'Eat the rich': Venice protests shadow Bezos wedding
"Bezos, out of the lagoon", the demonstrators chanted as they wound through the city centre, some brandishing signs that read: "Eat the rich", "Rejected", and accusations that Venice's mayor is "corrupt".
The peaceful protest, held in sweltering heat, was led by the "No place for Bezos" group, which has campaigned for days against what it calls the couple's harmful economic and environmental footprint on the city.
"We are here against what Bezos represents, his model, the Amazon model, based on exploiting people and land," said Alice Bazzoli, 24, an activist with "No Space for Bezos" who has lived in Venice for five years, speaking to AFPTV.
Protesters later unfurled a large "No place for Bezos" banner and lit flares above the famous Rialto Bridge spanning the Grand Canal.
Matteo Battistuta, a 20-year-old student, said he wanted to send the message that "Venice is fighting back, it's not a dead city, it acts in its own interest before tourism's".
"We believe Venice can still be a place worth living in," he added.
Bezos, 61, and Sánchez, 55, exchanged vows during a ceremony Friday evening on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, opposite St Mark's Square.
The ceremony capped off a week of yacht parties and VIP events, due to end with a lavish ball Saturday night -- as Venetians remain divided over the impact on the city's image.
Guests included Ivanka Trump, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, American football star Tom Brady, TV host Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates.
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Local Italy
9 hours ago
- Local Italy
'Eat the rich': Venice protests shadow Bezos wedding
"Bezos, out of the lagoon", the demonstrators chanted as they wound through the city centre, some brandishing signs that read: "Eat the rich", "Rejected", and accusations that Venice's mayor is "corrupt". The peaceful protest, held in sweltering heat, was led by the "No place for Bezos" group, which has campaigned for days against what it calls the couple's harmful economic and environmental footprint on the city. "We are here against what Bezos represents, his model, the Amazon model, based on exploiting people and land," said Alice Bazzoli, 24, an activist with "No Space for Bezos" who has lived in Venice for five years, speaking to AFPTV. Protesters later unfurled a large "No place for Bezos" banner and lit flares above the famous Rialto Bridge spanning the Grand Canal. Matteo Battistuta, a 20-year-old student, said he wanted to send the message that "Venice is fighting back, it's not a dead city, it acts in its own interest before tourism's". "We believe Venice can still be a place worth living in," he added. Bezos, 61, and Sánchez, 55, exchanged vows during a ceremony Friday evening on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, opposite St Mark's Square. The ceremony capped off a week of yacht parties and VIP events, due to end with a lavish ball Saturday night -- as Venetians remain divided over the impact on the city's image. Guests included Ivanka Trump, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, American football star Tom Brady, TV host Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates.
Local Italy
a day ago
- Local Italy
Bezos, Sánchez say 'I do' in a divided Venice
"This city seems impossible! It can't exist and yet, here it is!" an enchanted Bezos told a La Repubblica journalist Thursday who got close to the magnate as he whizzed around the canals by boat. But protesters had a different view, wondering how long Venice can endure: While the billionaires party, activists say the fragile city is sinking, overrun by tourists, and a victim of depopulation as locals unable to pay soaring rents are forced out. "No Kings, No Bezos" read a sign in green neon projected on the St Mark's Campanile tower on Thursday night. Serenaded Sánchez late Friday posted a photo on Instagram -- under a new name, laurensanchezbezos -- showing her in a long flowing white dress and him in black tie, though it did not provide any indication where it was taken. Bezos and Sánchez, a former news anchor and entertainment reporter, celebrated their nuptials with guests including Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey and Orlando Bloom. The tech magnate, 61, and Sánchez, 55, are staying at the Aman hotel, a luxury 16th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal with a view of the Rialto bridge. Other A-list guests are staying at the Gritti Palace and the St. Regis. The couple exchanged vows at a black-tie ceremony on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore Friday afternoon, according to Italian media reports. The wedding is thought to have taken place in a vast open-air amphitheatre on the island, which sits across from Venice's iconic St Mark's Square. The newlyweds were to be serenaded by Matteo Bocelli, son of the famed opera singer Andrea Bocelli, reports said. Michelin-starred chef Fabrizio Mellino prepared the wedding dinner, while the cake has been made by French pastry chef Cedric Grolet, the Corriere della Sera said. Sánchez is alleged to have prepared 27 outfits to wear during the festivities. 'Enchanted' Wedding guests snapped by paparazzi as they hopped into boats included Jordan's Queen Rania, French luxury goods executive Francois-Henri Pinault, American football player Tom Brady, US fashion designer Spencer Antle, the singer Usher, and Ivanka Trump, daughter of US President Donald Trump, and her husband Jared Kushner. The guests reportedly lunched Thursday in the gardens of Villa Baslini, on the islet of San Giovanni Evangelista. The celebrations are set to end Saturday with a party likely at the Arsenale, a vast shipyard complex dating back to when the city was a naval powerhouse. Bezos and Sánchez are donating three million euros ($3.5 million) to the city, according to Veneto's regional president Luca Zaia, and are employing historic Venetian artisans. Venice's oldest pastry maker Rosa Salva is baking 19th-century "fishermen's biscuits" for party bags that will also contain something by Laguna B, renowned for its handblown Murano glass. Trump and her family visited a glass-blowing workshop on the small island of Murano on Wednesday, according to the owner. "They were amazed and enchanted by the magic of glass," Massimiliano Schiavon told the Corriere della Sera, adding that the family had a go at blowing glass. Venice, home to the oldest film festival in the world, is used to VIPs whizzing around in speed boats, and happily hosted the star-studded nuptials of Hollywood actor George Clooney in 2014. Some say this wedding too brings good business. Italy's tourism ministry said Friday it expected the wedding to bring the city nearly one billion euros, with about 895 million of that estimated to come from the "media visibility" generated. But critics say Bezos, one of the world's richest men and founder of a company regularly scrutinised for how it treats its workers, is different. "Tax Billionaires", read protest signs along canals. "In the time it takes you to read this, Jeff Bezos's wealth has increased by more than your monthly salary", they read in English and Italian. Environmental activists have also pointed to the carbon footprint of the mega yachts and dozens of private jets -- at least 95 -- bringing the rich and famous to the city. But Samuel Silvestri, a 55-year-old salesman, welcomed the extravaganza. "Over-tourism is caused by those people who come with a backpack and their own food, and contribute very little," he said, "not those who transform Venice into a mini-Monte Carlo. This marriage helps the image of the city." Italy's health ministry has issued a red heat alert for Venice for the weekend, part of a heatwave affecting much of southern Europe.
Grazia USA
3 days ago
- Grazia USA
How to Look Like *That Girl* This Fourth of July — Shop 11 of Our Favorite Looks From Revolve
Fourth of July outfits; Photo Credits: Revolve If there's one thing hotter than the Fourth of July fireworks, it's a perfectly styled outfit that screams main character energy . Whether you're beachside with a drink in hand or headed to a rooftop soirée, Revolve has everything you need to nail the all-American aesthetic with a fashion-forward twist. This season, it's all about reimagining red, white, and blue in cool, contemporary ways. Think effortless co-ord sets in patriotic palettes that feel more fashion girl than flag-waver. From bold red gingham swimsuits with matching sarongs to breezy navy blue with white trim linen sets and on-trend baby blue styles, these pieces strike the perfect balance between festive and chic. Planning a poolside celebration? Level up your swimwear game with cutout one-piece suits and ultra-feminine bikinis with baby bows that blend sexy and cottage-core silhouettes. Look for colored trims, barely there stripes, and bow details — paired with sheer mesh cover-ups or a sarong that moves with the breeze. Accessories are what take your look from cute to *that girl*. Cute kitten heels in firetruck red, shades of white and off white, and powder and navy blue, leather clutches, and Y2K-inspired shoulder bags add the perfect playful punch. Don't forget a headscarf and a pair of tinted sunglasses to give your outfit that extra edge. And for those keeping it chill but still wanting to serve a moment? Try an on-trend co-ord set in a breathable cotton or lightweight linen — elevated enough for sunset cocktails, but comfy enough to wear all day long. Ready to turn heads this holiday? Scroll on to shop our favorite Revolve outfits that will guarantee you're the best-dressed at the barbecue, the pool party, or wherever the night takes you this Fourth of July. 11 Fashionable Fourth of July 'Fits to Wear This Holiday Weekend Look #1 : Rosé & Revelry LPA Lilah Top, $89: SHOP NOW LPA Lilah Short, $99: SHOP NOW Casa Clara Nora Hand Knit Headscarf, $36: SHOP NOW Look #2 : All-White Wardrobe DEVON WINDSOR Sasha Jacket , $185: SHOP NOW DEVON WINDSOR Jace Skirt , $135: SHOP NOW Look #3 : Born to Stand Out Show Me Your Mumu Colby Vest Top, $178: SHOP NOW Show Me Your Mumu All Night Skort, $138: SHOP NOW Schutz Diana Mid Sandal, $128: SHOP NOW Look #4 : Main Character in America Montce Swim Rosa Devin Bikini Top, $134: SHOP NOW Montce Swim Lulu Bikini Bottom, $88: SHOP NOW superdown Elena Maxi Dress, $88: SHOP NOW Look #5 : Patriotism, But Make It Fashion Damson Madder Tula Smock Cami, $65: SHOP NOW Damson Madder Tula Frilly Hem Trouser, $65: SHOP NOW Look #6 : Playful Powder Blues Camila Coelho Lotta Top, $149: SHOP NOW Camila Coelho Lotta Midi Skirt, $179: SHOP NOW 3JUIN Elis Sandals, $465: SHOP NOW Look #7 : Hot Girl Hot Shorts WeWoreWhat Muscle Tank, $89: SHOP NOW WeWoreWhat Knit Pull On Hot Short, $89: SHOP NOW RAYE Carrie Sandal, $158: SHOP NOW Mansur Gavriel Bonbon Bag, $395: SHOP NOW Look #8 : Poolside With a Side of Drama Lovers and Friends Cover Up Tee, $78: SHOP NOW Seafolly Slide Tri Top, $98: SHOP NOW Seafolly Slide Tie Side Rio Pant, $98: SHOP NOW Polo Ralph Lauren Medium Tote, $598: SHOP NOW Look #9 : Firecracker Chic GIGI C Megan One Piece, $195: SHOP NOW Look #10 : Sundaze in the USA Bec + Bridge Esra Scarf Top, $160: SHOP NOW Bec + Bridge Esra Mini Skirt, $200: SHOP NOW Le Specs Soiree Sunglasses, $99: SHOP NOW Look #11 : Kissed by the Fireworks VDM Gigi Bikini Top, $65: SHOP NOW VDM Livi Reversible Bikini Bottom , $65: SHOP NOW VDM Cecilia Sarong, $85: SHOP NOW
