Little did I know that when I walked into Gucci Garden, it would be a huge source of inspiration for my own blossoming brand. Located in the heart of Florence in the historic 14th-century Palazzo della Mercanzia, it’s part museum, part retail, and home to Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura. Creative director Alessandro Michele conceived it as aliving, collaborative space which expresses the evolving aesthetic and philosophy of the House.
Ideally its best to start on the third floor, and work you way downstairs to the retail boutique. The top floor begins with vintage Gucci pieces that will tantalize your eyes. The sumptuous colors and hand beading are simply beyond. I particularly loved all of the Chinoiserie inspired pieces.
This pink and black jacket screams Jackie O with a twist. The bold black trim and massive rhinestones drew me right in for a closer look. It’s beyond dramatic, and takes black piping to a whole new level.
Once downstairs in the boutique, I was fascinated by the beautiful use of fabrics and tassels in the displays. It made me think about my own wedding that I’d just designed. My instincts were spot on.
The biggest surprise in the boutique were the limited edition chairs. They start at $2600, and top out at $5500. The ottoman is $3500, and the tv / side tray is $1450.
I certainly couldn’t leave empty handed, so I purchased a new iPhone case in the bookstore. From what I understand, the phone cases are only available at this one of a kind boutique in Florence.
iPhone Case , Gucci Garden Boutique, Florence, Italy Photo: Romi CortierRomi Cortier, Gucci Garden Galleria, Florence, Italy Photo; Recio Young
Gucci Garden Galleria is a real and imaginary place, the translation of a vision that stretches through the first and second floors and is filled with history, objects, anecdotes and geographies. A series of rooms unfolds from a story that begins in 1921, to today, ready to be reactivated, according to philosopher Walter Benjamin, ‘in future-rich constellations in which the past can meet the present’.
My idea for our rehearsal dinner on the Grand Canal started out as a simple meet and greet kind of concept. Something casual, low key, and intimate. A place where our guests could break the ice and get to know each other, before we were married the following day. However, things didn’t quite go in that direction.
Mandy Forrester-Jones, Viva Travel, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Ca.
Our wedding planner from Australia, Mandi Forrester-Jones of Viva Travel, was coming to LA for a few days on her way home from Italy. It was the perfect opportunity to get together for dinner, and to discuss how the plans were coming along. Besides working on travel accommodations for our guests, she was also working to help us find a small venue where we could have pizza and gelato near the waters edge. After weeks of emailing and contacting several small cafes, the options just weren’t coming together. It was either going to be a long walk from our hotel, or a venue packed with lots of tourists. It just didn’t feel right, so she suggested that I check with our hotel to see what options they might have.
Recio Young, Simona Miranda, Romi Cortier, Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, Venice, Italy #RomiAndReciosVenetianWedding
I reached out to Simona Miranda, our event coordinator at the Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal. We’d had our initial interview with her during Christmas of 2018, while scouting wedding venues. We loved her, and we loved the venue, which is how we’d gotten this far. I emailed Simona about the idea of a cocktail party on the terrace. Time was running out, as there were only six weeks left until the wedding. After a few emails back and forth we decided that it was a go. She quoted me a price per person, gave me some food options, and then asked if I’d like a printed menu… a printed menu? for a cocktail party? Sure, why not.
Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, Venice, Italy Photo: Wladimiro Speranzoni #RomiAndReciosVenetianWedding
I think something got lost in translation. When I arrived on the terrace about 20 minutes before the party, I was surprised to see a sit down event. It was complete with tables and tablecloths, candles, wine glasses, and a full wait staff ready to attend to our every need. And of course, there were those fabulous little menus, placed gently on the plates, along with the cocktail napkins I’d designed for the cocktail hour.
Ms. Taylor and Recio Young, Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, Venice, Italy Photo: Wladimiro Speranzoni #RomiAndReciosVenetianWeddingRomi Cortier and Ms. Natalie Marletta, Hotel Monaco & Grand Hotel, Venice, Italy Photo: Wladimiro Speranzoni #RomiAndReciosVenetianWedding
Our guests began to arrive, all 35 of them. They were thrilled at the elaborate layout, as they too expected a simple cocktail hour. It was turning into the perfect Venetian evening. Glowing guests, a balmy 75 degrees, the full moon reflecting across the lagoon… you could feel the magic in the making.
Recio Young, Ms. Davis and Romi Cortier, Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, Venice, Italy Photo: Wladimiro Speranzoni #RomiAndReciosVenetianWeddingRomi Cortier, Recio Young and Ms. Ibay, Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, Venice, Italy. Photo: Wladimiro Speranzoni #RomiAndReciosVenetianWeddingMs. Young and Isaiah Young, Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, Venice, Italy Photo: Wladimiro Speranzoni #RomiAndReciosVenetianWedding
Everyone was so excited to finally meet the people whose faces they’d only seen on social media. Friends from Fiji and Australia got to meet our families from Chicago and Seattle. Our friends from Texas were introduced to friends from San Francisco. The wine was flowing, as trays and trays of appetizers glided onto the tables.
Ms. Bigelow, Ms. Puckett and Recio Young, Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, Venice, Italy Photo: Wladimiro Speranzoni #RomiAndReciosVenetianWeddingRecio Young, Jud Nichols and Romi Cortier, Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, Venice, Italy Photo: Wladimiro Speranzoni #RomiAndReciosVenetianWedding
Dinner entrees included a course of 3 types of spaghetti: vegetarian, seafood and beef, all made with the freshest Italian pasta. The flow of food and delicacies lasted for at least three hours and included an assortment of deserts, cappuccino and did I mention, more wine?
Ms. Chan, Ms. Harville, Ms. Forgue, Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, Venice, Italy. Photo: Wladimiro Speranzoni #RomiAndReciosVenetianWedding
True to form, Recio gave one of his epic toasts. He always knows the right emotional tone to hit. He’s generous in his praise of people, thanks to his astute observations of who they are. He makes friends for life and wants to see everyone become their best selves, and live their best life.
Romi Cortier, Recio Young and Guests, Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, Venice, Italy. Photo: Wladimiro Speranzoni #RomiAndReciosVenetianWedding
What started out as an idea for a casual evening of pizza and gelato, turned into the most amazing 5 hour evening of love, laughter, and celebration. It’s an evening we’ve come to value even more during this time of Covid, because in the end, Love Wins.
Romi Cortier and Recio, Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, Venice, Italy Photo: Wladimiro Speranzoni #RomiAndReciosVenetianWedding
Mandy Forrester- Jones can be reached at Viva Travel
Gondola View of Santa Maria della Salute, Grand Canal, Photo Romi CortierGondola View San Marco, Venice, Italy, Photo Romi CortierGondola View of Palazzo Ducale, Venice, Italy, Photo Romi CortierGondola View San Marco, Venice, Italy, Photo Romi CortierGondola View San Marco, Venice, Italy, Photo Romi CortierGondola View San Marco, Venice, Italy, Photo Romi CortierGondola View San Marco, Venice, Italy, Photo Romi CortierGondolas on the Grand Canal, Venice, Italy, Photo Romi CortierGondolas on the Grand Canal, Venice, Italy, Photo Romi Cortier
You can’t think of Venice Italy without thinking of a Gondola, they go hand in hand. On my recent visit to Venice, I got to experience their magic first hand. The peacefulness of gliding on the narrow canals between the stones buildings is everything you’d imagine it to be. Smooth. Quiet. Reflective. Tranquil. It’s such a personal experience, especially when traveling with a loved one.
The history of the Gondola is a long and storied one, possibly dating back as early as 700 AD, or at the very least 1094 AD when mentioned in a letter from a Venetian Republic official. As a design geek I was fascinated to learn that the Venetian Blind was derived from blinds that were used on earlier Gondola’s dating back to about 1500 when Gondola’s had cabins. The blinds allowed for privacy during the Age of Decadence, when would be Casanovas enjoyed trysts out on the canals.
During the 14th century, horses were outlawed from the streets of Venice, and the noble class embraced the gondola as a respectable form of transportation. During the 16th century, laws were enacted by the doge to eliminate competition between the nobles, who were competing for the fanciest rig. Some went so far as to include semiprecious stones on brightly colored boats. Now each vessel is covered in 6 coats of black paint and lasts about 15 years, after which, it can be refinished (once) to last another 10 years.
About 200 years ago there were over 10,000 Gondolas in Venice, now there are only about 400 licensed gondoliers. When one dies, the license is passed to his widow. If you’re going to take in the full Gondola experience, it’s about 80 euro during the day, and 100 euro during the evening. If you choose to tip your gondolier, the rate is 5 – 10 percent. FYI, don’t expect all of them to serenade you… as they say, some are lovers, and some are singers.
