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Luigi Bevilacqua is one of the most luxurious silk velvet weavers in the world, with it’s roots dating back to 1499. Today, Bevilacqua looms are still full production in the heart of the city of Venice, Italy.
Luigi Bevilacqua became well known for the big audience by the interior design of the Kennedy’s White House in the 1960’s when the company Old World Weavers led by Iris Apfel and her late husband Carl Apfel used these precious textiles in decorating the White House together with the first lady Jackie Kennedy. This elegant interior then became the one of the White House design that still today is considered to be the most exquisite and cultured.
I became a fan of Bevilacqua during a visit to Venice a couple of years ago. I stumbled upon this old factory by a coincidence when strolling around the channels and old bridges in this fabulous city. I looked inside a old window when I thought I glanced something interesting and stepped inside. I was just amazed. Not only was I deeply impressed by the massive old looms that were hammering a loud echo on the old stoned walls, but my heart really made a jump when I saw the textiles they were creating. Silk damasks, brocades, handmade silk velvets.. Mamma mia! They looked so precious that it was almost too much for me to comprehend. Later on that same day we had dinner at the spectacular Café Quadri. If you have a chance to visit Venice some day, do pay a visit to this restaurant. We had the seasonal truffle menu with wine pairing that was just to die for, but for an interior design fantast it is a place to see. as well. Who ever designed this space did a particularly brilliant job. And… It has customized silk damask walls made by who else than Luigi Bevilacqua.
