Hello Viola and Vera Arrivabene
The Venetian sisters Viola and Vera Arrivabene are citizens of the world, descendants of the Italian royal family and owners of a successful brand of the typical shoes of Venetian gondoliers
Italian sisters and entrepreneurs Viola Arrivabene and Vera Arrivabene do not hide their strong connection with Venice, where they were born, but they love exploring the world. They run ViBi Venezia, a shoe brand inspired by the models worn by gondoliers, as those responsible for steering gondolas are called, a classic ride for anyone visiting the region.
Viola and Vera are the eldest of the five children of Count Giberto Arrivabene Valenti Gonzaga and Countess Bianca di Savoia Aosta. In their childhood, they grew up in Palazzo Papadopoli, one of the oldest buildings in the city. The space is now partially occupied by the luxurious Aman hotel, where actor George Clooney married Amal Alamuddin.
With a globetrotter spirit, the two praise their love for the city where they were born, although they have already experienced living outside Italian borders. “Venice is an especially beautiful place to grow up. Our eyes were spoiled by the city’s beauty. We grew up in a beautiful bubble and, at a certain point, we had to face reality,” says Vera who, like Viola, lived for a time in London, England.
LM: You come from a large family. How did the decision to work together come about? Were you already close as children? Did you always get along or did you have arguments?
VA: There’s no one better than your own sister to start a business! That’s what we thought at the time and still believe. We definitely were not that close growing up, but when Viola turned 20 something clicked and we became inseparable and started doing everything together – including growing up with our company.
LM: What is it like working with your sister? Tell us a bit about your relationship within the company.
VA: Working with your sister has many pros and cons, just like any job. We think it’s an experience and a mutual understanding in constant growth – fortunately we complement each other. Viola takes care of the creative side of the business, communication, and marketing, while I handle administration, sales, and production. We believe the most important thing is to work constantly respecting each other’s strengths.
LM: You are the daughters of Venetian Count Giberto Arrivabene Valenti Gonzaga and Princess Bianca di Savoia Aosta. Did they encourage your entrepreneurial side?
VA: Like any parent would.
LM: From the beginning of the company, was your intention to invest in Furlane shoes? When did you start to realize their unique appeal?
VA: ViBi Venezia began because we wanted to bring a bit of our Venice to the world with our Furlane slippers. We took the product, improved it, and made it more comfortable without altering its shape or history.
LM: Is this shoe model part of your childhood memories?
VA: Absolutely yes! We have been wearing them since we were babies! We remember when our mother would take us to buy Furlane slippers at a small shop on the Rialto Bridge. I recall sitting on the steps of the bridge looking at all those colorful little shoes and always thinking I wanted them all for myself!
LM: In what way did Palazzo Papadopoli, where you spent your childhood, inspire the creation of your pieces? What are your most emblematic childhood memories?
VA: We are from a magical city; every corner of Venice is a great inspiration for our collections and our lives. Being born in an incredible home like Palazzo Papadopoli is a constant reminder of the beauty in which we grew up.
LM: What are the biggest challenges you face day to day as sisters with distinct personalities?
VA: It’s an ongoing effort to manage our private lives and sisterly dynamics and be able to translate that into the business side without one affecting the other. It’s a rewarding challenge!
LM: You founded ViBi Venezia in 2014 and today have a thriving company. How did your complicity help the business prosper?
VA: ViBi Venezia has always had organic growth and still does today – the company grew with us – thanks to the support of all our dear friends who believed in us and backed ViBi from the very beginning of the journey!
LM: You were raised in Venice and spent time in London. Was it at the same time? What memories do you cherish from those moments?
VA: Venice is an especially beautiful place to grow up; our eyes were spoiled by the city’s beauty. We grew up in a beautiful bubble and at a certain point we had to face reality – both of us studied and worked in London for several years.
LM: Can you maintain a routine in this work? Or does your schedule fluctuate a lot?
VA: Of course we can! It’s all about how you organize – Vera is definitely better at making the routine work!
LM: Do you like to set aside daily periods for leisure, self-care, and personal life? Do you enjoy your free time together?
VA: Of course, leisure and taking care of ourselves is something we love and need. We exercise at least three times a week; it really helps with focus and happiness. The best time we have together is when we’re not working.
LM: Do you consider yourselves vain? Do you like to take care of your skin and body? How?
VA: Yes, but not obsessively. I’m more obsessed with my hair. I would love to keep it blonde, but I’m afraid of damaging it.
I try to use the best products for my skin; I love Irene Forte’s facial cream, oils, Sisley makeup, and face masks.
LM: What is fashion to you? What can’t be missing from your closet? And from your toiletry bag?
VA: Fashion is something we do without thinking; it’s in us, and for us it’s a super fun game. We can’t do without a pair of ViBi Gym and a white T-shirt.
LM: What obstacles did you have to overcome for ViBi Venezia to be what it is today? What motivates you to keep going?
VA: It’s been 8 years since ViBi Venezia began, and 5 years since we started dedicating ourselves full-time. We’ve faced many obstacles, but creating something that works is deeply fulfilling and the greatest satisfaction.
LM: Vera, you got married in October last year. Has marriage changed your relationship with Viola? How do you balance family and professional life? How do you make the most of it?
VA: I got married a year ago. My greatest fear was being separated from my family or that things would change because I got married. My mother said, “I’m not losing a daughter, we’re gaining a son in the family.” She made me feel blessed and relieved.
LM: You are successful in your field. What are your professional goals? Are you planning to further expand ViBi Venezia?
VA: We are constantly thinking about what comes next. We would like to open a flagship store in Venice and then bring a bit of our Venetian heritage to the whole world!
