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Florentine craftsmanship on the high fashion catwalk

The excellence of the Florentine craftsmanship, from leather goods to jewelry, always attracts high fashion designers. Ask Dolce & Gabbana.

The Devil wears… Florentine craftsmanship. Last year, in September, the first post-covid high fashion event in the world took place in the Salone dei ‘500 in Palazzo Vecchio, with the Dolce & Gabbana fashion show. For the occasion, the two stylists chose to collaborate closely with some of the best Florentine artisans whose shops and traditions have made Tuscany and Italy known all over the world for high-quality handmade products.

“For us, the Florentine Renaissance represents extraordinary, pure creativity and manual skill at the highest level, as well as a love for art, handmade crafts and Italy; these have always been cornerstones of our work. Involving the artisans was a natural choice, we were won over by their wisdom, mastery and devotion”, commented Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.

The artisans selected by the renowned D&G brand are just a restricted group range from those who worked on the fabrics, to precious stones and materials, including leather, silver, gold, wood, terracotta, silk, feathers, and many others. 

Photo credits: https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/dolce-gabbana-alta-moda-florence-2020

Luxury Florentine Artisans

Perfume - The historic Officina Profumo Farmaceutica of Santa Maria Novella. Formed first as a pharmacy in the convent of Santa Maria Novella in 1612, it has since been producing perfumes and cosmetics that are truly unique and can still be purchased today at Via della Scala n16.

Jewellery - Paolo Penko in Via Zanetti, a master of jewels, especially his signature Fiorino. Some of his unique pieces have even become part of collections at the Bargello and the Museo degli Argenti in Palazzo Pitti. Then, the top-quality jewellery of the Piccini Brothers on Ponte Vecchio, and two silver artisans: Pampaloni in Via del Gelsomino, whose creations were exhibited at MoMA in New York, and Brandimarte in Via del Moro, founded in 1955.

Tuscan leather – there was naturally a collaboration with the Cuoio di Toscana Consortium for the leather used for soles, obtained using artisanal processing techniques for which Florence is world-famous. This is also the case with the Leather School, created after the World War II thanks to a collaboration between the Franciscan Friars of Santa Croce and the Gori and Casini families. Even today, the school in Via San Giuseppe behind the Basilica holds courses for students from all over the world and teaches the art of leather.
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Silk, Crystal and Feathers - three exclusive elements representing true luxury were chosen by D&G to give that extra special touch. The master craftsmen are: Antico Setificio Fiorentino in via Lorenzo Bartolini and Moleria Locchi who engrave and work crystal in Via Burchiello. They are both located in the Florentine Oltrarno, where you can find many artisans’ workshops.

Mazzanti Piume, in Via Reginaldo Giuliani, on the other hand, specializes in transforming feathers and silk flowers into chic ornaments for hats and dresses, a work they have done since 1935.

Mosaics, Scagliola and Frames - three artisans brought Florentine excellence to the stage by creating true works of art from solid materials. Scarpelli Mosaici - Opificio del Commesso Fiorentino in Via Ricasoli, has a tradition of mosaics made from semiprecious stones. Bianco Bianchi are the masters of scagliola, selenite, and moonstone; they exhibit in Borgo San Jacopo which can be visited by appointment. La Bottera d'Arte Maselli in Via De 'Ginori are wood craftsmen and splendid frames.

Bags and made-to-measure shoes – and lastly, two experts in accessories and shoes. Dimitri Villoresi has been crafting bespoke bags since 1985, handmade using only knives, awl, scissors, needle and thread in his shop nestled in the San Frediano district. And finally, Saskia's bespoke men's shoes completely handmade in Via di Santa Lucia.

Photo credits: https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/dolce-gabbana-alta-moda-florence-2020

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Photo header credits: https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/dolce-gabbana-alta-moda-florence-2020