Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ACCESSORIES
Don't call Venetian artisans designers: their highly skilled handicrafts can't be mass pro-
duced, and stand out in a globalised fashion crowd. Paris's latest it bags seem uninspired
compared to purses made of marbled paper at Cárte (
Click here
), and Tiffany seems ho-
hum once you've glimpsed the glass-ring selection in Murano. When it comes to Godi
Fiorenza (
Click here
) hand-beaded belle epoque collars or custom-fit shoes with leather
heels sculpted like gondola prows from Giovanna Zanella (
Click here
), there really is no
point of comparison.
EYEWEAR
Centuries before geek chic, the first eyeglasses known to Europe were worn in the Veneto
c 1348, and Venetian opticians have been hand-grinding lenses and stylish frames ever
since. Bring your prescription to Ottica Carraro (
Click here
) or Ottica Vascellari (
Click
here
), or snap up a replica of Peggy Guggenheim's outrageous frames at the Peggy Gug-
genheim Collection (
Click here
) gift shop.
Bargains
Venetian treasures cost less than you'd think. From Murano blown-glass beads that make
sensational pendants (€1 to €15) to custom chandeliers (€400-plus), Venice's handcrafted
goods are quite reasonably priced for the highly specialised labour involved. For the re-
cord, Murano glass isn't necessarily less expensive in Murano than in Venice proper, but
Murano's selection of original art-glass is truly dazzling.
Like the rest of Italy, Venice does have some January and July sales. The sweetest deals
can be found in the low-season months of November, March and July.
OUTDOOR MARKETS
From March through to October and around Christmas, treasures hidden in
palazzo
attics
turn up at Venice's open-air markets. Upcoming dates are listed at
www.turismovenezia.it
(search for markets) for these not-to-be-missed events.
Shopping Hot Spots
Mall shopping can't compare to the thrill of treasure hunting in Venice. Here's where to
find Venetian specialities:
»
Contemporary art
Between Biennales, Venice's contemporary-art galleries make
passers-by stop and stare around Campo San Maurizio in San Marco and along Fonda-
menta San Biagio on Giudecca.
