By the end of last month we had a trip to the charming town Mirano located in the Veneto region of Italy. There we visited our favorite Italian brand, BARENA VENEZIA for the second time - again with some of our dearest partners: FIFTY EIGHTS, VESTIBULE, SCHNEEWEISS & APRIL FIRST. After checking in at hotel 5 Colonne in the afternoon, we first got together for an aperitif and then ended the evening with a wonderful dinner together with Barena Venezias owner Francesca, her brother and the team at EL BACARO in Mirano.
The next morning started with a pickup from our hotel to Barena Venezia’s Headquarters. When we arrived there, we were warmly welcomed by the Barena team and started our tour through the Barena branch. Our first stop was the design studio. There we got insights into the fabrics and materials, which characterize the silhouettes of the Barena Venezia collections. As the brand emphasizes attention to detail, the color palette was also an interesting topic for us to gain more information about. As we learned the brand takes inspiration from the rich heritage of the Venetian landscape and nature. In the design studio we also had a walk through their current collection and could let the fashion work its magic on us. Following that, we had the opportunity to visit Barena Venezia's atelier, a space that showcases their meticulous craftsmanship. Here the brand has established a dedicated indoor shooting location, serving as the backdrop for both product photography and Instagram content creation. Moreover, during our atelier-tour, we were granted exclusive access to peek behind the scenes of their other brands. Alongside our clients, we were captivated by the remarkable samples of their men's line, CINI, as well as the elegant capes produced under their sub-brand, Tabarro.
After our informative and exciting tour, we went to lunch at the TRATTORIA BARISON, which also happens to be Francesca's go to lunch place every day. There we had the opportunity to reflect on our impressions while enjoying the Italian cuisine by eating pasta. This provided the perfect setting to conclude the client’s journey with inspiring conversations and memorable discussions.
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.
