Gaia Venuti, Pretty Bird

Before the Italian holidays, I had the pleasure of shooting my friend Gaia and asking her a few questions about her style. Gaia is the insane eye behind Bahama Mama. She inspires me everyday, and I'm sure she will inspire you too. Enjoy!

 

-->

Where were you born, and when did you move to Milan?

I was born in Florence; I’ve lived in Milan since 2000.

You have an amazing eye for fashion and design. Tell me 5 memories from your childhood/teenage years that influenced your eye.

My dad has been making shoes since forever, and my playroom at home was his office, with his pattern books on display.

When I was six, we were in London and we saw some punks passing by. I told my dad: “I’m going to do that job when I’m a grownup”.

When I was four, and until I was fourteen, I began working for a Florentine fashion agency. I modeled for fashion magazine shoots (but I was also the one helping the stylist).

I changed the layout of my room every single day, which drove my mom crazy.

In the afternoon I arranged shows with my schoolmates, dressing them up and teaching them how to be “on stage”.

I have always gone with my dad on his business trips. I was absorbing fashion and style every single day.

Your mom and dad must have wonderful style. What do you like most about their personal styles?

In my mom’s, the fact that she doesn’t have a defined style, but she’s able to wear anything while never appearing out of place.

About my dad, besides him being objectively a cool guy, I love his ability to mix with absolute ease Tom Ford, Converse and Armani.

  

--> You have some beautiful tattoos. How many do you have, and how old were you when you got the first one?

You can’t count them, they’re big pieces done over time. I got the first when I was 13.

What draws you to tattoos? What do you tell yourself when people point at you because of them?

They’re my most beautiful clothes... every time I get a new one it’s like I’m working on completing my outfit.

When people point at me, I just think that superficiality has no limits... you should judge souls, not skins.

You have an important vintage archive: when did you start collecting?

At 13, when I asked for my first pair of Prada shoes as a gift.

What do you look for when vintage shopping? Do you have a favorite decade?

I look for whatever catches my fancy and my attention. Every decade has something that moves me.

Your 5 favorite pieces in your vintage collection.

A silver micro-sequins Chanel jacket worn only once by Claudia Schiffer.

A Chanel mini bag (10 pieces made) decorated with piercings.

An Hermes silk blouse with allover print.

An Hermes belt with gold elephants buckle.

A cheetah fur coat from the early 70s which was my mom’s.

You have an amazing eye for antique objects too. How many do you have? What do you like about collecting objects?

It’s impossible to count them!

My favorite by far is Fornasetti (Piero, not Barbaba).

Vintage teapots and tea cups.

Capodimonte ceramics.



Antique dentures from the 19^th century.

Ceramics reproductions of human body parts and animals.

Antique jewelry.

 

-->

What inspired you to open Bahama Mama?

I simply made real what I saw in my dreams.

How long did it take to complete the project?

Less than I thought! I found the place and within a few months everything was ready.

How much of your style do we see in your space?

100%... it’s my second home, every corner speaks of me.

You created a truly special place for women in Milan. What is, in your opinion, the significance of the relationships shared between women?

I think women have so much to tell and possess a peerless inner strength, let alone their ability to express themselves through their body and style.

My ambition is to debunk the myth of our being jealous of one another and of our not being genuine with each other. I wish we could become more and more trusting.

Any new projects for the future?

Actually, yes... in October I will open a new space in Milan, still dedicated mainly (but not exclusively) to the feminine world, where every one of us will be able to express her truest, most feminine and secret part. But I can’t disclose anything more right now... Stay tuned!!

 

Outfit details:

Look 1: D&G baby-doll dress, Christian Louboutin peep-toe platforms.  

Look 2: Vintage t-shirt, Blumarine skirt, Celine Shoes.

Please follow Gaia on Grazia.it, she's one of our newest "It Girls".