Ahead of its highly anticipated opening this month, Fondazione Dries Van Noten has announced Codognato as the only jeweller included in its inaugural exhibition.
Established in 1866 by Simone Codognato, the house has enjoyed enduring success, describing its venture as less a business and more an act of faith. Over the years, its clientele has included royal families as well as cultural figures such as Coco Chanel, Elizabeth Taylor, Elton John, and more recently, A$AP Rocky. Truly standing the test of time, the house maintains a tantalising and unmistakable creative identity, likely rooted in its unwavering devotion to craftsmanship.
The Fondazione, founded by Dries Van Noten and Patrick Vangheluwe, is housed in the historic Palazzo Pisani Moretta overlooking the Canal Grande. Titled The Only True Protest Is Beauty, the opening exhibition brings together fashion, jewellery, art, design, photography, glass, ceramics, and material experimentation, with each work emphasising craftsmanship as a vital vehicle for expression. Curated by Dries Van Noten alongside Geert Bruloot, the exhibition seeks to explore the notion of beauty and its power to challenge and provoke established norms.
Spanning the ground and first floors, more than 200 works will be presented across 20 carefully composed rooms. Codognato will exhibit 15 pieces, personally selected by Dries Van Noten. The selection ranges from collector’s items to specially crafted pieces created for the occasion. Described by the house as memento mori-inspired, the collection includes intricate designs such as a necklace featuring a crowned skull, lion’s head, and cross pendant, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold and silver, set with diamonds, sapphires, rubies, semi-precious stones, and rock crystal.
Alongside Codognato’s works, selected couture pieces by Christian Lacroix and Comme des Garçons will be on display. The exhibition also features textiles and artworks from both emerging artists and established galleries.
“As Venetians, we are thrilled that Dries Van Noten, one of the greatest and most innovative designers and creative figures of our time, has chosen Venice for his new foundation. It represents an extraordinary addition to the city’s cultural offering and heritage. We are deeply honoured to have been chosen to represent the millenary artisanal tradition of Venice in the foundation’s inaugural exhibition,” say Mario and Cristina Codognato.
The Only True Protest Is Beauty will run from 25 April 2026 to 4 October 2026.
