Cà Select is a true celebration of Venetian splendour, serving as a multifunctional venue and promotional space for the renowned Bitter created by Studio Marcante-Testa. Located in a former metalworking lab in the Cannaregio district, known for its Jewish ghetto and trendy spots, Cà Select balances past and present, reinterpreting the baroque, detail-rich lagoon interiors through a contemporary lens.
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The space is defined by the craftsmanship and red hue of the iconic aperitif served and explored here, complemented by lighting from the historic lagoon brand Fortuny.
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From Bitter Select Production to Tasting
Select was founded in Venice in 1920. This vermilion bitter, a key ingredient in the ‘true’ Venetian spritz, is now part of Montenegro Group, but its unique history and herb-based production, including rhubarb and juniper, remain true to its origins. Cà Select is the home of this aperitif, a place to taste and discover its secrets.
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The 700-square-meter space spans two levels and includes various areas, each with a specific purpose. There is an authentic bar for a drink paired with cicchetti, an event area with lounges and seating for up to 150 people, which can be easily re-configured, a production area with maceration vats, and an exhibit section curated by Studio Fludd that reveals some secrets of Select.
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Marcante-Testa emphasizes: «The overall experience in the space, marked by large curtains, is imagined as a theatrical sequence where the audience becomes the protagonist, much like in the famous ‘Bal Oriental’ (a 1951 masquerade ball still considered the city’s most important event), with life-size moving images enveloping the visitor.»
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Marcante-Testa and Venetian Craftsmanship
Marcante-Testa’s stylistic reinterpretation of Venetian interiors incorporates traditional materials and details, notably the terrazzo flooring and mosaic entrance based on a design by Mariano Fortuny and produced by the historic Fornace Orsoni.
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The bar counter deserves special mention, a unique piece in fused glass using a traditional Murano technique reminiscent of the colour of the sea waves.
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The Lighting of Cà Select Defines the Character of the Spaces
Fortuny products light up Cà Select with high-quality pendants, applique, and floor lamps, reflecting their strong connection to Venice. The red metal structure around the bar area features ‘Scheherazade’ chandeliers, with a slightly oriental vibe, defining the space’s rhythm. In the event area, ‘Studio’ floor lamps with their distinctive tripods provide accent lighting, complemented by silk-shaded pendants including ‘Peonia,’ ‘Loto,’ ‘Imperiale,’ and ‘Favorita.’