Are you in love with Venice Carnival costumes? Are you looking for a place to rent a historical one? In this article we’ll give you some suggestions to find the ideal atelier with the most elegant clothes, so you won’t pass unnoticed!
“Buongiorno siora maschera“: this was the greeting exchanged along the calli and canals during Carnival time, and the disparity between social classes vanished in the great illusion of the festival.
A long time ago, masks were used to hide people’s identity inside forbidden spaces like the casini and the ridotti, but from 1271 onwards a real trade in masks and costumes developed in Venice.
Papier-mâché, clay, gypsum, and gauze: these poor materials were used to create accessories and masks that soon became a symbol of freedom and transgression.
In those years, a specific profession was born: the mascherere was (and still is!) a craftsman specialized in the production of dresses and costumes for the Venice Carnival. Nowadays, in Venice, there are still many fashion boutiques where the maschereri work incessantly to create works of art with their hands, perfect for all those who love this kind of masterpieces.

Venice carnival costumes: Atelier Antonia Sautter

The dreams of an artisan have become reality, and this all becomes clear when you enter the Atelier Antonia Sautter. The owner created Il Ballo del Doge, an international Gala event during the Venice Carnival, and her luxury studio became famous all over the world.
Her creativity and passion for the different ages of the Venetian Republic have pushed Antonia to keep the tradition alive through fancy dresses. In her atelier, you can admire the costumes used in one of Kubrick’s most famous masterpieces, Eyes Wide Shut. You’ll instantly understand Antonia’s decades of experience working with velvets, brocades and Venetian silks.
Let yourself be enchanted by this wonderful world, and enter the shop located in the heart of Venice, Piazza San Marco: the staff will be happy to find the ideal outfit for you to enjoy the greatest party in the lagoon.

Venice carnival costumes: Atelier Nicolao

The in-depth knowledge of materials and the respect for historic cuts are the pride of this store. Born from its founder’s passion for the theater, Atelier Nicolao has become a reference point for Venice Carnival costume lovers.
In a spacious, elegant wide space along the Fondamenta della Misericordia, you can find the workshop, the tailoring, the shop and the showroom. The owner of this shop, Stefano Nicolao, is constantly engaged in the study of historical texts philological study of materials for the creation of period dresses, with particular regard to Venetian suits.
His great professionalism will guide you to choose the perfect Venice Carnival costume for you, making you stand out among all the masks present at the most exclusive event of the carnival.

Venice carnival costumes: Atelier Marega

In the center of Venice, near the Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, there is a small tailor boutique that bears the name of its founder: the Atelier Marega.
With more than 30 years of history, this shop has grown while keeping ancient traditions alive: all their products are exclusively handmade with precision and dedication. In fact, their masks are produced using papier-mâché according to the 14th century the tradition, and costumes are inspired by the style of the 18th and 19th century
This tailor shop offers a rich collection of historical clothes, accessories, and wigs perfect to mingle among the thousand masked characters in Piazza San Marco during Carnival days.
The kindness and courtesy of the staff will welcome you warmly, and you will definitely be able to find the outfit you’ve been looking for.

Venice carnival costumes: Atelier Ca’ del Sol

A few steps from Piazza San Marco, accompanied by the music of historic cafés, you’ll find a small shop – Atelier Ca ‘del Sol, where Carnival tradition flows into costumes and colorful masks.
From the 1980s onwards, this artisanal boutique emerged in the Venetian scene for its inventiveness in using new materials with amazing effects: gold leaf decoration, silver and copper gilding, precious fabrics, ancient varnishes, enamels, Swarovski crystals and lace.
This group of artists is specialized in crafting Carnival costumes, but they are also able to create a custom-made outfit for any other type of event: you can choose one of the many historical costumes and prepare yourself to live the emotion of concealing your identity behind a mask.