A Fashion Designer's Guide to Venice: Featuring Notable Cocktail Bars and Custom Slippers

      Welcome to Locals Only. This series features notable locals from the style sphere, providing a concise list of their top suggestions for sights, dining, and shopping in their respective cities. They’ll reveal lesser-known recommendations not found in typical guidebooks, creating compact mini-guides that showcase where the city's most fashionable residents truly spend their time. This summer, Venice has become the hot topic. While some are renting the entire pedestrian city for weddings, others are at home, fantasizing about their next visit thanks to yet another gondola video served by their algorithm. As a travel enthusiast who fondly remembers her first visit to this city, I decided to conclude my summer with weeks of research into what Venice has to offer, speaking with iconic locals to curate the ideal week-long itinerary. I was inspired to connect with fashion designer and style icon Margherita Missoni, who spent her childhood between Venice and Varese and now spends a significant amount of time in the city. With a deep understanding of its culture, neighborhoods, and hidden gems, she provides an insider’s viewpoint that extends well beyond common tourist attractions. From artisanal boutiques to historic bars and tranquil streets that inspire her creativity, Missoni reveals her favorite aspects of Venice—complete with specific locations, experiences, and Venetian features to incorporate into your trip.

      Where did you grow up, and how often do you visit Venice now?

      I’m from Varese, located in the lake region north of Milan. We’ve always had an apartment in Venice, where we would spend June commuting to the Lido daily. Now, I visit Venice weekly since my boyfriend resides here.

      Which neighborhoods do you love, and where do you spend most of your time?

      I enjoy staying in Dorsoduro, where we live, since it’s less touristy than many other parts of the city. I also like Cannaregio because it has a vibrant atmosphere filled with young locals.

      What does a typical day off look like for you?

      On pleasant days, we often go to the Lido for walks or bike rides, followed by a meal at Da Nane in Pellestrina. Alternatively, we might check out an art exhibition—despite its size, the city is rich in cultural experiences. Places like Palazzo Grassi, Punta della Dogana, and Le Stanze del Vetro are not to be missed.

      If you had to plan the ideal afternoon for someone visiting the city with limited time, which area would you recommend, and what should their afternoon include?

      I would suggest walking from San Marco Square (through SangueBlu, Paropamiso, and Quorami) to Ponte di Rialto and then continuing to the Zattere for a sunset view.

      As a creative, are there specific areas in the city that inspire you?

      I have always found Palazzo Reale to be captivating. I yearn to feel "wrapped" in its presence.

      Having grown up in a renowned fashion family, are there parts of Venice that hold special significance for you or reflect your family's legacy?

      Our place is located on the bridge right behind the Bridge of Sighs, so that view, along with the outlook of San Marco's bell, is particularly sentimental for me.

      Packing Recommendations:

      - Vintage Missoni

      - Sequin Bikini

      - Vivienne Westwood Crazy Orb Sarong

      - JW ANDERSON Beaded Canvas Tote

      - Seychelles Georgette Ballet

      If you can align your visit with the art biennale, you will not regret it. Occurring every two years, it has attracted guests from Princess Diana to Naomi Campbell. During this time, the city transforms into a living museum with artworks displayed along the canals, and people eagerly line up for the actual museums. If you're fortunate enough to be invited to one of the after-parties, it’s an experience not to be missed. Local Insight: “Alternatively, the architecture biennale is also worth attending.” — Missoni

      Since Venice is often perceived by Italians as a place for retirement, the vintage stores are a treasure trove of hidden gems. The most prominent store in this city is SangueBlu. The boutique’s curated pieces have been worn by names like Billie Eilish and Emma Chamberlain, showcasing items once touched by Gianni Versace or featured on the Gucci runway by Tom Ford. I am even considering booking a flight to see it for myself. Local Insight: “If I were to design the perfect afternoon for a visitor, I would recommend starting at SangueBlu.” — Missoni

      Renowned as one of the world’s most iconic bars, Harry's Bar is famously where the Bellini was born. There was a time when only figures like Ernest Hemingway or other notable authors could secure a table here. Today, Missoni refers to the bar and its adjoining restaurant, Harry's Dolci, as a must-visit spot for those looking to see and be seen on their trip to Venice. Be sure