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UPCYCLING COUTURE AND LIFESTYLE
From a professional meeting to love at first sight, there's only one step! The opening of the Venitz Biarritz boutique in 2020 is the fruit of this, the result of the meeting between Morgane Catteau and Rudy Cohen . The young woman, trained in gold embroidery, spent 14 intense years in the Chanel workshops. A former professional snowboarder, Rudy Cohen is a specialist in business development and marketing for big names in snowboarding and ethical brands. Mixed between the good vibe of Venice Beach and the codes of the elegant Biarritz city, their feminine brand, which takes its name from the contraction of Venice and Biarritz, was designed around a boutique-workshop concept within which the young woman can give free rein to her creativity. It works to revalorize scraps of fabrics and materials from dormant stocks of major houses, specialized platforms such as Nona Source , La Réserve des Arts , Uptrade or donations. This couture upcycling takes shape on second-hand jackets, mainly in denim. “The casual aspect of denim contrasts with the chic of high-end fabrics,” emphasizes Rudy Cohen. Handcrafted, these unique pieces are priced between 250 and 600 euros under the Venitz Créations brand. Faced with the growth of this activity, the workshop within the store, which had become too cramped, is now located in the Côte des Basques district, a few kilometers away.
SELECTIVE MULTI-BRAND OF COMMITTED LABELS
The creations of the little hand rub shoulders with a favorite selection of eco-friendly labels and local creators who share the couple's values. Ready-to-wear, accessories, jewelry, cosmetics, literary works are part of reasoned consumption, like the small leather goods signed Manegane handcrafted in the neighboring street from leather from dormant stocks of large houses , or Clae sneakers. Since this summer, the pair have launched By Venitz , their ready-to-wear collection with Californian inspirations. Designed by Morgane, the models in natural and/or recycled materials are manufactured in small series in Portugal. This couture-inspired women's fashion capsule boasts relaxed elegance. After great success during a temporary corner at Kiliwatch Paris , this range is intended to be distributed in concept stores and multi-brands.
In 2021, a second lifestyle point of sale, dedicated to men, opened on the sidewalk opposite, avenue de Verdun. Venitz Gentlemen unveils a surfwear and casual chic universe through an assortment of eco-responsible products. The duo's CSR commitment and circular economy approach extend to the layout of the stores, fitted out with antique, recycled and renovated furniture. An e-commerce site completes the distribution of house brands and referenced labels for men and women. In the growth phase, Venitz is currently preparing to open its capital.
A BRAND A PLACE OF LIVING AND ENGAGEMENT
Particularly dynamic, the pair multiplies actions and collaborations. The life of the stores is punctuated by various events and commitments. Every summer Venitz organizes a fashion show in emblematic places of the seaside town. Partner of the Biarritz Cuisine Social Club culinary festival for which it equips chefs with organic cotton aprons, the brand is collaborating with the jewelry store La Forgerie in Biarritz through a collection of eco-designed jewelry. “During the Venitz Beach Clean'ups organized on the region's beaches, we find small treasures like pieces of glass polished by the waves. Sea Glass becomes unique jewelry set in 3 micron gold, available in necklace pendants, earrings, rings and bangles. » The highlight of this association, an auction will be organized for the benefit of the NGO Surfrider Foundation for which Morgane will embroider polished glasses on a jacket with gold thread. The opportunity for the small business, member of the philanthropic community 1% For The Planet (which donates 1% of its turnover to finance ecological actions), to raise awareness among its customers and the general public about the protection of the environment. environment.