VBRA Venezia: THE NEW CREATIVE VOICE
VBRA Venezia: The New Creative Voice 2026 is a Transformative Celebration of Independent Fashion in the Heart of Venice, Italy
From May 14 to 17, 2026, Venice will undergo a remarkable transformation into an open laboratory dedicated to emerging fashion and contemporary arts, as VBRA Venezia shares with us its highly anticipated edition, “The New Creative Voice.” This exceptional four-day event will bring together over 50 innovative designers and brands from around the globe, presenting their work in some of Venice’s most evocative and historic spaces. Attendees will immerse in a full program of exhibitions, runway shows, performances, and pop-ups, experiencing the vibrant interplay between fashion, art, and cultural expression that characterizes contemporary creativity in Venice.
VBRA Venezia is a cultural platform and an international community dedicated to emerging fashion talents. Founded by two young Venetian siblings with the objective of contributing to the contemporary creative revival of the city, VBRA supports authentic and experimental creativity, showcasing emerging designers and brands through fashion shows, exhibitions, and events that place fashion in dialogue with other forms of artistic expression. Every year in May, VBRA organizes the Emerging Fashion Weekend in Venice, a city-wide event that highlights designers selected for their craftsmanship, innovation in forms and materials, sustainability, and conceptual depth. The initiative engages institutions, associations, and cultural spaces across the city, creating a participatory and creative ecosystem. Through its online platform, frequented by an international audience, VBRA provides visibility and tangible opportunities for its community of creatives. In parallel, VBRA develops capsule collections and limited-edition accessories in collaboration with the designers within its community.
The urge for platforms like VBRA Venezia arises from a collective desire to reconnect with the essence of slow fashion + visual arts—creativity that values depth over speed, authenticity over trend, and community over individualism. Venice, with its rich artistic heritage and profound cultural legacy, has the potential to lead this movement, providing a space where emerging talents can reflect on these principles and express their unique voices. VBRA Venezia serves as a showcase for fresh perspectives, but also emphasizes the importance of intention in artistic creation. By reimagining the creative process, VBRA encourages a dialogue that mix genuine connection to the art and the artists, advocating for a slower, more contemplative approach to visual expression. In doing so, it champions a culture in which creativity flourishes, allowing both artists and audiences to engage in a meaningful exploration of ideas, aesthetics, and identity within the stunning backdrop of Venice.
VBRA Venezia is more than just a fashion event; it is a cultural movement that seeks to rethink the creative stage of Venice itself. Founded in April 2024 by dynamic siblings Francesca and Paolo Marco de Paoli, VBRA emerged from a shared vision to revitalize the city as a hub for independent, artistic expression. The initiative places emerging fashion at the heart of a broader cultural ecosystem that interlaces art, music, photography, and other creative disciplines.
“Our aim with VBRA Venezia is to honor Venice’s rich history while also propelling it into a future where creativity, sustainability, and community engagement thrive,” say the founders. “The New Creative Voice embodies this mission—it’s about welcoming fresh talent, invigorating our local community, and inviting everyone to join in a transformative dialogue through creativity.”
VBRA is Addressing the Fragile Ecosystem of Venice
The beauty and uniqueness of Venice are increasingly threatened by the pressures of mass tourism and commercialism, which often overlook the city’s authentic spirit. VBRA Venezia seeks to combat this trend, emphasizing the need for conscious engagement with the city’s cultural heritage. The vision is to create a space where tourism is not just about consumption but about respectful interaction with the city’s ongoing narrative.
“To live in Venice is to dance with its contradictions,” the organizers note. “At VBRA, we believe that fashion and culture can spark conversations about identity, community, and the environment. We want to explore how creativity can reclaim our narrative in a city that is often seen as a mere backdrop for tourism.”
Central to this year’s edition is the theme of taste, which serves as a profound reflection of both personal and collective identity. In a world dominated by viral trends and instant gratification, VBRA Venezia invites participants and audiences alike to consider what it means to have taste—how it influences choices, perceptions, and connections.
“When did taste become something we no longer question?” the organizers ask. “Our goal is to reignite a conversation about taste as a meaningful act—one that reflects individuality, pushes boundaries, and embraces the unexpected. This theme will guide the discussions, the designs, and the performances throughout the event.”
In asking these questions, VBRA Venezia positions itself as a vehicle for critical thought, urging attendees to engage deeply with the themes presented and to explore their implications within the broader cultural landscape.
Curatorial Excellence: Handpicked Participants and Visionaries
The lineup of designers and artists participating in VBRA Venezia is chosen through a meticulous curatorial process, reflecting the organization’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and artistic integrity. Each design and each concept represented will carry the weight of a collective vision that values not just the end product but the entire creative process, from conception to execution.
“Creativity cannot exist in a vacuum,” say the de Paoli siblings. “We focus on those who are not just designers but storytellers—those who use their platforms to create dialogue around pressing social issues, sustainability, and cultural significance. Our selection criteria prioritize those who challenge conventional norms and strive to make meaningful contributions to the fashion world and beyond.”
SEE THE FULL SELECTION + EVENT SCHEDULE HERE
VBRA Venezia is fundamentally about forging connections—not just within the fashion community but with the broader city itself. By hosting events in diverse venues throughout Venice, the initiative creates opportunities for interaction and engagement between creators and the public. The goal is to foster a sense of belonging and participation, making the event accessible to everyone.
“We want the citizens of Venice to feel ownership of this event,” the founders emphasize. “This isn’t just about showcasing fashion; it’s about creating a shared experience that celebrates creativity as a collective endeavor. We aim to connect people from various backgrounds and interests, ensuring that everyone can find their place within this cultural background.”
VBRA’s program will not only include exhibitions and runway shows but also community-driven activities designed to encourage active participation. See the full program HERE
The collaboration with Fondazione Sozzani—a prominent cultural institution founded in Milan by Carla Sozzani and Kris Ruhs—is a significant component of VBRA Venezia. The foundation is known for its dedication to promoting art, photography, design, and fashion through dynamic exhibitions and educational programs. Under the creative direction of Sara Sozzani Maino, Fondazione Sozzani plays a vital role in fostering social responsibility and cultural awareness in creative fields. Through this partnership, VBRA Venezia aims to elevate the discourse around contemporary creativity, ensuring that the event aligns with broader conversations about sustainability and ethical practices in fashion. The combination of VBRA’s fresh outlook and Fondazione Sozzani’s established expertise creates a powerful platform for meaningful cultural exchange.
VBRA Venezia’s vision extends beyond the four days of the event. The initiative aims to lay the groundwork for a cultural renaissance in Venice, where emerging talents can thrive alongside established names, and where artistic expression is celebrated as a vital component of the city’s identity. VBRA Venezia is committed to nurturing a future in which Venice is not merely a location for tourism but an ongoing engine for creativity and innovation. By empowering local talent and engaging with diverse audiences, the initiative believes it can contribute to a more sustainable and vibrant cultural ecosystem.
Follow VBRA Venezia HERE
Website: https://www.vbravenezia.com/
