Affairs to Remember

(VENICE) With so many glamorous parties dotting along the city's ancient canals, Venice is feeling like a blessed respite from all the talk of economics. Francois Pinault--owner of Christie's, remember?--lured quite the crowd of Naomi Campbell, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Lapo Elkann, Dasha Zhuvoka and billionaire beau Roman Abramovich to the opening of his museum here, situated in the old customs house, Punta della Dogana. The soiree was held in the courtyard of the Palazzo Grassi, which is also used as an exhibition space run by the French billionaire's foundation since 2006. 
 
Down the river, the Missoni family held their annual fete atop their family sailboat in honor of American artist Bruce Nauman. Colored lights illuminated the sails as fashion and art world luminaries dined on local Venetian fare. Everyone attending was required to take off their shoes. Everyone, that is, except French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld. "It takes me an hour to put these shoes on," said Roitfeld. Indeed, the strappy bombshell Alaia heels may have made a few dents in the boat's teak surface, but sacrifices must be made.
 
"This looks like the outside of a mosque," said Margherita Missoni of the footwear line-up. Design star Phillipe Starck arrived in bright multi-patterned pants with his vivacious wife, Jasmine. Starck had only one thing on his agenda during his time in Italy. "All I will do is sit on the island of Burano!" he declared.
 
In the distance, bolts of lightning loomed ominously, but even the threat of rain couldn't spoil the ebullient scene. "It was the perfect mix of high and low, which is just like the art world at its best," said Julia Chaplin. "Somehow being barefoot on an old wooden sailboat seemed a lot cooler then the gaudy yachts moored nearby."
MARISA KATZ