Case Study
Serenissima: The Flags of Venezia Donna
Eight monumental flags for the 19th International Architecture Exhibition | La Biennale di Venezia 2025
The Project
Wilson Cetina Group produced and installed eight large-scale flags featuring artwork by Konstantin Kakanias for Diane von Furstenberg's "Serenissima" project at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025.
The Client: Diane von Furstenberg - fashion icon, philanthropist, and creator of the iconic wrap dress.
The Stage: Viale Trento, Giardini della Biennale - the main entrance welcoming hundreds of thousands of global visitors to the world's most prestigious architecture exhibition.
From Los Angeles to Venice
A relationship built on trust
Eder Cetina first worked with DVF on "Woman Before Fashion" at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles (October 2024 - August 2025). The exhibition showcased the legendary designer's life and career, requiring meticulous fabrication work that caught DVF's attention.
DVF was so impressed with Eder's craftsmanship and attention to detail that she personally reached out for the Venice project. This wasn't a vendor transaction - it was a creative partnership between two artists who share a commitment to excellence.
The collaboration included calls, in-person meetings, and two trips to Venice as DVF's guest at her private palazzo - a testament to the trust and mutual respect that defines this partnership.
The Challenge
Technical excellence at monumental scale
Color & Reproduction
- Translating Kakanias's intricate artwork to monumental scale
- Ensuring vibrancy in Venice's unique maritime light
- Precise color correction to maintain artistic integrity
Materials & Durability
- Flags needed to withstand 7 months of Venetian weather
- Wind, humidity, and sun exposure considerations
- Material selection for longevity and appearance
Installation Logistics
- Coordination with Biennale organizers
- Site-specific mounting requirements
- International shipping and handling
A True Creative Partnership
This project exemplified what happens when client and fabricator work as true creative partners. Direct collaboration with DVF throughout the process ensured every detail met her exacting standards.
Two trips to Venice as a guest at DVF's palazzo allowed for real-time problem-solving and creative dialogue. This level of access and trust is rare - and it shows in the final result.
From color proofing sessions to installation supervision, the partnership extended far beyond typical project boundaries, resulting in flags that perfectly captured the artistic vision.
Installation at the Giardini
The flags were installed on Viale Trento, positioned in front of the Central Pavilion at Giardini della Biennale. They serve as the visual gateway to "La Libreria" - the 24-meter temporary bookshop pavilion designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, winners of the Golden Lion.
This prime location means the flags were among the first things visitors saw when entering the Biennale grounds - a responsibility we took seriously in every aspect of the fabrication and installation.
Part of the World's Most Prestigious Architecture Exhibition
International Architecture Exhibition
La Biennale di Venezia
Participants
Largest Biennale in history
National Pavilions
Global representation
Month Duration
May 10 - November 23, 2025
The 19th International Architecture Exhibition was curated by Carlo Ratti, MIT professor and director of the Senseable City Lab. The theme, "Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective." brought together the largest gathering of architects and designers in Biennale history.
Our flags welcomed visitors alongside work by world-renowned architects and institutions, including the Golden Lion-winning La Libreria pavilion by Diller Scofidio + Renfro.
The Result
The Serenissima flags welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors over their seven-month display, becoming one of the most photographed elements of the 2025 Biennale.
Standing at the entrance to the Giardini, the flags served their intended purpose beautifully - announcing DVF's vision of Venice as a woman to the global architecture community while withstanding the demands of Venice's unique environment.
The project stands as a testament to what's possible when world-class clients partner with fabricators who share their commitment to excellence.
See the Project
Project Credits
Client
Diane von Furstenberg
Artist
Konstantin Kakanias
Biennale Curator
Carlo Ratti
La Libreria Architect
Diller Scofidio + Renfro
Fabrication & Installation
Wilson Cetina Group
Book Publisher
Marsilio Arte
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