One of Venice’s most majestic buildings, a short distance away from the Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal, is Europe’s latest destination for travellers in search of a quality culinary and shopping experience. With its first European shop T Fondaco dei Tedeschi, DFS Group, world luxury travel retail leader, is participating in this refined renovation.
The building, with a 7,000 sq m retail area, develops over four floors, in a restoration project by the architect Rem Koolhaas (OMA), with furnishings designed by Jamie Fobert. The bar restaurant AMO is located in the courtyard, for a break or a moment of relaxation. Designed by Philippe Starck, it was developed in partnership with one of the biggest names in Italian catering: the Alajmo brothers. The restaurant presents itself as a metaphor of Venice. High-backed, dark leather sofas are inspired by gondolas, glassware is by Murano glass makers, and the walls are laden with portrayals of the Venetian carnival.
The luminous interior also boasts a large chandelier by the artist Aristide Najean. The interior is also strewn with unique pieces, such as the chair in shiny bronze by Boca de Lobo from Portugal, or paintings on the cafeteria walls by Ara Starck, artist and Philippe Starck’s daughter. The ground floor hosts Gucci and Bottega Veneta concept boutiques, with a vast range of fashion accessories and jewellery, along with a meticulous selection of food products, wines and local crafts.
An intense red escalator designed by OMA leads to the first floor with clothes, jewellery and accessory collections for women by various designer brands including Bulgari, Damiani, Fendi, Lanvin, Max Mara, Tiffany & Co and Valentino.
Venice’s only multi-brand space dedicated to luxury watches is located on the second floor, with brands such as Cartier, Hublot, Omega and Panerai. The same floor is also home to a selection of suits and men’s accessories by Brioni, Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo, Moncler, Ermenegildo Zegna. The third floor is truly a paradise for women, with Venice’s most exclusive shoe salon.
The Event Pavilion is located on the last floor, a venue for cultural events and exhibitions, looking out onto a panoramic terrace offering splendid views of Venice. The site-specific installation Waterbones by the Italian artist Loris Cecchini will be on display until November 27th 2017 at the Pavilion.
Owner: Edizione Property S.p.a.
Lessee: DFS Group
Developer: Sacaim – Rizzani de Eccher
Architectural design: Rem Koolhaas, OMA
Interior design: Jamie Fobert Architects
Project management: F&M Ingegneria
Furnishings: Merotto Milani, MobilProject, Molteni, Paolo Castelli, Schweitzer
Lightings: commercial space designed & customized by Jamie Fobert Architects; public space designed by OMA; Viabizzuno
Bathrooms: designed by OMA, made by Sacaim – Rizzani de Eccher
Photo credits: Marta Buso, Matteo De Fina, Olivier Hess, Federico Nero
