Rachel Birthistle Studio x Soco
VILLA BALBIANO, OSSUCCIO - COMO (IT)
MENAGGIO PIAZZA - COMO (IT)
VICTORIA BEACH - MENAGGIO - COMO (IT)
September 2024
MENAGGIO PIAZZA - COMO (IT)
VICTORIA BEACH - MENAGGIO - COMO (IT)
September 2024
Rachel Birthistle Studio crafted a layered celebration across Lake Como, from a reimagined lakeside piazza takeover to a vibrant beach-inspired party and a formal wedding at Villa Balbiano each day distinct, immersive, and detail-driven.
PROJECT BRIEF
Over three days, the Studio designed a bold and immersive experience on Lake Como. From custom piazza rebranding and beach club illusion to an opulent greenhouse dinner, each event reflected a shift in mood and meticulous visual storytelling.
The celebration opened with a piazza party in Menaggio, where the lakeside square was fully transformed. Rachel Birthistle Studio rebranded the existing restaurants with the couple’s custom logo and a bold red-and-black palette. Building awnings were replaced to match the scheme, while tables dressed in hand-painted Italian linens were arranged in bistro-style groupings. Floral and sculptural vegetable centrepieces gave the space a surreal, celebratory tone.
On day two, weather relocated the beach party indoors, but the Studio brought the shoreline in-laying sand-toned carpeting and installing vintage-style beach cabins along the walls. The table settings featured Lisa Corti linens and vibrant La Double J ceramics, creating a playful, summery energy despite the rain.
The wedding day at Villa Balbiano introduced a more refined tone. The ceremony took place beneath a bespoke dusty blue trellis chuppah, echoed later in the cocktail bars and furniture elements. For dinner, guests entered a custom-built greenhouse tent, where rich rose florals paired with green Versace tableware, crystal, and layered textiles to create a deeply elegant close to the weekend.
On day two, weather relocated the beach party indoors, but the Studio brought the shoreline in-laying sand-toned carpeting and installing vintage-style beach cabins along the walls. The table settings featured Lisa Corti linens and vibrant La Double J ceramics, creating a playful, summery energy despite the rain.
The wedding day at Villa Balbiano introduced a more refined tone. The ceremony took place beneath a bespoke dusty blue trellis chuppah, echoed later in the cocktail bars and furniture elements. For dinner, guests entered a custom-built greenhouse tent, where rich rose florals paired with green Versace tableware, crystal, and layered textiles to create a deeply elegant close to the weekend.
