“If you understand Venice, you understand life,” says Roberto Coin, the celebrated Italian jeweler, standing amid the elegance of his Vicenza showroom. At 80 years old, Coin remains a passionate ambassador of Venetian culture and craftsmanship, intertwining his brand’s legacy with the rich history of the “gold city” and its surroundings.
A Night of Venetian Splendor
On a late October evening, Coin hosted a masquerade ball for an exclusive group of 32 guests, including editors from Robb Report, WWD, Goop, and Oprah Daily. Held at the Palazzetto Pisani, a palatial venue on the Grand Canal near St. Mark’s Square, the event transported attendees back to the grandeur of 18th-century Venice.
Guests were outfitted in extravagant 17th- and 18th-century costumes, custom-designed by Antonia Sautter, a renowned Venetian designer. Each ensemble came complete with ornate masks, feathery hats, and layers of intricate fabric, perfectly setting the tone for an unforgettable evening.
A Magical Arrival
The evening began with a warm welcome by masked performers on stilts, clad in feathered hats and wings. Guests marveled at the all-female classical band, dressed in angelic white and crowned with halo-like headpieces, filling the air with enchanting melodies. The entire scene was pure magic, blending Venetian history with an almost psychedelic opulence.
Dining Like Royalty
Dinner was served at a spectacularly decorated table adorned with an overabundance of flowers, fruits, candelabra, and gilded Venetian symbols. Overseeing the festivities was Coin himself, dressed as an 18th-century Venetian prince in a gold brocade coat. Joining him were his wife, Pilar, and their two sons, Kevin and Carlo Coin, the latter of whom serves as the CEO and vice president of Roberto Coin S.p.A.
The event was not just a celebration of Venice but a showcase of the Roberto Coin brand and its enduring global presence. Coin emphasized the importance of the Watches of Switzerland Group’s $130 million acquisition of the U.S., Canadian, and Caribbean distribution rights for Roberto Coin jewelry. “We sold the distribution, which I think is a good thing for the United States,” he noted, reaffirming the brand’s commitment to its legacy.
Performances to Remember
The evening culminated with an eclectic mix of performances, from classical opera to modern voguing inspired by Madonna. Coin bid farewell with a heartfelt assurance: “Basically, you will see us for a long, long, long time,” echoing the resilience of both his brand and his beloved Venice.