Under the Sea 海の底

"Un abito, mille onde. I colori del mare danzano a Carnevale" - One dress, a thousand waves. The colors of the sea dance at Carnival

Imagine the Grand Canal not merely reflecting the ornate facades of ancient palaces, but shimmering with a phosphorescent glow, as the very spirit of Venice Carnevale plunges into an aquatic dreamscape. Under the sea costumes for this fantastical celebration would merge the opulent mystery of Venetian masquerade with the ethereal beauty of oceanic life. Revelers might don masks crafted from iridescent mother-of-pearl, adorned with delicate coral branches or shimmering fish scales, their eyes peering through the windows of a sea creature's soul. Gowns and capes would flow like the tide, fashioned from silks and chiffons in deep aquamarines, kelp greens, and pearlescent whites, embroidered with intricate patterns of anemones, or cascading tendrils of fabric mimicking jellyfish. Heads might be crowned with elaborate headdresses of sculpted pearls and crystalline "water droplets," while shoulders are draped in layers of organza that ripple like a passing school of fish. Each costume would be a silent ballet of light and shadow, transforming its wearer into a mysterious siren, a regal sea god, or a creature from the deepest, most luminous abyss, embodying the transformative magic of Carnevale with an otherworldly, aquatic grace.

Under the Sea is a set of costumes by my Italian fashion designer friend Luca Turelli. Luca is a veteran at the Venice Carnevale and organises some of the biggest costumed gatherings at the Carnevale. He usually has a Pinocchio themed set of costumes and another variant at the Carnevale. Over the past few years, he did a Picasso set of costumes and another Dark Circus set of costumes.

This year, I am pleasantly surprised to see him and his entourage in his Jellyfish themed costumes.

The jellyfish is frequently featured in many Venetian art crafts, especially Murano glass sculptures.

Jellyfish symbolize adaptability, resilience, intuition, and the ability to surrender to the natural flow of life, reminding us to move with grace through challenges. Their delicate yet strong nature represents a balance between vulnerability and power, while their translucent bodies can signify a connection to spiritual wisdom and the ability to transcend the material world. In some cultures, jellyfish are also symbols of good fortune, the feminine principle, or a link between the physical and spiritual.

The Venice Carnevale is not solely about masks. Local Italians and an increasing number of foreign costumers now prefer historical costumes or painted faces. During Carnevale, the whole Venice becomes a real life theatrical stage...

Just another simple set of photos done on the busy streets of Venice during Carnevale. As usual, only natural lighting used...