My Italian Highlights
The best of Venice and Florence
Back in May, I visited Venice and Florence, which was, eccezionale! (apologies).
As we all know, Italy is a wondrous place which oozes culture, history, craft, carbs - the list goes on. My trip began in Venice and ended in Florence. As I was browsing the meandering streets of both cities, I was increasingly drawn to the nooks and crannies that house some of the most delightful retail stores you can find. Each bridge crossed and cobble-locked street walked, lay merchant after merchant engaging in all types of craft. Bookbinding, shoe making or local perfumeries, there’s something for everyone.
As I browsed, I took some pictures of my favourite things. I’ve compiled the highlights of Venice and Florence below.
Enjoy!
1. Very cool, very expensive Hangers (V)
Hangers need to be thick and shouldered, for maximum garment care. I am particular about hangers - you won’t find the wired kind in my wardrobe! When I saw these, I imagined all my clothes hanging from them. However, I then saw the price tag (see below).
Based in Genoa, ‘Giobagnara’ manufactures the finest leather goods, with all products produced in Italy. They practically make everything you could think of, from board games to cabinets. Beautiful products, ouch prices.
2. Shoes made by hand (V)
The dangling shoe forms caught my eye as I wandered by. When I entered, I was met by a lady who turned out to be the maker of all the shoes in the store. Behind the intimate retail space lay her workshop of footwear creations.
I got chatting to her and she asked where I was from. Apparently, she travels to Ireland every year to meet a client who has their shoes made by her hands.
3. Liverano & Liverano (F)
Along with the Duomo and the Statue of David, L&L was another key attraction on my Florentine hit list. Antonio and his team of tailors are core to the Florentine tailoring tradition. I first came across L&L a few years back in a coffee table book about Italian tailors and shirtmakers. Among the 100s of Italian tailors featured in the book, L&L was one of the most highly regarded. By Italian standards, that’s serious cred.
As you enter you're met by various products part of their ready-to-wear collection such as shirts, ties, suspenders and socks. But as you walk through the mahogany-panelled walls, you enter their workshop where tailors are cutting and sewing their next bespoke creation.
For anyone interested in tailoring, bespoke or retail excellence, L&L is a sure stop on your list of things to do.
4. Piedaterre Venetian Slippers (V)
Piedaterre is the original authentic Venetian slipper. Each pair is made in the Venetian homes of the craftspeople, stitching everything by hand.
Note: Do you see all those shoe trees? Read my piece on the unsung shoe tree here !
5. Brown Leather Braided Belt (V)
Giorgio welcomed me as I entered ‘Quorami’, a leather workshop along the streets of Saint Marco. I’ve needed a new belt for some time and after visiting various stores, Quorami’s selection and Giorgio’s warm welcome sealed the deal.
When I decided on my new braided belt, it was too long. Giorgio took it from me and (in broken English) told me, that he would shorten it to fit my waist size. He took it apart and began altering the length. He did it once and it was still too long, so he started again to make sure the belt was just right.
Below, he is working on the shortening of the belt.
6. Stone Island Junior (F)
Never too young to be badged up…
Stone Island Junior is located in an area with some other contemporary stores and brands. My numero uno Margaret Howell is next door, and I came across the WP Store which houses brands like Beams Plus, Paraboot, Nanamica, EG and more. Worth a visit.
7. Missoni Socks (F)
Drawers full of Missoni Socks. I nearly paid the €45, but I held strong. All the colours and patterns are hard to resist…
8. Il Papiro Stationery (V)
Il Papiro hails from Firenze, but they also have some stores spotted around Venice. As I was walking around, I popped into the wonderful Il Papiro store near Marco Square. The highly artisan production of Il Papiro covers a variety of items from bound diaries, desk accessories, frames, and stationery. The items are produced with methods in the best tradition of Italian craftsmanship. Stationery and cards are carefully printed using varied printing techniques on watermarked papers and 100% cotton card stock.
Similar to bookstores, there’s a certain therapy to stationery shops. The infinite creativity, knowledge and love that can be expressed via the products in stationary stores, stirs an excitement in all of us.
I suddenly felt compelled to communicate exclusively by handwritten card, so I picked up some hand-embossed cards for a special Birthday and a Thank You card to express the next message of gratitude.
9. Ferragamo Shower Gel and Shampoo
Florence is the birthplace of Salvatore Ferragamo. Along with comfortable, supple footwear, they also make excellent body care products. The Hotel I was staying at, is owned by the shoe making family, so there’s plenty of Ferragamo paraphernalia dotted around the premises. Safe to say, I snook some home with me.
10. This Cocktail Menu
To conclude, a reassuring note before your next drink.
That’s a wrap for my Italian highlights. There were more stores and food spots I ventured to, so if anyone is going soon, lmk!