Fortuny fabric factory on Giudecca in Venice

The island of Giudecca in the Venice lagoon is a stunning place, perfect for those longing to find tranquility away from the crowds of the city.

Among the many attractions which the island offers there is also a world famous factory: the fabric factory of Mariano Fortuny (1871- 1949). This Spanish artist, painter, designer and stylist, lived in Venice during his last years and here created an exclusive fabric factory in 1919 and which is still in use today. 
He created the dyes, brushes, printing and the manufacturing of fabrics. Inspired by Greek clothing, the Morris prints and decorated Catalan motifs, Fortuny created a recognizable style with the Delphos gown by using lightweight fabrics and subtle pleats. Fortuny was the inventor of a revolutionary system for the decoration and solid gold on silks and velvets which gave the impression that the fabric was carved.

The factory was based on a building that once housed a pitch factory, which was expanded in 1927 by adding another floor and then it was elongated to create a room big enough to print the fabric.

Visits to the laboratories are not permitted in order to maintain the secrets of the founder but a showroom and garden are accessible on appointment. And to discover the elegant world of Venetian fashion, of the past and of the present, venetoinside.com offers an exclusive Fashion Tour in Venice.