Cinderella 辛蒂蕾拉 シンデレラ

The Venetian Carnevale, a kaleidoscope of masks and whispered secrets, became the stage for Johann and Irina's beautiful love story. She, a captivating beauty with eyes that sparkled like the Grand Canal at dawn, had lost her way amidst the labyrinthine Calle, only to stumble into him, a silent, elegant volto, his hand outstretched in an offer of guidance. Under the soft glow of a thousand lanterns and the joyous cacophony of music and laughter, their masked gazes met, and a connection, immediate and profound, transcended the anonymity of their disguises. They danced through moonlit campi, shared clandestine smiles over cups of steaming cioccolata, and found their souls recognizing each other amidst the dazzling chaos, their love blooming as vibrantly and unforgettably as the Carnevale itself.

The timeless allure of Venice Carnevale, with its captivating blend of historical grandeur and elaborate masquerade, is experiencing a vibrant, unexpected twist with the emergence of "flamingo chic." Amidst the traditional brocades, velvets, and ornate gold masks, attendees are now embracing hues of blush, coral, and fuchsia, transforming the ancient stone pathways and gondola-lined canals into a canvas of playful modernity. This daring aesthetic manifests in sleek silhouettes, feathered masks reminiscent of a flamingo's graceful plumes, and accessories that inject a tropical effervescence into the classic Venetian spectacle. It's a delightful jolt of contemporary whimsy, where the elegant, long-legged bird inspires a fresh interpretation of disguise and celebration, proving that even the most deeply rooted traditions can embrace a bold, refreshing splash of audacious, pink-hued glamour.

Amidst the swirling tapestry of velvet cloaks, elaborate masks, and the phantom whispers of history, a most enchanting spectacle unfolded along the lamp-lit Venetian calle: a flamingo couple. Dressed in costumes of breathtaking artistry, their forms were a vibrant symphony of rose, fuchsia, and coral, each feather meticulously placed to mimic the delicate plumage of their avian muses.

My friends Johann and Irina are veteran costumers at the Venice Carnevale.

As usual, their costumes this year have a certain fairy tale feel about it.

Imagine Cinderella, not in a pumpkin carriage, but slipped into the labyrinthine magic of the Venice Carnevale. Her face, usually dusted with cinders, now hidden behind an intricate lace and feather mask, transformed her into a mysterious noblewoman gliding through candlelit campi and over ancient bridges. Her gown, perhaps not spun by a fairy godmother but shimmering with Venetian brocade and silk, caught the moonlight as she mingled amongst figures shrouded in velvet cloaks and bejeweled bauta masks. Amidst the swirling kaleidoscope of masked revelers, the whispers of hidden identities, and the enchanting strains of a string orchestra echoing off crumbling palazzo walls, she could dance with a masked prince, lost in the anonymity and fleeting enchantment of the most beautiful masquerade on Earth, until the bells of San Marco chimed midnight, leaving behind not a glass slipper, but perhaps a single, shimmering Venetian slipper on a damp cobblestone by a canal.

People often ask me, where do I find all these wonderful characters with such elaborate costumes and masks, and photograph them against such beautiful backdrops....

Well, these are our little secrets...we often hide away from the crowds...and often, the most exquisite costumers are found at the most unexpected times and locations...