It all began in 1982 in a small jewellery store in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark. Goldsmith Per Enevoldsen and his wife, Winnie, had the idea of giving their customers high-end jewellery without the high-end price tag, and so Pandora, now one of the world’s most popular jewellery brands, was born.
Since that day, Pandora has stuck by its mission statement – to offer women a unique form of personal expression via beautiful and often customisable pieces.
So you can imagine my delight when I was invited to the launch of Pandora’s latest collection – and even more so when I found out that it was being held in Venice, Italy! All I could think about was gondolas and gelato as I prepared for the 24-hour journey to the fabled city to meet the creatives behind the fabulous brand.
...
DAY 1
ARRIVING
After a long flight and a stopover in Abu Dhabi, my fellow journos and I were finally in Venice. We caught a water taxi to the main island and the luxe Hotel Danieli with its floor-to-ceiling marble, Murano-glass chandeliers and gilded ceilings.
We were in grand company, for the hotel is loved by celebs like George Clooney, Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp.
Following a quick shower, I was ready for the Piazza San Marco and supper at the famed Osteria Enoteca San Marco. In between delicious linguine with rabbit ragu, PR maven Angelique Daubermann, our great Pandora hostess, gave us background to the brand before a nightcap and bed.
...
DAY 2
CHATTING CHARMS
The next day began with a breathtaking view of the Laguna Veneta from the hotel’s rooftop terrace. Then we made our way across the canal to the storied Belmond Hotel Cipriani (home of the bellini cocktail). After a light alfresco lunch, it was time for the Pandora autumn/winter 2015 launch.
Pandora chief creative officer Stephen Fairchild took us through the runway looks that had inspired the latest collection – the major trends being feathers and pastel pink.
Watching Pandora jewellery craftsmen as they created new pieces on the spot, I was blown away to see each jewel, pearl and bead being meticulously set in place.
A styling masterclass by Pernille Teisbaek, Denmark’s top fashion blogger and street-style star, focused on summer’s four biggest trends and the ways in which they could be accessorised with Pandora rings, bracelets and necklaces.
A glass (or two!) of Prosecco later and I was back at the hotel to change for the night ahead.
And how wonderful it was to find a beautiful Pandora box waiting for me!
The Phoenix ring – the star of the new collection – and the gondola charm were the perfect add-ons for our sunset dinner at the fancy JW Marriott Hotel.
A lovely evening with excellent food and wine.
...
DAY 3
HOMEWARD BOUND
It’s an early start for the last leg of our Pandora adventure: a visit to the Berengo Studio on Murano. A factory turned art museum, the Berengo is filled with glass sculptures, light installations… and a camel. We were a bit confused until we saw the main exhibition space: it had been turned into a pop-up dining room especially for us!
A wow seafood meal courtesy of B Restaurant Alla Vecchia Pescheria was followed by another thrill as we were invited to choose from an array of Pandora charms to make our own dream bracelets.
Then it was back to the Pandora store on the main island for an overview of the most popular charms in the catalogue… and a parting gift from Angelique of one of Pandora’s signature bracelets!
As I slipped it over my wrist, I took a final look at the beautiful city and was ready to head home with a heart full of inspiration.
Ciao, Venezia!
This article appears in the latest issue of GLAMOUR magazine, on sale now.