Message from Vincent…

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"Carnival in Venice" (working title)

It has been a goal of mine to go to Carnival in Venice.  To mark this occasion, I have decided to create a documentary about Carnival.  Initially intended to be more socially oriented, meeting someone absolutely vital and synonymous with Carnival as it is today as well as four figures who are among the most popular Carnival goers have shifted its gears, though social elements will still be explored.

Among the social issues to explore are:

The “Anti-Carnival” crowd.  There are many residents of Venice who fight to ban Carnival.  Among them are people who lived in Venice prior to Carnival being legalized again in 1979 after being banned for so many years.

Covid.  How did Venice deal with Covid.  Carnival brings a good chunk of commerce to the city.  Did the city suffer when it was cancelled in 2021…?

Flooding.  How does the city handle flooding during Carnival…?

La Fenice (the city’s opera company).  Does Carnival affect them…?  Do they go hand in hand…?.

Traditions.  Are there families who, as with bridal dresses and/or accessories, pass down costumes within families from generation to generation…or even year to year…?

But the main focus will be on preparation for Carnival.  And the central figure in this documentary will be Antonia Sautter, creative/artistic director of Il Ballo del Doge, Venice’s most lavish and grandest ball, staged on one evening, rivaling and perhaps surpassing the opulence of any Cirque du Soleil performance.  Also featured will be the Rose Sisters.  Three sisters from Dusseldorf who have become legendary due to their own lavish costumes.  Then there is another figure: Paolo Favalesi.  Paolo himself has among the most lavish costumes in Carnival and is certainly the most popular male figure.

 

Antonia Sautter

In the heart of San Marco, there is a magical place that smells like damask and velvet. Where pearls, crystals, Venetian silks, jewelry bags, embroidered shoes and diva stoles meet and create combinations of clothing and accessories for having a special night. This fairytale is a boutique and is the entrance to the world of Antonia Sautter, costume and fashion designer and creator of “Il Ballo del Doge”.

Antonia is a creative person with a vivid imagination much like my own.  It was an honor sitting down with her for an hour and bonding over our creative drives.  She designs by hand beautiful fabrics with wood material she invents, and therefore creates infinite combinations of patterns that make each piece a unique work of art.

From Ballo del Doge website:

“Il Ballo del Doge is the most lavish costume party of the Venice Carnival.

Il Ballo del Doge is a festive masquerade, a refined society gala, an opulent banquet and an astonishing show. All this and much more…

Il Ballo del Doge is an intriguing collective game, orchestrated by the Venetian Antonia Sautter, charming stylist and world-famous luxury event planner, which has always taken place in the dreamlike setting of a Venetian palace.

Il Ballo del Doge is a flight of fancy, a triumph of the senses, the luxury of inhabiting a beautiful dream that lasts an entire night. Il Ballo del Doge is a kind of magic!

Il Ballo del Doge is the most exclusive international event of the Venetian Carnival, in which all the guests participate in splendid costumes of sartorial excellence wearing typical Venetian masks.

Il Ballo del Doge is a memorable, one-of-a-life experience that will enchant all your senses.

Are you ready to dream?”

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Antonia, center, introducing her performers…

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The Rose Sisters

Over the past several years, the Rose Sisters, Mona, Annette and Inis, have appeared at the Carnival in some of the most lavish costumes, all with a similar theme, year by year.  From Dusseldorf, these ladies have achieved legendary status and have been the subjects of multiple booked photoshoots with various photographers and have since been the “poster children” for various advertisements on Carnival in Venice.

In addition to the interview, I will be renting a palace-like apartment to photograph them…

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The Rose Sisters, from left to right: Annette, Mona and Inis…Carnival 2019…

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Inis, Mona and Annette…Carnival 2018

 

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Carnival 2020, Mona, Annette and Inis…

 

 

 

 

Paolo Favalesi

Another person to focus on will be Paolo Favalesi. 

IF he happens to be walking around Piazza San Marco, it will NOT be difficult to find him.  Just look for the tallest, most ostentatious costume and it will most likely be him.  Feathers are a prominent fixture of his costume as I have heard people who do not know his name mention him as the “feather guy”.  He is another person who is often the subject of photoshoots and adverts in Venice and has been a frequent winner of Best Costume contests of Carnival...

 

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Carnival 2022…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An advert featuring Paolo…

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Carnival 2023…