Her book is launched just in time for the Venetian Carnival 2017, and you’re invited to a Masquerade Dinner Party and costumed ball at the Bauer Venezia hotel on Saturday February 25 (see invitation and details below).
Assouline has just released ‘Venetian Chic’, a handsome new large-format book, the ultimate insider’s guide to Venetian style. The book is a tribute to the history, culture, arts and elegance of Venice, with images of ultra-private palazzi, interiors, architecture, Seguso glass, the Grand Canal, noble cathedrals, crafts, and private apartments. All that’s missing is the sweet and slightly saline scent of Venetian air.
Come with me for a first exclusive look at this delicious book—plus a special visit to Francesca’s empire along the Grand Canal. Oh, and the Masquerade invitation.
Glamorous Francesca Bortolotto Possati is admired as a leading figure in the worlds of Venetian luxury hospitality, philanthropy, architecture, and art. She has played a major role in supporting the restoration of historic buildings in Venice. She is the owner of four five-star Bauer hotel properties including Il Palazzo on the Grand Canal, as well as the new Il Palladio Hotel and Spa on Giudecca, and Villa F, which faces the lagoon and the Punta della Dogana, and the romantic waterscapes of Venice.
‘Venetian Chic’ takes readers for a very insider tour of private apartments, secret corners, glass-making, antiques, views, and closeup details of architecture, carving, weaving, embroidery, and all the arts and crafts that make Venice so alluring.
From Francesca’s private black book of friends and admired style leaders, she visits artists’ studios, the palazzi of elegant Venetian friends, and a series of restored art works, churches, chandeliers, gilded carving, chapels, and Venice’s hidden corners.
Robyn Lea’s images, some free-form and very impressionistic, show the sense of history and mysery that saturate the buildings and landscapes. This is private Venice, without the crowds, and with secret access to places that hark back to the artists of the Renaissance and the chic masquerade balls of centuries past.
FIRST COURSES:
Risotto with white squid and its black ink
CREDITS:
‘Venetian Chic’ Text by Francesca Bortolotto Possati, foreword by Jeremy Irons, original photography by Robyn Lea || 264 pages | 150 illustrations | hardcover.
www.villafvenezia.it
Assouline has just released ‘Venetian Chic’, a handsome new large-format book, the ultimate insider’s guide to Venetian style. The book is a tribute to the history, culture, arts and elegance of Venice, with images of ultra-private palazzi, interiors, architecture, Seguso glass, the Grand Canal, noble cathedrals, crafts, and private apartments. All that’s missing is the sweet and slightly saline scent of Venetian air.
Come with me for a first exclusive look at this delicious book—plus a special visit to Francesca’s empire along the Grand Canal. Oh, and the Masquerade invitation.
Glamorous Francesca Bortolotto Possati is admired as a leading figure in the worlds of Venetian luxury hospitality, philanthropy, architecture, and art. She has played a major role in supporting the restoration of historic buildings in Venice. She is the owner of four five-star Bauer hotel properties including Il Palazzo on the Grand Canal, as well as the new Il Palladio Hotel and Spa on Giudecca, and Villa F, which faces the lagoon and the Punta della Dogana, and the romantic waterscapes of Venice.
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The chandeliers in Il Palazzo’s Royal Suite were crafted by Murano glassmakers. The design composition is mirrored in the curves of the sofa and the flowing design of the floor. Photo by Robyn Lea
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Entrance hall on the first floor at Villa F, with views of the vast internal garden on one side of the room and grand vistas across the water to the Piazza San Marco on the opposite side. Photo by Robyn Lea
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A porcelain pitcher made by Geminiano Cozzi in the 1700s sits on the mantel at Palazzo Mocenigo. Photo by Robyn Lea
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Colored glass decorations made by Seguso in the 1940s, on the wall of Il Settimo Cielo at the Bauer Hotel. Photo by Robyn Lea
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‘Venetian Chic’ takes readers for a very insider tour of private apartments, secret corners, glass-making, antiques, views, and closeup details of architecture, carving, weaving, embroidery, and all the arts and crafts that make Venice so alluring.
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View of the Church of Santa Maria della Salute from Palazzino Alvisi, the home of Andrea Gaggia. Photo by Robyn Lea
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View of the Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark, the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice. Photo by Robyn Lea
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From Francesca’s private black book of friends and admired style leaders, she visits artists’ studios, the palazzi of elegant Venetian friends, and a series of restored art works, churches, chandeliers, gilded carving, chapels, and Venice’s hidden corners.
Robyn Lea’s images, some free-form and very impressionistic, show the sense of history and mysery that saturate the buildings and landscapes. This is private Venice, without the crowds, and with secret access to places that hark back to the artists of the Renaissance and the chic masquerade balls of centuries past.
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Francesca Borlotto Possati. Photo by Robyn Lea
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Francesca’s mother and grandfather on her wedding day, standing in the entrance of their home, Palazzo Mocenigo. Photo courtesy of Francesca Borlotto Possati
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Francesca’s son, Alessandro, inside the main entranceway to their family home, Palazzo Mocenigo. Photo by Robyn Lea
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Francesca Bortolotto Possati opened her private photo albums to show family celebrations and historic balls and holidays.
And she reveals the everyday pleasures of fresh food markets, silk weaving, old workshops that craft velvets and silks too glorious to imagine (that are sold to decorators around the world). Perhaps best of all, photographer Robyn Lea has spent years roaming and discovering. Her romantic focus on only-in-Venice treasurse makes this book a revelation.
This is the Venice of dreams, the iconic destination through new eyes. A witty and affectionate foreword by Jeremy Irons complements this stunning volume.
She is director of the art and architectural restoration fund Save Venice Inc. and has won many awards for her dedication to preserving the city’s historic legacy. As the owner and director of four leading Venetian luxury hotels, she has been recognized as a Leading Women Entrepreneur of the World.
And she reveals the everyday pleasures of fresh food markets, silk weaving, old workshops that craft velvets and silks too glorious to imagine (that are sold to decorators around the world). Perhaps best of all, photographer Robyn Lea has spent years roaming and discovering. Her romantic focus on only-in-Venice treasurse makes this book a revelation.
This is the Venice of dreams, the iconic destination through new eyes. A witty and affectionate foreword by Jeremy Irons complements this stunning volume.
“Venice has welcomed me on a few fine occasions and left me with a multitude of plangent memories; Listening to the oh-so-limited repertoire of the gondoliers. Discovering the hidden life and the hidden palazzos and churches. Reveling in this ancient place that refuses to change.” — From the foreword to ‘Venetian Chic’ by actor Jeremy Irons
A Dream of Venice: Venetian Grace and Style — A New Visit to the Bauer Venezia Hotels
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| The Bauer Venezia Il Palazzo on the Grand Canal |
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| The Bauer Venezia Il Palazzo Royal Suite |
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| The Bauer Venezia Il Palazzo Royal Suite |
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| The Bauer Venezia Il Palazzo |
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| Settimo Cielo at The Bauer Venezia |
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| Settimo Cielo at The Bauer Venezia |
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| The Bauer Venezia Lobby |
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| The Bauer Venezia Il Palazzo on the Grand Canal |
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| The Bauer Venezia Il Palazzo Bar Canale |
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| Bauer Palladio Hotel & Spa |
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| Bauer Palladio Hotel & Spa |
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| Bauer Palladio Hotel & Spa |
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| Villa F Hotel |
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| Villa F Hotel |
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| Villa F Hotel |
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| Villa F Hotel |
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| Villa F Hotel |
About Francesca Bortolotto Possati
A long-standing ambassador for Venice and patron of the lively Venetian cultural scene, Bortolotto Possati supports many major charities.She is director of the art and architectural restoration fund Save Venice Inc. and has won many awards for her dedication to preserving the city’s historic legacy. As the owner and director of four leading Venetian luxury hotels, she has been recognized as a Leading Women Entrepreneur of the World.
Bortolotto Possati is the granddaughter of the Ligurian shipbuilder, Arnaldo Bennati, who purchased the Bauer in the 1930s and undertook the hotel’s first renovation. During her childhood in Venice, the Bauer was Bortolotto Possati’s second home and her preparation for her current role has been lifelong.
Bortolotto Possati also directs her family’s winemaking estate, Colmello di Grotta in Collio.
She sponsors the Zuecca Project Space, a non-profit area in Giudecca that hosts exhibitions for local and international art communities. Bortolotto Possati presents the Ca’ Foscari Award at Venice’s international literary festival each year.
Bortolotto Possati has two children, Alessandro and Olimpia, who are also deeply involved in the activities of the BAUER Venezia properties. She is also a keen sports enthusiast, and a champion skier, and has a particular penchant for driving her boat through Venice’s famous canals.
Bortolotto Possati also directs her family’s winemaking estate, Colmello di Grotta in Collio.
She sponsors the Zuecca Project Space, a non-profit area in Giudecca that hosts exhibitions for local and international art communities. Bortolotto Possati presents the Ca’ Foscari Award at Venice’s international literary festival each year.
Bortolotto Possati has two children, Alessandro and Olimpia, who are also deeply involved in the activities of the BAUER Venezia properties. She is also a keen sports enthusiast, and a champion skier, and has a particular penchant for driving her boat through Venice’s famous canals.
Invitation — Carnival 2017: Masquerade Party and You Are Invited
Bauer Venezia is pleased to invite you to attend the Masquerade Carnival Party at the Bauer Palazzo, Saturday, February 25th 2017.
Buffet dinner starting from 09.00 pm with entertainment at Bauer’s Ballroom. After dinner with DJ set starting from 11.30 pm at the BBar lounge.
Dress code: Gold
Style: Elegance, luxury, extravagance
Dinner from 220.00 euro ( per person) wine included.
Info & Reservations:
30124 Venice
tel. 041 5207022
Dining at The Bauer Venezia
From a recent seasonal menu:FIRST COURSES:
Risotto with white squid and its black ink
Gragnano spaghetti with artichokes and small calamari
Ravioli filled with Padovana chicken, Parmigiano Reggiano and saffron cream
Tuscany gnocchi “gnudi” with ricotta in mushroom broth
DESSERTS:
Tiramisu, bitter cocoa and coffee
Crème brulée, citrus sorbet and marinated blueberries
Persimmon soup, chestnut crumble and vanilla ice cream
Buranei cookies in millefeuille with Torcolato wine mousse, dried fruits and ice cream
DESSERTS:
Tiramisu, bitter cocoa and coffee
Crème brulée, citrus sorbet and marinated blueberries
Persimmon soup, chestnut crumble and vanilla ice cream
Buranei cookies in millefeuille with Torcolato wine mousse, dried fruits and ice cream
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| Bauer Palladio Hotel & Spa |
CREDITS:
‘Venetian Chic’ Text by Francesca Bortolotto Possati, foreword by Jeremy Irons, original photography by Robyn Lea || 264 pages | 150 illustrations | hardcover.
Published by Assouline, February 2017
Images published here from ‘Venetian Chic’ by Robyn Lea, with permission.
Images of the Bauer Venezia hotels, including Il Palazzo, Palladio Hotel & Spa and Villa F used here with exclusive permission of Francesca Bortolotto Possati.
Where to find the book: www.assouline.com
More information about the Bauer Venice hotels, restaurants and spa:
www.bauervenezia.com
www.palladiohotelspa.comImages published here from ‘Venetian Chic’ by Robyn Lea, with permission.
Images of the Bauer Venezia hotels, including Il Palazzo, Palladio Hotel & Spa and Villa F used here with exclusive permission of Francesca Bortolotto Possati.
Where to find the book: www.assouline.com
More information about the Bauer Venice hotels, restaurants and spa:
www.bauervenezia.com
www.villafvenezia.it
