January 8, 2024

Style

The best fashion shops in Florence

The most famous brands and the most exclusive goodies for your head-turning purchases

The official consecration of Florence as the capital of Italian fashion came on 12 February 1951, when Giovanni Battista Giorgini, who at the time was buying products of Italian craftsmanship for large American shops, invited some of his most important customers to attend the first Italian haute couture fashion show. The couturiers present - including Antonelli, Schubert, Simonetta, Sorelle Fontana, Emilio Pucci, among the most famous - were welcomed into the 18th-century salon of his house in Via dei Serragli. From here, a succession of events followed: the opening of the Sala Bianca in Palazzo Pitti, the birth of the Florence Centre for Italian Fashion, with fashion shows first at Palazzo Pitti then at Palazzo Strozzi, until the arrival of Pitti Uomo in 1972 (Click here to discover the story of Giovanni Battista Giorgini and the origins of Made in Italy, while here you can discover all the events linking Florence and Italian haute couture).

The city, home to some of the greatest maisons that symbolise Italian-made goods worldwide, from Gucci to Salvatore Ferragamo, from Emilio Pucci to Gherardini, from Roberto Cavalli to Stefano Ricci, further strengthens its importance in the Italian fashion scene. But what are the fashion streets? The beating heart of Florentine shopping is Via de' Tornabuoni, which runs from the Santa Trinita bridge to Piazza Antinori. The imposing Palazzo Spini Feroni houses the Salvatore Ferragamo shop and its museum, which boasts a large collection of shoes made by the maison and works of fine craftsmanship. Continuing on, Ermenegildo Zegna, Céline, Montblanc, Prada, Gucci (discover our unprecedented tour inside the Gucci archives here), Bulgari, Tod's, Hogan, Pomellato, Ermanno Scervino. Perpendicular to Via de' Tornabuoni is Via della Vigna Nuova, home to brands such as La Perla, Lacoste, Etro, Loropiana. On the other side of Via de' Tornabuoni, Via della Vigna Nuova becomes Via degli Strozzi, home to Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Dolce&Gabbana, Cartier and many others. In Piazza Signoria, you will find the Chanel universe and the new Valentino boutique, while Via Roma is a must, not only for the Miu Miu flagship store, but also for Luisaviaroma, a multi-brand boutique that is a reference point for fashion in the city.

Throughout the city, the ancient tradition of handicrafts is still alive and well, especially in the Oltrarno thanks to the workshops that hand down their craft from generation to generation. In San Frediano, San Niccolò or Santo Spirito, it is possible to take a suggestive journey through tradition, manual skills and creativity, through centuries-old workshops, but also new workshops of young artisans who have fallen in love with these arts (Here is our itinerary in the best craft workshops in Florence).

But back in the historical centre, we take a complete tour of the city's most beautiful boutiques. If you are looking for the best jewellery shops in Florence, click here. Here instead you will find the best perfume artisans in the city.

BOTTEGA VENETA FIRENZE

From the soft and sensual bags, appreciated worldwide, to high jewelry, from men's and women's ready-to-wear to perfumery: craftsmanship as an absolute value. 360 square meters spread over two levels, handles covered in leather, mohair wall coverings, carpets in pure New Zealand wool dyed to order. A discreet and sensual chromatic palette of neutral colors and earth tones enhances the sense of privacy, sophistication, and comfort (Via degli Strozzi, 6).

CHANEL

Chic design in lacquer white and matte black for the Chanel boutique, which opened its doors in the historic heart of the city. Huge windows open a dialogue between the glossy interior and the historic allure of Piazza della Signoria (Piazza della Signoria, 11).

DIOR

On 12 February 1947, at 10.30 a.m., Christian Dior presented his first collection to the press at the age of 42. Unprecedented silhouettes, elongated lines and volumes, narrow waists and sexy bustiers. It was Carmel Snow, editor-in-chief of Harpers Bazaar, who first coined the term 'New Look'. It is the birth of a legend. In Florence, Dior found its chosen home in Via de' Tornabuoni, the salon of luxury shopping. The space designed by the famous Peter Marino reflects the quintessence of French aesthetics, in a refined atmosphere where the maison's elegance, luxury and timeless innovation dominate (via degli Strozzi, 17 - ph. +39 055 2670731; via de' Tornabuoni, 15r - ph. +39 055 266911).

DOLCE&GABBANA

Welcome to the Florentine realm of Dolce&Gabbana, one of the leading international fashion and luxury groups that, since 1985, has been able to shape trends according to a unique and undisputed style (Piazza della Signoria, 26r - ph. +39 055 281003).

EMPORIO ARMANI

Launched by Giorgio Armani in 1981, Emporio Armani is the pioneering line of the fashion house. Its logo, the characteristic eagle, has become a symbol of belonging for young people all over the world who love the Armani style and choose young, dynamic fashion. The collection has evolved rapidly over the years. Today it has its own distinct identity but parallel to the Maison's first line and also includes a complete line of eyewear, watches and jewellery (via Roma, 14r - ph. +39 055 284315).

EREDI CHIARINI

A history, that of the Chiarini family, that starts with grandmother Gennì who, since 1894, has been able to instil that philosophy of elegance that hovers in the Florentine boutique Eredi Chiarini in Via Porta Rossa. Inside a warm family atmosphere, an ideal pentagram hovers over every room. Musical memory and undisputed style make Eredi Chiarini a temple of men's fashion in the city, from casual to made-to-measure (via Porta Rossa, 33r - ph. +39 055 284478).

ERMANNO SCERVINO

In 2000, the Maison Ermanno Scervino, headed by Ermanno and Toni Scervino, was founded in Florence. Over the years, it has become synonymous with Made in Italy quality and international style. After collaborating with the greatest masters of Italian fashion and luxury, from whom he learnt the secrets of working the finest materials and combining them in a new, precious and glamorous way, designer Ermanno Scervino gives life to his personal collections, where the values of tradition, the most skilful tailoring manual skill and constantly avant-garde technical expertise meet (via degli Strozzi, 32r - ph. +39 055 260 8714).

FALIERO SARTI

The Florentine boutique Faliero Sarti is a world of scarves that is perfectly linked to architecture, art and nature, and perfectly synthesises the values of research in beauty and tradition. The scarves in the Faliero Sarti collection are made and produced in Italy with fine yarns. For each collection, the brand's designer Monica Sarti creates a limited edition themed scarf sold in her boutiques (via della Spada, 24r - ph. +39 055 2396538).

FENDI

Fendi has chosen an ancient palace, the charm of which remains intact, in the heart of Via de' Tornabuoni. Since 1925, the Roman maison has been synonymous with excellent craftsmanship, virtuosity in working with materials, and timeless style (via de' Tornabuoni, 40r - ph. +39 055 212305).

GERARD

Determination, vision, courage, and ideas. These are the choices that become the story of a lifetime, that of Paolo Pecchioli, entrepreneur and fashion designer from Florence, founder of GERARD, an Italian brand with a fictional name, which quickly circled the globe, marking the stylistic avant-garde of fashion for over thirty years. Today's collections carry the same DNA and creativity as always. Fabrics from around the world, hand-washed and hand-dyed, limited editions, small and ongoing capsule collections created in the family's creative studio in Florence, and exclusively made in Italy (via Sassetti, 13r).

GIORGIO ARMANI

With the Giorgio Armani collection, created in 1975, the designer revolutionised men's and women's fashion by changing proportions and focusing on fluidity. Since then, the line has never stopped evolving and has become a symbol of style all over the world. Today, it is distinguished by the excellence of its production, the extreme attention to detail, the purity of its lines and the use of high quality materials. The Florence boutique is dedicated to both men and women, including make-up and fragrances (via de' Tornabuoni, 83r - ph. +39 055 219041).

GUCCI

Founded in Florence in 1921, the House of Gucci has its flagship store on Via de' Tornabuoni, overlooking the unique setting of Palazzo Strozzi. Opened for the first time in 1967, the boutique covers an area of 1270 square metres: on the ground floor the spaces dedicated to accessories, men's shoes, luggage and a corner whose creativity changes periodically, women's clothing and women's footwear on the first floor and finally the second floor, dedicated to the kids line. Another exclusive Gucci treasure chest, dedicated to the House's accessories, is housed in the timeless setting of Florence Cathedral. It houses the accessories collection, men's and women's shoes and finally a first floor entirely dedicated to the travel line (via de' Tornabuoni, 73r - ph. +39 055 264011).

GUESS

The GUESS flagship store is located in the nerve centre of Florentine shopping. Not only denim but lifestyle garments and music welcome customers in a young and cosmopolitan ambience. The campaign images refer to the glamorous and sophisticated elegance, unmistakably typical of the Guess woman and man. The concept of the light and modern spaces was designed in harmony with the GUESS philosophy to offer a unique shopping experience. Since its debut opening in 1994, the GUESS brand has gone from strength to strength, currently boasting an Italian retail presence of 108 proprietary shops (Via degli Speziali, 9r - ph. +39 055 213068).

HERMÈS

Hermès welcomes the public to its historic boutique in the heart of Florence. 300 square metres in Piazza Antinori, lit by four shop windows on the street and made special by the interior with frescoed ceilings, cherry wood furniture and the Ex-libris on the mosaic floor at the entrance. The shop houses the women's and men's ready-to-wear collections, shoes, silk, perfumes, bags and small leather goods, watches, jewellery and the equestrian collection. A large area of the boutique is also dedicated to furnishing accessories and the art of the table. The constant search for the highest quality, this has always been the aim of Hermès. Since its birth in 1837, six generations of artisans have contributed to the diffusion of its values: a savoir-faire that is the result of the cult for the best materials worked with excellence, the love for beautiful objects created to last and the spirit of innovation (Piazza degli Antinori, 6r - ph. +39 055 2381004).

HOGAN

It was 1986 when Hogan was born and gave life to a new footwear concept, the Luxury Sneaker, capable of harmoniously blending sporting codes and urban elegance, with the quality of the best leathers combined with continuous experimentation. In November 2001, after careful renovation that maintained the style, furnishings and signage unchanged, the Antica Profumeria Inglese in Florence, founded in 1843, became the new Hogan space in the city. A combination that highlights the very high quality of the products, restoring new splendour to the ancient and evocative shop so dear to the Florentines (via de' Tornabuoni, 97 - ph. +39 055 2741013).

IL BISONTE

Il Bisonte is a company of high craftsmanship that for more than 50 years has been an ambassador to the world of the excellence of Tuscan manufacturing tradition. The production philosophy of Il Bisonte is based on an authentic and alternative circular economy founded on environmental, social and consumer sustainability. All bags and accessories are produced within a 30 km radius of Florence, and are the fruit of the talent and experience of the world's best craftsmen. Made to last over time and 100% made in Tuscany, all products are processed using fine vegetable-tanned cowhide or bio-tanned leather, therefore recyclable and compostable. The company constantly invests in protecting and safeguarding ancient manufacturing traditions that have now been forgotten (via del Parione, 31 - ph. +39 055 215722).

LOUIS VUITTON FIRENZE

The space, developed on two levels, houses collections of ready-to-wear for men and women, jewelry, watches, leather goods, footwear, fragrances, accessories, and for the first time in Italy, the Objets Nomades collection. The maison celebrated its presence in Florence with numerous references to the city's culture and art, the cradle of the Renaissance. This is reflected in the chromatic combination of beige-gray "pietra serena," the recurring motif in Florentine architecture, and the marbles used, already employed during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The handrail of the staircase connecting the two levels is covered in leather in the symbolic color of Florence's culture, Florentine blue (Piazza degli Strozzi, 1).

MIU MIU

Miu Miu's design includes an entrance area dedicated exclusively to handbags and accessories, a small, precious central room characterised by walls covered in damask and glass, and a space all around that hosts a lounge with armchairs upholstered in damask silk, large gold carpets and rich mirrored étagères (via Roma, 8r - ph. +39 055 2608931).

POLO RALPH LAUREN

From sophisticated tailored suits to classic college style, Polo Ralph Lauren has always attracted the coolest fashion crowd. The Polo line, which started in 1967 as a men-only collection, was followed the following year by the Lauren line. Today it is a global lifestyle brand that perfectly embodies the American high-class. Always synonymous with timeless style, impeccable quality, iconic polo shirts and knitted flags, Polo Ralph Lauren also brings its most iconic items to Florence (via della Vigna Nuova, 77 - ph. +39 055 284881).

RINASCENTE

Just a few steps from the Duomo, in an elegant palazzo from whose magnificent terrace you can overlook Piazza della Repubblica and the city centre, is the destination point of excellence for high-end shopping. On seven floors, aficionados can choose from men's and women's fashion, cosmetics, home collections, design and food, and appreciate the special attention paid to authentic Tuscan craftsmanship and tailoring. On the top floor, you can taste the delicious dishes of Toscanino (Piazza della Repubblica, 4 - ph. +39 02 91387388).

SAINT LAURENT

Founded in 1961, Yves Saint Laurent was the first fashion house to launch the concept of luxury ready-to-wear in 1966 with the creation of the 'Saint Laurent Rive Gauche' line, synonymous with youth and freedom. This change represented a fundamental first step in the modernisation of fashion and revolutionised the socio-cultural scenario. Over the years, the Maison's revolutionary styles became emblematic cultural and artistic landmarks, and its founder, Yves Saint Laurent, established himself as one of the greatest designers of the 20th century. A member of the Kering group, the Maison has remained true to its identity, always at the forefront of fashion. Today, the Maison offers a complete range of women's and men's ready-to-wear, leather goods, shoes, jewellery and eyewear. Thanks to a licensing agreement, it also has a strong presence in the perfume and cosmetics sector (via de' Tornabuoni, 48 - ph. +39 055 9040100).

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO

The heart of Florentine fashion, Salvatore Ferragamo is a major player in the luxury sector, whose origins can be traced back to 1927. Salvatore Ferragamo has played a fundamental role in the history not only of footwear, but also of international fashion. Purchased by the founder in 1938, Palazzo Spini Feroni is the hub of the Ferragamo world in the city. Inside are the Women's and Men's boutiques and the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum. Footwear defines the brand's historical product and the exclusive Ferragamo's Creations is the precious line of women's shoes, composed of limited edition re-editions of the most famous historical footwear models, on sale in Florence (via de' Tornabuoni, 14r - ph. +39 055 292123).

STEFANO RICCI

Craftsmanship excellence and luxury entirely made in Italy for Stefano Ricci, the Florentine maison that produces men's clothing and accessories. The two annual collections designed by the company's founder Stefano Ricci can be found in Florence in the majestic shop in Palazzo Tornabuoni: 850 square metres, housing clothes that cannot be found elsewhere, customised exclusively according to the shop manager's requests. The Florentine boutique has two surprises in store: the frequent presence of designer Stefano Ricci and a lower floor dedicated to a small treasure trove of design: the SR Home collection (Palazzo Tornabuoni, Via dei Pescioni, 1c - ph. +39 055 210856).

TOD'S

Refinement, impeccable taste, luxury and quality. These are the key characteristics of Tod's. We are in the Palazzo Tornabuoni, built for Giovanni Tornabuoni in the mid-15th century to a design by Michelozzo. This is where the Florentine universe of the historic brand of clothing and accessories handcrafted in Italy is declined. Founded as a small shoe factory in the early 1940s in Casette D'Ete in the Marche region, Tod's is today synonymous with all-Italian excellence. Among the cult bags and absolutely iconic footwear (via de' Tornabuoni, 60r - ph. +39 055 219423).

TRY ME

Try Me bursts onto the Florentine shopping scene in 2017 and brings to the city centre a boutique with an innovative and cutting-edge selection of clothing, which amazes and fascinates with women's clothes of the highest quality. A bright, well-organised environment on two floors, where one breathes modernity and informality. Always in step with the times, Try Me wants to constantly renew women's wardrobes and meet their needs so that they always feel fashionable, adding an irreverent touch to their style (via Porta Rossa, 42r - ph. +39 055 291448).

VALENTINO

Fashion as the writing of time, the atelier that produces aesthetics and thought. Founded in Rome in 1960, the Maison Valentino is one of the highest expressions of savoir faire couture and excellence Made in Italy. Under the Creative Direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli, values evolve: grace and gentleness, in manners and lines; individuality as the joy of plurality; beauty as emotion. The same concept is the leitmotif of the Florentine boutique, where the atmosphere of a palazzo is a departure from the pure showroom and promotes a new architectural format in place of the more traditional boutique structure. On sale are the Valentino women's collections, Valentino Garavani accessories, eyewear and silk; and fragrances (Piazza della Signoria, 13 - ph. +39 055 293142).

ZEGNA BOUTIQUE

With one of the most beautiful views of the Arno River, the Ermenegildo Zegna boutique houses all the collections of the sophisticated men's brand. From the exclusive made-to-measure service, to the formal proposals of Modern Tailoring, to Luxury Leisurewear, the most refined expression of informal clothing, to the ZZegna collection where tradition and tailoring meet innovation and technological research (via de' Tornabuoni, 3r - ph. +39 055 264254).

ZIMMERMANN

In keeping with the brand's Australian origins, the Florentine boutique was designed by Studio McQualter and is approximately 160 square metres. The works of art throughout the shop are by Australian artists such as Jordy van den Nieuwendijk, Pia Murphy, Guy Warren and Nori Lindsay, while the furniture is a mix of original and vintage pieces, including a lounge chair by Warren Platner and tulip chairs by Eero Saarinen from 1957 (via de' Tornabuoni, 7r).