A dialogue between Venice and Paris, May 21-23.

There's an image that's been with me for weeks now, every time I open the atelier in the morning: a sheet of pure gold leaf, almost weightless, settling onto a painted silk scarf.

Until recently, the two would never have crossed paths. They come from different traditions, from cities far apart, from crafts that rarely speak to one another. And yet, from May 21 to 23, that's exactly what's going to happen — right here at Oro e Disegni, my atelier in Campo Santa Maria Nova.

Meeting Mari

Her name is Mari Samvelyan. She's a Parisian designer, and for almost twenty years she's been at the helm of Koshka Paris — a small maison built on garments made to last, with noble fabrics and small production runs.

One part of her work, in particular, caught my eye right away. It's a collection called "Wearable Art," born from a collaboration between Mari and her father, Sam Samvelyan, a painter. His paintings are reworked and printed onto silk, linen, cotton — so they can walk, move, live on the body.

Maybe that's where her story began to speak to mine.

Three days at Oro e Disegni

From May 21 to 23, in Campo Santa Maria Nova 6043/B, the atelier will look a little different than usual.

Alongside my own pieces and jewellery, you'll find dresses, blouses and scarves from Koshka Paris. Mari and I will both be there throughout the days — to welcome anyone who feels like dropping by to look around, ask a question, try something on, or simply spend a little time in the atelier in this slightly unusual guise.

A piece made together

There's one detail, more than any other, that makes me happy about this project.

Mari has entrusted me with one of her silk scarves. In the days leading up to the event, I'll be gilding it with pure gold leaf.

It will be a one-of-a-kind piece: the Parisian print and the Venetian gilding, on the same fabric. A work born of two different gestures, each true to its own tradition.

A closing aperitivo and a charity fundraiser

On Saturday, May 23, from 6:00 pm, we'll close the event with an aperitivo at Oro e Disegni, hosted by Mari and me.

During the evening, you're welcome to leave a contribution; everything we collect will go to Amici di Casa Famiglia ODV, a Venetian association that works with mothers and their children in vulnerable situations, and which has just opened a new centre in Marghera.

It mattered to Mari and me that these three days could leave something tangible behind — for people who really need it.

At a glance

• When: May 21 to 23, during the day
• Closing aperitivo: Saturday, May 23, from 6:00 pm 
• Where: Oro e Disegni — Campo Santa Maria Nova, Cannaregio 6043/B, Venice

For any questions, just reply to this email or write to me at info@stefaniadeirossi.com — or call or message me on WhatsApp at +39 351 9960680.

Now back to sharpening my pencils...

Speak soon,

Stefania Dei Rossi