Masquerading With Roberto Coin: Inside His Inspiration

Recently, I traveled with a very select group of American journalists to Italy to take a deeper dive into one of the most iconic contemporary jewelry brands in the world: Roberto Coin. Born in Venice, but a global traveler, Coin began his career in the hospitality industry before falling in love with the art of jewelry. A true Renaissance man, he draws inspiration from the art and architecture of Venice, the floating city that constantly unveils new wonders. Each collection he creates is a reflection of this beauty.

Coin firmly believes that to truly appreciate his collections, one must first understand Venice. As he quips, “To understand Venice is to understand the world.” With that in mind, our journey took us to Venice and Vicenza, the “City of Gold,” home to Coin’s workshops. Little did we know that our adventure would culminate in one of the city’s most immersive and vibrant experiences: a masquerade.

This wasn’t just any ball. It was a masquerade modeled on Venice’s legendary carnivals and designed exclusively for us. Naturally, contemporary attire would not suffice for such an affair. Roberto Coin arranged for us to visit the famed costume and event designer Antonia Sautter, where we were transformed into 17th and 18th-century nobility, donning ball gowns, feathered hats, and enticing masks.

The Transformative Experience

Trying on gown after gown, each more elaborate than the last, was a journey into another era. Corsets cinched waists, bustles added grandeur, and intricate embroidery adorned the fabrics. Sautter’s team ensured every detail was period-perfect. They even came to our hotel rooms to assist us in dressing, skillfully arranging bustles, lacing corsets, and suggesting hairstyles befitting royalty.

Once attired, we were whisked away in boats along the Grand Canal to the historic Palazzetto Pisani, a palace near St. Mark’s Square. As we arrived, we were greeted by a spectacle of opulence and wonder: stilt dancers swaying gracefully, women in white with feathered wings playing stringed instruments, and a kaleidoscope of colors and lights that mirrored the city’s enchanting spirit. During the cocktail hour, we sipped fine wines and spirits while mingling with Roberto Coin himself—resplendent in a gold brocade jacket—his wife Pilar, who wore a lavender gown fit for a queen, and their family, including Carlo Coin, Vice President of Roberto Coin, and their youngest son, Kevin.

The Grand Ballroom

Soon, we ascended a candlelit staircase and entered a grand ballroom, a scene straight out of a fairytale. The table stretched endlessly, adorned with candelabras, feathers, fruits, golden goblets, and more. It was a feast for the senses, a tableau that combined extravagance with intimacy.

The evening’s festivities unfolded with opera performances, dramatic acts, and immersive entertainment. Performers moved seamlessly among the guests, embodying the spirit of Venice’s bygone era. The interplay of art, music, and history transported us to another time, one where every moment was infused with grandeur and mystery.

Jewels Inspired by Venice

Amid this dazzling celebration, it became clear how deeply Venice influences Roberto Coin’s work. Collections like the Venetian Princess and Medallions capture the city’s dynamic and enigmatic beauty. The intricate details and rich symbolism in his designs echo the vibrancy of Venetian life, from its architecture to its cultural traditions.

This once-in-a-lifetime event not only immersed us in Venice’s storied past but also deepened our appreciation for the Roberto Coin brand. At 80 years old, Coin remains a master of his craft. Having founded his brand in 1977 after years of designing for others, he has built a global empire. His jewelry caters to women at every stage of life, with collections ranging from accessible $1,000 pieces to high-jewelry masterpieces that take one’s breath away.

With his ever-present smile and twinkle in the eye, Roberto Coin continues to capture the mysteries of Venice and transform them into wearable works of art. The masquerade was more than an event; it was a celebration of beauty, artistry, and the enduring allure of Venice and Roberto Coin.