Fortuny opens new showroom on Giudecca island in Venice
Fortuny, the renowned textile producer from Venice, has unveiled a new showroom on Giudecca island, crafted by architect and artistic director Alberto Torsello. Situated within the company’s historic red-brick factory, which has been operational for a century, the showroom embodies themes associated with Mariano Fortuny: light, reflections, colors, travel, influences, and theater. Fabrics are showcased like curtains from a patented roller system, reminiscent of Fortuny's theatrical contributions. The space features original wooden columns, a magnesite floor, and trunks from Fortuny's journeys. Since inheriting the company in 1998, owners Mickey and Maury Riad have maintained the production of 100% cotton fabrics using Fortuny's original methods. Mickey Riad seeks to foster connections with Venice and the Museo Fortuny, which is set to reopen.
Key facts
- Fortuny opened a new showroom on Giudecca island in Venice
- Architect Alberto Torsello designed the showroom and is the brand's artistic director
- Torsello previously restored Palazzo Ducale, Fondaco dei Tedeschi, and Scuola Grande della Misericordia
- The showroom project was completed in two weeks
- The space uses a patented roller-and-chain system to display fabrics like theatrical curtains
- Fortuny continues to produce 100% cotton fabrics using original techniques and formulas
- Owners Mickey and Maury Riad inherited the company in 1998 from their father
- The company was previously owned by Elsie McNeill Lee, Fortuny's U.S. representative
Entities
Artists
- Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo
- Mariano Fortuny y Marsal
- Cecilia de Madrazo
- Henriette Fortuny
- Alberto Torsello
- Elsie McNeill Lee
- Mickey Riad
- Maury Riad
- Arianna Testino
Institutions
- Fortuny
- Museo Fortuny
- Palazzo Pesaro degli Orfei
- Palazzo Ducale
- Fondaco dei Tedeschi
- Scuola Grande della Misericordia
- Artribune
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Giudecca
- Granada
- Spain
- United States