Veneto, and more precisely the Riviera del Brenta, between Padua and Venice, is famous for producing the most luxurious shoes in the world, so much so that it was chosen as the production headquarters by LVMH.

Villa Foscarini Rossi with its museum tells the story of over 1,350 of the most prestigious models created by Rossimoda from 1947 to today. Founded by Narciso Rossi, and then carried on by his son Luigino, the artisan company has marked the history of the footwear sector, thanks to collaborations with the greatest designers and stylists of all time, from Christian Dior to Yves Saint Laurent.

If I listen I forget, if I see I remember, if I do I understand.

(Confucio)

Few people know that the epic of Rossimoda is intertwined with that of the artist Andy Warhol and it is precisely from this wonderful company history that the new experiences that can be booked inside the Footwear Museum of Villa Foscarini Rossi take inspiration.

As one of his collaborators at the time, Nathan Gluck, tells that one day, long before becoming famous, Warhol came home with some wooden lasts – the molds used to create footwear – and began to paint and decorate them with gold leaf and other subjects, including an image of Santa Claus. It often happened that the artist decorated everyday objects that he then gave to the celebrities he was fascinated by, from Diana Vreeland to Truman Capote.

It was 1955 and Warhol had become an illustrator for the advertising campaigns of the famous NY shoe retailer I. Miller; works that would bring him recognition and popularity and start his fortune.

Years later, Mr. Rossi, who often traveled to NY, became passionate about Warhol’s art and bought in a gallery the last decorated with Santa Claus, called “The Last Christmas” and made in 1956. Having met him in Paris, during a visit to the artist’s Factory he asked him to autograph it and Warhol satisfied his wish. This story inspired one of the most beloved experiences of the Museum, “The Wooden Shoe Last”.

During this workshop, just like Andy Warhol did, guests will be able to customize their own last using colors, vintage accessories, and recycled leather from the Rossimoda company. The small sculpture created will then be given as a souvenir to each participant.

In addition to this, there are many other experiences that can be booked at the Museum, such as workshops on the different materials used in the creation of footwear. These itineraries reveal that not only leather is the protagonist, but also other compositions that give character and uniqueness to the shoes. Particular attention is paid to the models on display that tell a fascinating story, such as the Golden Viper by Yves Saint Laurent, who was the first to paint this reptile in gold to make it sexier.

And there are also so many children-friendly experiences or designed just for them, such as “Learning by Recycling Leather”, during which a key ring is made, or the readings of the “The Most Beautiful Fairy Tales About Shoes”, to discover that there is not only Cinderella, or the workshops linked to theatrical performances held in the Villa, such as the one on “Venetian Masks and the Commedia dell’Arte” or “Walking with the Ghost”.

Today the Shoe Museum of Villa Foscarini Rossi is led by Luigino’s daughter, Cristina Rossi, guardian of tradition and creator of extraordinary events, while the curator of the museum is the footwear historian Federica Rossi who, together with her team, will be able to lead you through truly memorable guided tours among anecdotes and secrets of the history of fashion.

Because, as Roger Vivier used to say, “wearing your dreams on your feet is the best way to start making them come true”.

The Secret

The genesis of this artisan mastery in the creation of high-end footwear can be traced back to the years of peaceful rule of the Serenissima Republic of Venice during which, along the Brenta River, many noble Venetian families settled with their majestic villas and rural businesses, importing the flourishing arts linked to the festival and fashion industry since the 15th century.

Useful Info

Museo delle Calzatura di Villa Foscarini Rossi
Via Doge Pisani 1/2
30039 Stra, Venezia
Tel. +39 049 9801091

Museum entrance: 7 euro
Admission with guided tour: 7 + 50 euro (reservation only, up to 20 people)
Workshop: The wooden shoe last (90 min) xxx euro