dream about that first sight of the Grand Canal!
Grace, I’ve never been there in the fall. Early fall? It should be beautiful and not as many people. If they are still having concerts in St. Marco Square, you must stop and have a coffee or a drink. It’s magical. Really if you can, watch the movie “SUMMERTIME, by David Lean before you go…..it is beautiful, and you will see Venice in a whole new way. There is a famous scene where Katherine Hepburn falls into a canal at St. Barnabus Square [sp]. We went searching for it and found it….We were very happy to be there where Katherine Hepburn stood. It is a wonderful movie and a love letter to Venice.
Louis, thank you VERY much for the recommendations–I’ve made a note, so I don’t forget! A concert in St. Marco Square does sound magical. And, I’ll be watching the movie this weekend–how did I ever miss a Katherine Hepburn movie–and likely view it again before we leave for inspiration. I had to talk my husband into going on this trip, as he’s a reluctant traveler after so many years of doing it for business, but I know he’ll enjoy it once he exits the airport;) We’ll be there Sept. 20-October 10. Nice to know early fall is a good time to go.
Grace….I guarantee your husband will find it amazing. What hotel are you staying in. Just make sure where ever it is your room has a view. That time of year it shouldn’t be difficult. That’s a great time to be in Europe
I want a full report after you see it. Jac and I watched it before and after our trips…..many many times. I think I can recite the dialogue…..Watch for a line by Rassano Brazzi…..”eat the ravoli”…..
One of my very favorite films, Louis! I, too, can quote dialogue.
The theme song that swells with desire, expressing itself whenever the two lovers are connecting, thrills those with romantic hearts.
An added bonus for me is that Mr. Goldie bore a strong resemblance to Rossano Brazzi in this film. In fact, when we married, Mr. Goldie wore a tannish suit much like the one in the link below. (We were each other’s second spouse, and so Mr. Goldie had a divinely mature look.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXMQjF9KKuI
Enjoy all, Grace! This year will mark 50 years since I have been in Venice. I went to the Lido, too, to bathe.
Dear Louis,
I finally watched “Summertime” and loved it! It was everything you said it would be. Wouldn’t mind staying in Katherine Hepburn’s room with a viewI I can see why you and Jac watched the movie before and after your trips to Venice. Such a beautifully photographed film. And, “eat the ravioli” really does say it all.
I’m working with a travel agent and haven’t decided on a hotel yet. Would love to hear your recommendations. We’ll also be going to Rome, Florence and Capri.
Oh Grace….I want to come!!!!! All the places I love in Italy. I told you Summertime was wonderful…It was a love letter to Venice from the director David Lean. He made some of my most favorite movies. Since you are going to Capri will you be staying also on the Amalfi coast or don’t you have the time? It would help to know the price range of the hotels. I’ll ask my friends in Florence for a recommendation. I always stayed at the Grand Hotel on the Lungarno River….Rome at the the Hassler on the Spanish steps walking distance from all the best shopping. As for Capri, the Grand Hotel Quisisana, world famous, is where I stayed. The Hotel La Scalinatella is also a beautiful more private hotel and Punta Tragara is also supposed to be wonderful. I haven’t stay there but I have heard it’s beautiful. In Venice we stayed at the Gritti, and the Danieli. Where ever you stay you must get a room on the canal with a view. I agree the pension where Katherine Hepburn stayed would be perfect, but I don’t know of any. You should google all of them and just hotels in each city in general and see if anything appeals to you then ask your travel agent about them. Jac loved the Hassler because that’s where “Liz and Richard” always stayed.BTW you will want to stay on Capri, not Ana Capri which is another part of the island but out of the way IMHO
……………….Also you must buy a “RED GOBLET” like the one in “Summertime”. Jac and i bought one in a shop off San Marco Square. It’s a wonderful memory of our trip. It’s on n open shelf in our kitchen where we could see it everyday…..Also, I googled hotels in Venice and the Trip Adviser showed some lovely hotels with great views. I’ve never used trip adviser so I don’t know if they are reliable, but they are worth looking into.
Dear Louis,
Thank you, thank you for all the recommendations!!! I’m making notes and having fun looking up the hotels you’ve mentioned and thinking through the must-sees. I even got my husband to watch “Summertime” last night, and the film worked its magic…he is all-in on this trip now! (I suspect it won’t be our last time viewing the film, either!) We are glad we decided not to do the tour our travel agent first recommended…Will be nice not to be on anyone’s schedule, but our own. Planning 16 days, but may add a few days, if needed, as this trip to Italy may be a “one and done” experience. Who really knows? Life is uncertain and carpe diem is the only way to live…”eat the ravioli.” We will either fly into Venice or Naples. Will definitely go to the Amalfi Coast, and spend a few days in Capri & Positano…and, maybe Sorrento? I’m told the high speed trains can get us from Rome to Florence with maybe a stopover in Orvieto…Once in Venice, I’ll be on the lookout for a red goblet and will browse the shops off San Marco Square, just as you and Jac did. (Likely not one like in Renaldo’s shop from the 18th century, but one close enough…) I can’t think of a more perfect memento for a host of reasons 🙂 And, I cannot thank you enough for all the recommendations and priceless inspiration, Louis. It’s such a gift. I’ll keep you updated on my progress, as plans fall into place.
Grace, there are only two hotels to consider in Positano…..the San Pietro, and Le Sirenusa (sp) They are both world famous, and they are both magical. I have eaten dinner in both many times, and new the owners well. I use to stay in Andrea Pfister’s villa which is 10 minutes away. IMHO, the only thing to see in Naples are the ruins at Pompeii.
Thank you, Louis, for those hotel recommendations. I now have a small treasure trove of places to stay, which all sound wonderful, and your generous guidance is greatly appreciated. We’ve decided to start our trip in Venice, the place I most want to see, and then take the train from there. I saw your new “gondolier shirt” and, of course, I need to have it in blue. I adore my Venetian necklaces in ice and indigo. (I’ll be packing almost all Linea, I suspect.) Enjoying your continued stories about Venice and the times you & Jac spent there…
I am loving the ice – will likely buy two of the same color in this one. I just so happen to be going to Venice this upcoming May. It will be my first visit. We are staying 4 nights after a week in Tuscany. I am anxious to see your March and April collections.
SOLD! THANKS.PAMELA…SUNNY SOUTH
And oh btw, is that a new version of my favorite…best Linea top EVER? The original pebble crepe tunic with pockets. ?? 😂
Sort of, but it’s Crepe Gauze.
I love Crepe Gauze! Will it come in Black, please?
Seka.
sapphire too?!!!
Louis,
The ice on all white is stunningly superior! It invokes a strong and positive emotional response for me.
Thank you for the beauty you bring to my life in so many ways. Your story of your first trip to Venice was perfect with the ice white splendor of your sneak peek.
Oh Louis! I went to Venice when I was 16 and I remember every detail! Your necklaces are a wonderful tribute to Jac and the magic of Venice!
Hi Louis
This necklace is a WOW. I am buying it in clear and gold to wear with my new ivory ponte suit and especially with the new ivory v neck sweater and the matching ivory pants from the new pont suit.
Louis,
I just love your stories!! LOL at the nun!! You and Jac certainly had a lot of fun together. Precious memories.
I’m so glad you posted pics of this necklace. I saw it was available but wanted to wait for your pics and description before choosing a color. Once again, it will be hard to choose…
Thanks!
Melissa