WHAT I WORE

Jeans: ASOS(similar)|Jacket: Zara(similar)| Top: H&M|Ballet Flats: New Look| Bag: Topshop(similar)|Watch: ASOS 

During our time in Venice we made it a priority to visit the magical island of Burano- a small island a stone throw (or an hour and a half boat ride) away from the central island of Venice. Known for its rainbow parades of colourful houses and its ornate and traditional lace shops- it  feels like worlds away from red bricked houses in London.

We arrived just after lunch on very warm and sunny Sunday so the island was very busy. Our goal was to see as many alleyways and Pantone colour hues as possible while stuffing our face with cannoli and gelato. With the whole island consisting of only roads and weaving canals- we set off with no direction to discover the beauty of this special Italian island.

First established by the Romans, Burano didn’t really establish much importance until the 16th Century when the women of the island began to hand stitch lace. Leonardo da Vinci visited and purchased a cloth from one such local woman. He used it to cover the altar of the Duomo di Milano, cementing Burano as the place to get your lace.

While the women who’d brought fame and fortune to the island practiced their craft, the men would go out into the lagoon to fish. Painting their houses bright colours to spot them from a distance and find them in even the darkest storm.

The tradition stuck and is now a carefully controlled trademark of the island. Popular with artists and the odd fisherman, if you want to paint your house you must apply to the government who will tell you which colour to use.

This care has preserved one of Venice’s greatest treasures.