Venice, the magic in masks
Antonia Sauter opened the famous Doge's Ball
During the carnival, which lasts over a week from late January to early February, Venice is a flicker when then the whole city seems to relive the days of Doge or Casanova. Everywhere, the illuminated palace to receive their guests, but the greatest night is the Doge's Ball ...
Antonia working in his studio
A palace dressed in light On the Grand Canal, Palazzo Pisani Moretta, property of Count Maurizio Sammartini, donned his suit of lights for the Doge's Ball, the latest trend of Venice. The first gondolas arrive on the beautiful basket or hoop skirts, powdered small marquis court to frost, dandies in yellow gloves. Lights are a magical enchanted, while the sobs echo of the first violins. All course await the prom queen, Antonia Sautter, who seems finally rustled his large silk dress. The ball can begin, a minuet of course, led by Antonia. What we do not guess, to see her smiling at all, is that some nights she does not sleep, watching every detail of the decor, lighting student, menus, candelabras adorning the tables, putting the final touches to the costumes of the guests. The ball, known for its elegance, never count more than four hundred guests, all of which must be sponsored. 
Immortal Casanova
The same reduced model
Meanwhile, Piazza San Marco, in the nearby streets or in other palaces, they are a thousand to walk in costume, posing for photographers, in pairs or in groups, sipping chocolate at Cafe Florian, the oldest in the city since its inception date of 1720. 
All the windows are dressed in carnival
Two beautiful night
couple in front of the Palazzo Ducale
Antonia's fascination for the carnival goes back to his childhood. With his mother, Italia, she drew each year in advance its future suit, seeking inspiration in old books and prints of old balls. - Yet, she says, I have not attended school for graphic design or fashion design and I still draw like a little girl, pinning my drawings on tissue samples and embroidery, like Mary Antoinette did it with her dressmaker Rose Bertin! 
And younger couples ...
Promenade before the romantic gondolas
At 26, she opened her first boutique accessories and has four so far! The Doge's Ball was created by chance. A customer is one day entered his shop to buy some masks and they were quick to sympathize. It was John Terry, the leader of the group Mounty Python. The BBC had commissioned him to organize a party around the legendary figure of Enrico Dandolo, the Doge blind man who had helped finance First Crusade. Antonia herself as the consummate Venetian celebrations, which were highly exaggerated ... this party filmed by the BBC , she invited all her friends, she had dressed herself. And this was the first Doge's Ball. The idea was born, she endured with the success that we know ... - This ball is a challenge every time, "she explains. I have to outdo myself each year, to surprise my guests, to find other themes, new lighting effects, costumes spectacular. It is an evening that I offer to my mother, who died before its completion. She was pleased that I stayed true to my childhood dreams. Even if I work hard for this success, everything should look simple, performed a magic wand.
Elegant front of the Bridge of Sighs
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