Shopping
Florence is one of the world’s Fashion and shopping capitals and the birthplace of some of Italy’s most important brand names: Gucci, Ferragamo and Cavalli, Enrico Pucci, Patrizia Pepe and Enrico Coveri to name a few, who design, produce and present their collections in Florence.
The leading Men’s, Women’s and Children’s collections are presented here every year on occasion of events linked to the Pitti, however there are also many events linked to the presentation of methods and materials that influence world fashion the following year.
Thanks to the local presence of many fashion houses, there are also various designer outlets, such as The Mall in Leccio, just outside of Florence, which can easily be reached by car or shuttle bus.
Here you will find fashion, footwear and accessories by the most renowned international designers such as Alexander Mc Queen, Bottega Veneta, Fendi, Dior, Burberry, Hogan, Tod's and many others.
There are a number of city centre stores for even the most demanding fashionistas, with the famous Luisa Via Roma for example, located in Via Roma, just a stone's throw away from Piazza Repubblica, which organises interesting events, including exhibitions, performances and exclusive collection presentations.
Another popular store is Flow, in Via dei Vecchietti, which sells casual designer fashion and accessories.
The production of footwear and leather goods has deep roots in Florence, hence in addition to the more or less famous designers, there are many small workshops selling top quality products, especially in the Oltrarno area or along via dei Tornabuoni, which boasts excellent fashion boutiques such as Sartoria Martinaro or Ugolini as well as Trussardi, Gucci and Armani flagship stores.
In Via dei Tornabuoni you will also find important names in the jewellery and watch making sector, such as Tiffany, Cartier, Bulgari, Pomellato, Damiani and Rolex.
Florence is also a popular destination for vintage enthusiasts: the entire Santo Spirito area is brimming with stores full of vintage clothing and accessories, which are original and in perfect condition.
A point of reference for vintage aficionados is the A.N.G.E.L.O. boutique in Via dei Cimatori, just a stone’s throw away from Piazza della Signoria. This space was designed by Alessandro Moradei, one of the curators of the Vintage Selection fair held annually at the Stazione Leopolda, which over the past few years has become an event of international proportion.
In Via dei Pecori you will find Gerard Loft, which stocks designer and select vintage clothing and accessories.
The Santo Spirito area is also famous for its antique and vintage furniture shops, especially for 1950s and 1960s design and the same applies to Via Dei Serragli.
In Via Fossi, Via Maggio and in Borgo Ognissanti there are more classic antique shops and, for those looking for something truly special, there is Maison Bibellot, an auction house specialising in antiques located near the American Embassy.
Florence also has many antiques markets that may hold pleasant surprises, especially for small objects. The most famous is the Mercato delle Pulci (Flea Market) held near Piazza Santa Croce.
Goldsmithing and jewellery-making are other Florentine specialties. The most famous jewellers’, also known for their splendid location, are those located on the Ponte Vecchio.
There is no shortage of ceramics workshops, yet another Florentine tradition, where one can find ceramics and porcelains for everyday use or fine ornamental works made that are hand-made and hand-painted as tradition dictates.
Last but not least, there are a number of private art galleries that exhibit the works of artists from all corners of the globe.
