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Lafayette 148, renowned for its dedication to elevating women’s artistry, has come together with Save Venice, the leading American non-profit dedicated to preserving the artistic heritage of Venice, Italy. Collectively, the pair have undertaken a meaningful collaboration to restore Virgin in Prayer, an early 18th-century masterpiece by female artist Giulia Lama. This partnership not only revives a historic work of art, but also highlights the enduring legacy of female creativity.
The restoration of Lama’s large-scale oil painting in the Church of Santa Maria Assunta on Venice’s Lido, once neglected due to years of damage and obscured by non-original surface residues, now reveals the work’s true vibrancy. Lama’s masterful use of pigments has been uncovered, showcasing bold hues of burnt sienna, Lido blue, and lagoon green—a palette of colors previously unassociated with her paintings. In support of Save Venice’s “Women Artists of Venice” initiative—which aims to identify, restore, and celebrate the achievements of historic Venetian women artists—Lafayette 148 serves as the exclusive corporate sponsor, underscoring the brand’s commitment to uplifting women in the arts.
In tandem with this partnership, Melissa Conn, director of Save Venice’s Venice office, met with Lafayette 148 creative director Emily Smith to reflect on this shared mission, and to discuss the intersection of artistry, craft, and the transformative power of restoration in spotlighting female contributions to the arts. Giulia Lama’s artistry is not only central to this mission, but also inspired Lafayette 148’s Resort 2025 collection and a standalone capsule collection, LAFAYETTE 148 × SAVE VENICE, featuring nine pieces adorned with an abstract interpretation of Virgin in Prayer.
In celebration of the launch of LAFAYETTE 148 × SAVE VENICE, a group of long-time supporters gathered last week to toast Smith, along with co-hosts and Young Friends of Save Venice, Lizzie Asher, Casey Kohlberg, Erica Pishdadian, and Laura Day Webb, at the brand’s Madison Avenue boutique. Those who also braved the torrential rains that evening included Casey Fremont, Kathleen Lynch, Allie Provost, Eric Viner, Amanda Kahn, and Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos.
Images: Kevin Czopek/BFA
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