Venice glamorous Glass Beads

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Made by blown glass or through lamp-work, of different shapes and colors, enriched by microscopic glass threads, the Venetian glass beads are still today a must-have for every woman living in the city.

In Venice there are still some glass beads shops, different for style and design, where you can find unique pieces.
In the district of Santa Croce, a small shop reveals an incredible variety of beads. The owner of this little and hidden shrine, Cristina Bedin, is a passionate jewel designer who travels throughout Europe, the Mediterranean world and also to the States, to search ancient or vintage beads.
She designs and makes personally the necklaces that you can see in her shop, but she can make up one for you with the beads that you can choose yourself from her amazing collection.

Cristina is also a fabulous narrator and while you are there you can listen to the many stories she knows about this beloved jewel, as for example that in the 17th and 18th century they were used as currency in Africa and in America to trade with the Natives.

The creativity of Cristina Bedin is constantly inspired by the long tradition, the today fashion and by that sense for glamour that has always  accompanied Venetian women throughout the long history of the city.

If in Venice, don’t miss her!

L’Opera al Bianco – Santa Croce 1239/a – Venice
www.operavenezia.com

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Swimming on the Lido Beach

gondola with bath, 1865

 

 

Gondola with a wooden ‘bath’ to take a swim away from prying eyes, 1865.Swimming Costumes, 1865Swimming costumes, 1865. They are not Venetians but beach fashion in those years was quite the same in France and Italy.

Death in Venice

A scene from “Death in Venice”, 1970, by Luchino Visconti. Based on the novel of the German writer Thomas Mann, 1912. Wonderful reconstruction of the Belle Epoque spirit on the Lido beach of Venice.

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The history of Perfume: a new exhibition in Ca’ Mocenigo

Green Living Room

Red Living Room

Red Living Room

The Museum of Ca’ Mocenigo, a 17th century palace in San Stae, housing furniture, paintings, plaster works, chandeliers, mirrors and costumes of the 18th century will be closed until May for a general restyling. From June 1st the museum will host a new section dedicated to the history of perfumes.
Cosmetic has an ancient tradition in Venice. Through the spice and silk routes the Venetian merchants imported raw materials such as Ceylon cinnamon or civet, lemon balm and rosa mosqueta, which were then transformed in ointment, cosmetic creams and powders.

Find a good article about the new perfume exhibition here.

 

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