Storie

“I AM CAPTIVATED BY THE BEAUTY OF CHANCE”
For years, Venice’s glass count Giberto Arrivabene has been thoughtfully translating the city’s proud heritage into the present day. With his first glass boutique on the Grand Canal, the designer now aims once again to seal the quality of Venice.
INTERVIEW: Marlene Mayer

Deeply rooted in the Venetian aristocracy, he comes from a family of prominent merchants and lives on the top floor of the magnificent Palazzo Papadopoli, whose lower levels house the Aman Venice. Arrivabene cultivates his traditions with a charming ease — an attitude that also shapes his engagement with the art of Murano glass. On the occasion of the opening of his new store, LIVING spoke with the Count.

LIVING You have just opened your first store in an iconic location, on the Rialto Bridge, where there is otherwise no shortage of cheap goods. What significance do handcrafted products like yours have in a world dominated by mass production?

GIBERTO ARRIVABENE Handcrafted products are essential: they preserve the originality and creative traditions of Italian taste. We are a small country, yet our influence on global taste is significant. In a world where mass-produced goods have become the norm, handcrafted objects are a beacon of authenticity. They represent a certain return to origins — each piece bears the signature of its maker. For me, it is about a sense of connection to the past. We embrace traditional techniques and refuse shortcuts.

What makes Venetian glass art so special?
Because of its luminous colors and its warmth, it is unique. What distinguishes it is the combination of centuries-old techniques with timeless design. We use methods passed down through generations. From delicate craftsmanship to radiant colors achieved through ancient formulas, every aspect reflects the rich heritage of Venetian glassmaking.

Which colors do you personally prefer at the moment?
In Murano glassmaking, choosing colors is as complex as the craft itself. Each color is produced according to precise formulas, with exact quantities of raw materials ensuring consistency and quality. Every workshop guards its formulas closely, passing them down from generation to generation and determining the proportions needed to achieve specific tones. Yet the beauty of handcrafted objects lies in their organic nature. Despite careful planning, subtle changes in materials or environmental conditions can lead to variations. These chance variations can result in different productions showing unique colors, each telling its own story. When asked about my preferred colors, I am drawn to the unpredictability of the process. I appreciate the fiery intensity of Venetian ruby red and pink, but it is the subtle variations and unexpected combinations that truly captivate me. In every piece, I see the beauty of chance embodied in the object.

What influence does your heritage have on your designs?
Our glass designs celebrate the Italian way of life and capture the essence of la dolce vita in every piece. We draw inspiration from the palaces of Venice and the charm of the landscape, giving our creations a touch of romance that is entirely Italian and Venetian. Our heritage therefore plays a central role and continually guides us. Our work is a tribute to Italian art and a testament to the enduring influence of our cultural heritage.

Which current trends do you see in the world of glass art?
True craftsmanship goes beyond fleeting fashions. We prefer to be inspired by the timeless beauty of glass itself, rooted in its rich 2,000-year history. Following trends would distract from its essence. By remaining true to our artistic vision and embracing the inherent qualities of glass, we create pieces that resonate on a deeper level and transcend trends to become timeless.

“Choosing colors is just as complex as the craft itself.”