The Stars Come Out in Venice

Words: Bill Springer

Photography: Courtesy Ferretti Group

PICTURED: Venice was the perfect backdrop to celebrate Riva's 180th anniversary.

PICTURED: David Beckham and other stars were present when the Gran Teatro La Fenice in Venice was transformed into the most elegant gala venue on earth to celebrate the 180th anniversary of the Riva brand.

Few parties combine the style, mystique, and power of movie stars, F1 drivers, and global sports icons quite like the Riva Gala in Venice.

Over the years, countless movie stars and royalty—always wearing impeccably cool sunglasses—have been photographed having fun aboard these quintessentially-Italian varnished-wood powerboats. In fact, you could say a classic Riva defines the glamour of the French Riviera.

But the Riva mystique is bigger than just one famous model. So, when the time came to celebrate Riva’s 180th anniversary, I had a feeling the party was going to be bigger too.

It wasn’t just another party. The black-tie gala held at the stunning Gran Teatro La Fenice in Venice made sure the brand’s special type of elegance and excitement were celebrated in style.

The excitement actually began before the event even started with the unveiling of the new Riva “Anniversario” at the Riva Lounge at the Gritti Palace. The limited-edition yacht was created to mark this iconic anniversary and also to pay tribute to the Riva Aquarama on its 60th birthday.

The gala also had the buzz of a movie premiere. Gala guests were the first to see Riva The Persuaders!, the short film starring Italian movie star Pierfrancesco Favino, English soccer star David Beckham, and Ferrari Formula 1 star driver Charles Leclerc.