6 fashion boutiques in Venice every style maven should know: avoid the Piazza San Marco tourist traps with our guide to independent shops and artisanal textiles

“I grew up in Venice, where charming yet very important artisanal works have always been a part of the city’s magic,” says fashion publicist Cristina Malgara. “Its unique combination of artisanal savoir faire, fresh creativity and contemporary craftsmanship has managed to sustain a vibrant artistic spirit within the islands’ perimeter. This harmonious blend of tradition and innovation makes Venice a beacon for artistic talent.”

Today, Venice not only attracts artists, collectors and writers but designers too, ranging from established names like Aquazzura founder Edgardo Osorio and jeweller Francesca Amfitheatrof, to young talents drawn to its centuries-old ateliers.

1. Codognato

The history of Codognato is closely intertwined with that of Venice – it opened its doors in 1866, right when the city was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy. The jeweller attracts an extremely varied, high-profile clientele ranging from royalty to style icons and celebrities. Clients over the years have included Wallis Simpson, Grace Kelly, María Félix, Andy Warhol, Elizabeth Taylor, A$AP Rocky and Natalia Vodianova. It’s now run by the family’s fifth generation, brother and sister Mario and Cristina Codognato, who have enlisted the talents of their friend Amfitheatrof – also the former Tiffany & Co. and now Louis Vuitton jewellery designer – as the new head of creative. Although the boutique recently relocated, you can still expect to find eclectic and one-of-a-kind pieces, including baroque-style gem-studded crosses, mystical skull rings carved from gold and enamel, and diamond-encrusted serpent bracelets.

1316 Calle Vallaresso; attiliocodognato.it

2. Chiarastella Cattana

There is no shortage of textile suppliers in Venice, but long-time resident and Milanese transplant Chiarastella Cattana is known for her exquisite taste. For over 15 years, she has stocked her airy shop with her own designs, including cushions, waffle-knit bath towels, linen napkins and tablecloths in contemporary colours and patterns. While many of these aren’t made in Venice, they showcase the work of centuries-old mills and craftsmen from regions such as the Dolomites, where Cattana stumbled on a unique jacquard that is now a bestseller. Many styles are also accented with embroideries – a signature Venetian touch.

3216 Salizzada San Samuele; chiarastellacattana.com

3. Piedàterre

Friulane – traditional Venetian slippers – have become a staple for women across the globe, but the real deal can be found at this historic shoemaker. The brand started out as a market stall in 1952, before opening a small store on the Rialto Bridge selling velvet slippers to locals including gondoliers (fun fact: the bottoms are made from rubber to ensure the gondolas don’t get scratched). The company changed hands and opened a colourful new flagship on Campo Santo Stefano in 2021, offering updated designs in fresh and modern fabrics. While its unisex styles are still handmade by local craftsmen, new must-haves include backless slippers and Mary Janes, designed to appeal to a younger audience.

2806 Campo Santo Stefano; piedaterrevenezia.com

4. France Thierard

Murano glassware is everywhere in Venice, but you won’t find France Thierard’s eponymous candy-coloured collections anywhere other than at her appointment-only showroom. The French designer moved to Venice 13 years ago – and ended up loving the city so much, she wrote a book about it. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Thierard met a small family of Murano-based glassmakers struggling to find work and decided to collaborate with them on a collection of glassware featuring her now signature colourful stripes. She continues to work with various independent glassblowers to create made-to-order pieces including vases, carafes, candlesticks and incense bottles.

By appointment only; francethierard.com

5. Fortuny

Couturier Mariano Fortuny passed away in 1949 but his legacy lives on in his hometown, where his textile factory still thrives on Giudecca Island. What he is remembered for most, however, is his unique method of pleating, which first appeared in the early 1900s on his dresses inspired by ancient Greece. You’ll find them and more at the brand’s store, which is a feast for the eyes with its opulent interiors, near San Marco. It’s also stocked with a stunning collection of fashion pieces, including handmade micro-pleated dresses and tops, alongside other signatures such as Oriental robes and kimonos made from rich, embroidered velvet.

2428 San Marco; fortuny.shop

6. Dellaluna

Luxury accessories label Dellaluna is relatively new on the scene but has already attracted fans such as Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Naomi Watts. Founded by Venetian native Silvia Paulon in 2018, its lovely store is in a hidden exit of a historic palazzo, which only adds to the charm. All of Dellaluna’s designs celebrate Venetian craftsmanship – each bag is handcrafted in the Veneto region using natural local leathers, with 18k gold-plated hardware by goldsmiths creating a rich, timeless look. Bestsellers include the grained calfskin Affresco bag, finished with an intricate, hand-stitched motif inspired by Venetian palazzo ceilings.

1312 Calle Vallaresso; dellaluna.com