«My shoes are designed from a woman to the women who need to conciliate femininity with everyday life.» – Giorgia Caovilla
The story of GIORGIA CAOVILLA is all about talent and enterprise in the name of Made in Italy. And this is in her genes. Her father is no other than famous footwear designer René Caovilla
who took over his father’s Venetian shoemaking business in the 1950s, referencing age-old Italian traditions to create exquisitely opulent footwear. Giorgia joined the family business in 1998 and worked alongside her dad for 11 years, focusing specifically on the development of the International and American markets.
In 2010, her personal turning point came when Giorgia presented O Jour – her own very first high-end accessory solo collection – in New York City. It was the answer to her personal need of creating shoes that would match with her taste and her lifestyle – the lifestyle of a busy working and family woman, who was unwilling to give up femininity and glamour as well as comfort.
Today, she lives in Padua with her husband and their two daughters, surrounded by the greenery of Riviera del Brenta where the best Italian shoe manufacturers have been working for centuries, just a few minutes away by boat from the beautiful waters of Giudecca. For us, she shares her travel tips for VENICE, which is only 30 minutes away from her hometown Padua and which has influenced her all her life. Enjoy!
Your favourite city?
VENICE. The thing that I like the most about this city is how the water can change sounds, the light, the smells so you can have a wonderful moment where all the senses are involved.
Your favourite hotel?
HOTEL COLOMBINA, so close to St. Mark Square, where you have an amazing view of «Ponte dei Sospiri», my favourite one. Filippo, the owner is the best host of Venice, I feel like home every time.
Calle del Remedio, 4416, 30100 Venezia, Phone +39 041 277 0525
Your favourite restaurant?
HARRY’S DOLCI facing the Giudecca Canal, wich is a special island where you can have a view of Venice from the outside in a peaceful and relaxed place.
Fondamenta S. Biagio, 773, 30100 Venezia, Phone +39 041 52 24 844
Your favourite Venetian food/dish?
SARDE IN SAOR (sweet and sour sardines), one of the most typical CICCHETTI (small local snacks) in Venice made with fried sardines and onions.
Your favourite bar or nightclub?
For this city… I have to say that a walk around the CALLI (narrow streets in Venice) with a glass of white wine is better than any nightclub!
Your favourite sightseeing spot?
VENICE IN A KAYAK to have a new point of view! Better than the taxi, better than any other thing to see the city from an unexpected angle. Just be prepared to wet yourself a bit!
Your favourite park?
CAMPO SAN VIO, between Accademia’s Bridge and Venier Palace, very close to the Guggenheim Collection. It’s a peaceful spot far from the touristic areas.
Your favourite beach?
LIDO of course, in May/June, when you can meet the real Venetians families on vacation. You can lie down and soak up the sun in one of the HOTEL EXCELSIOR‘s cabanas.
Lungomare Guglielmo Marconi, 41, 30126 Lido VE, Phone: +39 041 526 0201
Your favourite shop?
FORTUNY‘s showroom, where you can see the fabrics that are still being produced at the original factory founded by Mariano Fortuny almost a century ago. It’s one of the oldest factories in Venice, and you can see exactly how they produce the damask.
Giudecca 805, 30133 Venezia, Phone +39 041 528 7697
LUIGI BEVILACQUA. This manufacturer is another place to see, it is led by the Bevilacqua family and carries on one of Venice’s most ancient traditions using original 18th-century looms.
S. Croce 1320, 30135 Venezia, Phone + 39 041 721566
Your must-have accessory to wear in Venice?
A second pair of shoes, some typical VENETIAN SLIPPERS by VIBI VENEZIA, hidden in my bag after a long night walk. High heels are forbidden in Venice!
Your must-have souvenir to take home from Venice?
JESURUM LAMP, an unique piece of art made with handmade gold drawned silk. It’s easy to put in your bag, and it’s worth the travel.
San Marco, Calle delle Ostreghe 2433, 30124 Venice, Phone +39 041 5238969
The best soundtrack for this destination?
JOVANOTTI, alias Lorenzo Cherubini, the perfect mix of romantic songs and funky spirit!
The best book to read while being on vacation there?
WATERMARK by the Russian Nobel Price winner Joseph Brodsky, this essay is one of the most memorable eulogies to this city. While reading this book you can physically feel the city around you.
Thank you, Giorgia, for sharing your insider scoop on Venice with us!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Giorgia Caovilla and the different locations
