Travel Diary: Save Venice 2012

Just the mention of the romantic city of Venice and our toes curl in glee.  Venice, the City of Masks, The Floating City, the City of Canals, “La Dominate” and “Serenissima” has long fascinated us with her political prowess, her passionate trade of humanity, poetry, spices, silks and her timeless elegance and beauty.  My generous friend and host, Wesley Vultaggio and I roamed the Save Venice Gala shamelessly admiring the stunning gowns (my favorite by far, worn by Christine Schwarzman) and elaborate masks.

Venice captured my heart long ago and I’m grateful for the Herculean efforts of “The Supporter of Save Venice”  team- lead by the handsome Luigi Tadini, Olivia Chantecaiile, Amanda Hearst, Mary Kathryn Navah, Alexandra Lind Rose, Beatrice Rossi-Landi and Matthew White.  Sponsored by Badgely Mischka, de Grisogono, Pernod Ricard and Voss, this year’s beach-themed “A Night on the Lido” of “Un Ballo in Maschera” aims to preserve the cultural and artistic heritage of Venice.  When I was creating my Venetian ensemble for the Gala, I was  inspired by one of my favorite protagonist’s –  the intellectual, provocative and poetic, Veronica Franco.

My award for  “Best Female Mask” is owed to her beloved imagination and precocious writing which valiantly spoke out again all woman abused verbally or physically by male attackers. Brava Veronica. Bravo “Save Venice 2012”!