Venice seems to play an important role in next season’s fashion editorials and campaigns. The perfect opportunity to turn my attention to the most famous Venetian fashion house and one of Italy’s finest, Roberta di Camerino. The It Bag is a term attributed to many designer bags today, but it dates back as far as seven decades ago. One of the first designers who created the concept of the easily recognisable status bag was Giuliana Camerino. In 1945 she founded the historical Italian brand (a play of words between the title of the movie Roberta, 1935, starring Fred Astaire and Irene Dunne and the designer’s last name after marriage) in Venice and ever since then her handbags have been in the front line of the fashion world.
Made of a special type of velvet (a distinctive fabric for bags) woven on antique looms in the dark (to preserve the preciousness of the fabric), in newly decoded beautiful, rich colours, with clasps and studs created by the craftsmen of brass ornaments for gondolas, Giuliana’s bags were revolutionary. Their uniqueness evokes history, characters and emotions, just as the city where the atelier of the brand is still based. Giuliana Camerino is one of the designers who changed fashion, transforming an accessory into a fashion garment that can last forever.
Combining the craftsmanship of the artisans of Venice with a Neo-baroque style, she was an innovator, her designs including a patterned bag with a trellis of R’s in 1948 (foreseeing Gucci’s G’s), woven leather bags in 1957 (before Bottega Veneta, the ones I so much admire without having known until now their true inventor) and a handbag with a unique articulated frame in 1964 which was later taken up by Prada. When discussing the past and present influence exercised by Roberta di Camerino, Julie Gilhart, former Fashion Director and Senior Vice President of Barneys New York, said that visiting the archive of the brand is a truly incredible experience: “every bag that I know was already made by her.”
The legendary Bagonghi bag, created in 1949, was worn by Grace Kelly (her favourite was in black and beige), Elizabeth Taylor and Coco Chanel, amongst many other celebrities and style icons. It hasn’t lost its form, function and elegance over the years, just as a true timeless item never does. The brand has now been imprinted a more modern feel, which I am not particularly fond of and I think they should stick to perfecting the classic designs and carrying further on the tradition and principals of what many say that were the most beautiful bags in the world.
Wishing you a wonderful and stylish week!
photos: 1,4,7,9,12,13-courtesy of a dear friend of mine; 2,6-The Cherry Blossom Girl; bags images-Luisaviaroma
source: Roberta di Camerino website
Hi Ada! They’re all beautiful and unique bags and it’s really nice to read about the background of a designer and its history. I love the last pictures so much…it’s so dreamy and I can’t wait to visit Venice one day! I love reading your comment about Tom Cruise because you articulated it so well about American culture. It gives me headache to watch American news or talkshows sometimes because they keep interrupting each other all the time…what’s the point of asking someone a question if you’re not going to let them finish their sentence, you know? xoxoxoxo
a delight to read and to see the images. they pair wonderfully together! happy new week to you, Ada hugs
Now, that’s what I call a treat with my Monday morning latte: bags and Venice 😉 Wonderful post Ada and thanks for the bag design lesson!
I was in Venice in 1990. I know it’s a long time ago but it somehow never leaves your mind.
Even if I heard rumors that Venice is not as beautiful I imagined it, I think it will be my next trip destination :).The bags have something royal! And if Grace Kelly wore on, we can imagine why 😉
Have a nice week, Ada!
What a fascinating post! There is just something about Venice that inspires imaginations to run wild!
My week just got a thousand times more stylish after those images! I love those bags, so different and yet so sleek and gorgeous! And images of Italy are always going to make my day better…have a great week, girl!
how fascinating! i didn’t know this history – thanks for sharing! those bags are gorgeous!
so sorry i’ve been so bad at staying in touch lately. hope you’re doing wonderfully! xoxo
@ashley
Oh, don’t worry, Ashley. Thank you for your thoughts. 🙂
Ada, I have always admired these bags and wanted one for myself. Thanks so much for the background–I always wondered about the velvet used for these bags–everytime I ever see one, I’m drawn to it–they really appeal to my inner Venetian lady!
xo Mary Jo
Beautiful! I love the juxtaposition of the bags and photos of Venice in your post!
Hi Ada! These are all just gorgeous and I’ve wanted one for years. My grandmother actually had one and I’ve been trying to locate it and get my hands on it. It’s been a while since I’ve asked my father so thanks for the reminder 🙂
xoxo
I love this because I love everything about Venice! So much beauty!
Goodness great shots. Those purses are all perfect. Love the turquoise and purple one the best!
xo
These bags are truly so gorgeous and classic, I loved to read about the material they’re made from and of course the rest of the story. Beautiful post, the images fit perfectly and look stunning! My compliments for your friends work 🙂
Lovely pics, loving those bags!!
Nice post!:)
xoxo
Antonia
FASHION IMPERATIVE
Oh Venezia! <3
~M
Great photos and blog!Come to visit mine too 🙂
http://WWW.RENEBRAUN.COM
The bags are absolutely gorgeous and I love the inspiration behind them!
Thank you for sharing these unique bags with us – and the gorgeous Venice photos…love it 🙂
Amazing bags and ..Venice, why wish more..?!!
I would love a bag like one of those!!
Happy Tuesday, my dear Ada!!! xoxoxo
Genuine Venetian style! They know how to do it!
These bags are real characters! So beautiful and unique. I must admit, I never actually knew much about their history, so really enjoyed your beautiful post. xxx
Hi dear Ada!
First of all, thanks for your nice comment on my blog, you are so right! He’s a genius.
Your blog is absolutely great, too. I really enjoyed looking throught it, and I especially love this article. I’ve been to Venice recently, so it’s great to see the pictures 😉 Venice is such a wonderful city!
Greetings, Nini
These are gorgeous images of Venice! I would love to be there for Carnival someday. Thanks for your wonderful comments on my blog 😉
https://thefoolishaesthete.blogspot.com
What a wonderful article . Are the bags still made in Venice and available since her passing ? They are so beautiful and I want to viait
Who is running the Company Now ?
Thanks so much as I am going in October
Hi, Lisa. Thank you. The creative director of the label is Giorgia Scarpa, formerly of Prada and Christian Dior, and the general manager, Alessandro Varisco, formerly of Gianfranco Ferre and Versace. You can visit their website here: https://www.robertadicamerino.com
I hope you can visit. Have a wonderful trip!
Kind regards,
Ada
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