Last week we visited our favorite Italian brand, Barena Venezia, along with some of our dearest partners, Andreas Murkudis, Bungalow and Schwittenberg. During the 4-day-long trip, we had the opportunity to visit the family business' HQ in Mirano and take an exclusive preview of the Barena Tales capsule collection and its elegant silhouettes and soft materials. It's a homage to the earlier times and how people dressed up in sophisticated, chic, elegant and multi-functional pieces to spend glorious times in the Lido. P.S. We are showing Barena Venezia's newest collection in Paris, so make sure you book your appointment.“There is a cabane occupied by a lady that no one knows, although she is an habitué of the Lido and very rich”. - Vogue - September 28, 1929 - Barena Venezia
To enlighten our busy day at the Barena Atelier, we had an intimate dinner together and shared some traditional Italian dishes that we all love. It was a particular time for us in Venice, not only because of the hospitality of the Barena Family but also because the 59th Venice Biennale was still on, along with the 66th International Festival of Contemporary Music, in the Lido, Venice. The Lido and its lifestyle inspire the Barena Tales capsule collection and therefore, experiencing these events first-hand at Lido made the trip whole.
The family-owned brand Barena Venezia has redefined casual elegance in Italy and beyond for over 27 years. Long before “sprezzatura” and “soft tailoring” became fashion buzzwords, Barena blended refined fabrics with workwear influences, creating a distinctive aesthetic. Inspired by the rural dress of Venetian workers, the brand takes its name from the Italian word “baro”, meaning “emerged lands,” a nod to Venice’s unique lagoon landscape. As creative director Massimo Pigozzo states, “Nothing inspires us more than life by the sea and the lagoon,” a philosophy that remains central to Barena’s identity.
Barena’s roots date back to 1961, when founder Sandro Zara began exploring the archives of old Venetian wool mills, discovering historic patterns and textiles that would later shape the brand’s fabric-first philosophy. Officially launched in 1993, Barena set itself apart with a dedication to timeless craftsmanship over fleeting trends. A key turning point came in the late 1980s when Zara partnered with Massimo Pigozzo, leading to the development of a full menswear collection, defined by an effortless fusion of elegance, sportiness, and utility.
In 2008, Sandro’s daughter Francesca Zara joined the company, expanding the brand into womenswear. Many pieces are inspired by early 20th-century patterns, with designs brought to life in the brand’s in-house laboratory, where artisans carefully construct each garment. This approach ensures that every collection seamlessly blends Venetian heritage with modern sophistication.
By collaborating with artisans and producers in Venice, the brand continues to celebrate its city’s rich cultural legacy. The colors of the lagoon, the textures of the sea, and the silhouettes of venetian workers are reflected in every collection. Season after season, Barena Venezia reinterprets classic workwear with an effortlessly refined and versatile aesthetic, creating a wardrobe that is both timeless and contemporary.
