On 15 November, Dubai’s Caffe Florian hosted the launch of world­ renowned designer Paloma Picasso’sVenezia Collection amidst a crowd of imminent guests, press and personalities from the Dubai social scene.  Known for creating distinctively bold and captivating jewelry, the Venezia Collection is inspired by Venice, one of the world’s most beautiful and intriguing cities.

A lifelong traveler, Paloma Picasso has incorporated the art and culture of many exotic places in her work. Having visited Venice from the time she was a teenager, she developed a particular fascination for the city’s canals and bridges, palazzos and great public squares. “Venice is a city I feel at home in,” she said. “Its many treasures create a magical atmosphere that I wanted to capture in jewelry.” With her unerring eye for design, she interprets the city’s beauty and historical legacy in jewelry of four distinct themes.

Paloma’s Goldoni is based on the ornate cast iron gates that offer a glimpse through the windows and into the courtyards of the city’s grand palazzos. The designer captures the opulence of the gates and beyond with jewelry featuring an intricate scrollwork motif inspired by the decorative ironwork of the Guggenheim Museum, the former home of art patron Peggy Guggenheim. Among the creations are necklaces of 18 karat gold embellished with diamonds and drop earrings shimmering with diamonds and colorful gemstones.