Striking blue canals, the prospect of discovery at every turn of the street and the stark contrast of ancient churches and modern contemporary art - there's a reason Venice is on top of every traveller's list. This summer our co-founders Didier and Hemant spent a few restful days in the city of canals - a perfect blendof art, culture and sights to behold.
The theme of travel has always guided collections at Genes. It informs the multicultural spirit the brand embodies. "We always find ourselves in our favourite Genes pieces. The brand was born out of the need for modern clothes that are sharp and have a sense of whimsy about them. And it's such a joy to wear them on our travels, elevating the daily to something truly special.", notes Didier. Arriving into Venice, they were greeted by the picturesque waters and one of the most striking architecture in Europe.
The Rialto bridge is a stone arch bridge crossing over the narrowest point of the Grand Canal in the heart of Venice. Built in the closing years of the 16th century, it is the oldest bridge across the canal and is renowned as an architectural and engineering achievement of the Renaissance. Enjoying the scenic beauty, we see Didier in the printed polo tee and Hemant sporting the signature striped tee. To travel is to find one's self in unexpected places. A highlight of the trip was the visit to the Vatican exhibition on the theme of human rights and the figure of the marginalised at the 60th International Art Exhibition - La Biennale di Venezia.
During this year's Biennale a former convent on the island of Giudecca in the Venetian lagoon (now a women's prison) is home to the exhibit "With my Eyes", which considers the daily lives of the prisoners through the work of 10 different artists.
"It was not a matter of turning the prison into a mundane exhibition space, but of engaging artists in artistic and relational work with female inmates," said Bruno Racine, the curator, to a leading daily.
In the pictures we can see a sign that reads 'We are with you in the night". Setting the tone on the exterior facade of the prison is an imposing painting of the soles of two bare feet with rough skin by the Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan.
"It was a privilege to interact with the people there and witness firsthand the effect art can have on human lives.", emphasises Hemant. Away from the bustle of the main Biennale, this exhibit was a true celebration of the human spirit.
Back in the streets of Venice, days were filled with walks around ancient palazzos, flea market visits and finding that plate of perfect cicchetti. Hemant is seen here in cotton shorts and crisp poplin shirt from Genes. Also seen is the all stone stairway to a very close friend's house, right by the Canal Grande.
Wanderlust doesn't just bring with itself discovery but also reconnection. Luziah and Didier and Hemant have been friends for more than four decades and that made this trip to Venice was all the more personal. An inimitable host with the most multicultural taste, Luziah has long been a discerning member of the art world and her home is a thorough reflection of that.
An eclectic spirit defines the decor where objects are pieces of art (quite literally) - case on point a polyester mousse rolled out coffee table by the iconic Campana brothers. The house, one of the oldest palazzos in Venice, looks out to a majestic view of the canal. It all heightens in the night, when the city is bereft of its tourists and a surreal calm engulfs it. A 17th century Venetian mirror is the highlight of the house along with custom designed seating reminiscent of pebbles.
Often a city's voice is echoed through its relationship with art - from exhibitions to street graffiti. And Venice is the perfect example for that. Hemant chose a neon tee and black trousers for a casual stroll in the city.
The trip ended with a tour of The Guggenheim Museum, one of the most important museums in Italy regarding 20th century European and American art. A work of art that stood out was a red Alexander Calder sculpture. Pictured with it here are Hemant and Didier in signature Genes looks.
