Murano was on my radar; I had always loved its glass. Burano, and its long history with needle lace, I knew far less about.

This trip to Venice came before ADYÉR was what it is today, but the roots were taking hold. I knew lace would be part of the foundation and, more than that, the craft behind it.

Wandering through Venice as a curious tourist, I came upon a small, somewhat secluded boutique of Venetian lace and linens. Inside, I was in awe. Tablecloths and napkins in natural linen, ivory, dove gray and a soft blue, each edged in openwork and scrolling motifs. Collars rested on a display bust. Even the window was adorned with lace, the day’s light coming through it. This was where the art of craft came alive again for me.

During my time at Parsons School of Design, we were given an assignment in our fashion illustration course to create a little black book. It was to be our guide to the Garment District — the suppliers, the shops, the people — met and learned firsthand.

One visit from that time I think back to often: Sposabella Lace. I spoke with a gentleman there who was deeply passionate about lace. Our exact conversation is now a distant memory. What stayed with me was his sense that the craft was underappreciated in the fashion industry. I left with a few pieces of lace trim, within a student’s budget: ivory, with gold running through the design.

That moment remains with me. Perhaps it is what has fueled me to learn more about lace, to share it and to honor those still doing such remarkable work.

What stayed with me was his sense that the craft was underappreciated in the fashion industry.

Back in Venice, I hesitated for a long while. Anything I bought, I wanted to use. In the end, I left the boutique without lace in my bag. I carried something else instead: a renewed energy to bring this craft to life and to shape the vision of what would become ADYÉR, drawing on the artisans I had found, from the Garment District to Venice.

It was the start of a reignited love for Venice, and a determination to learn all I could about lace.

— Aimée