Lafayette148 and Save Venice Fete Capsule Collaboration at Casa Valle

Lafayette148 may have been named for an iconic street in New York City, but its ties to the canals of Venice are only growing deeper.

Less than a week after unveiling a capsule collaboration with Save Venice inspired by the nonprofit’s latest restoration project, an 18th-century oil painting by Julia Lama titled “Virgin in Prayer,” the woman-owned brand took over TriBeCa’s Casa Valle art gallery Tuesday, feting the launch and its continued support for the “Women Artists of Venice” program.

“Accomplishing women, that’s who we’re here to celebrate tonight,” declared Lafayette148 creative director Emily Smith. Excited by the challenge of fusing Lama’s work with her own, Smith said “interpreting her use of rich color and her skilled hand in craft was an honor and an exploration that I’m constantly evolving,” 

The designer, who has pulled from a collage of artistic references over the years, found Lama particularly intriguing due to her often overlooked contributions in the male-dominated Baroque era. “We wanted to mutually honor this by bringing together the best of the best,” she said.

Smith was joined by friend and editor in chief of Sotheby’s Magazine Kristina O’Neill, playing cohosts to art patrons and fashion personalities alike. Lizzie Asher, Derek Blasberg, Rachel Chandler, Lauren Santo Domingo and Sai De Silva were among those treated to a Venetian-themed menu including gnocchetti floating in a lemon sauce and fig tarts with mascarpone cream for dessert. 

Caviar provided by CY Kitchen was served in custom tins printed to match Lafayette148’s ready-to-wear. Meanwhile, the brand’s line of glassware hand-forged in Murano was used to outfit the tablescape, furthering the spirit of Italian cultural heritage. 

As reported, Lafayette148 has pledged to donate 10 percent of sales from the Save Venice capsule to support its charitable initiatives throughout 2024.