Inside Georgina Chapman’s Whirlwind Trip to Venice Film Festival

“Venice is a city that evokes so many emotions,” Georgia Chapman says. For her, the predominant one was excitement: she traveled to La Serenissima to support her boyfriend, Adrien Brody, at the world premiere of Blonde. The Marilyn Monroe biopic, which stars Ana de Armas as the troubled star, received a 14-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival. “It was an incredible moment to witness,” the Marchesa designer tells Vogue. She wore an intricate silver beaded gown from her pre-fall collection for the occasion.

Yet, there were also plenty of feelings of both inspiration and romance, brought on by the journey with Brody and the magic of Venice itself. “I was lost in the city’s magic through the sensory experience from the engrossing architecture, labyrinth of canals, and incredible cuisine,” Chapman says. After the festival, they took in the sights of the city (including the Venice Biennale) and had long dinners with plenty of pasta at Gritti Palace or the famed Harry’s Bar. “For the best bellini and delicious food, Harry’s bar is a must. It s steeped in history and renowned clientele,” she says.

The couple also regularly took in the splendor of the canals from the rooftop of the Cipriani, the city’s grand dame hotel situated in the heart of the lagoon, and via water taxi. “There is nothing more romantic than having your taxi be by boat—I absolutely love that about Venice,” Chapman adds.

Below, see Champan’s photo diary of her trip to Venice.