Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
But serious shoppers keen to delve into a city synonymous with craft since medieval
times will discover plenty of top-quality ateliers, studios and boutiques. Leather goods,
jewellery, hand-embroidered linens, designer fashion, perfume, marbled paper, wine and
gourmet foods are among the distinctively Florentine treats to take home.
Mrs Macis
(
www.mrsmacis.it
;
Borgo Pinti 38r; 4-7.30pm Mon, 10.30am-1pm & 4-7.30pm Tue-Sat)
Workshop
and showroom of the talented Carla Macis, this eye-catching boutique - dollhouse-like in
design - specialises in very feminine 1950s, '60s and '70s clothes and jewellery made
from new and recycled fabrics. Every piece is unique and fabulous.
FASHION
Casini Firenze
(
www.casinifirenze.it
;
Piazza Pitti 30-31r; 10am-7pm Mon-Sat, 11am-6pm Sun)
One of Florence's
oldest and most reputable fashion houses, this lovely boutique across from Palazzo Pitti
keeps its edge thanks to American-Florentine designer and stylist (she does personal
wardrobe consultations) Jennifer Tattanelli.
FASHION
Letizia Fiorini
PUPPETS
(Via del Parione 60r; 10am-7pm Tue-Sat)
This charming shop is a one-woman affair - Letizia
Fiorini sits at the counter and makes her distinctive puppets by hand in-between assisting
customers. You'll find Pulchinella (Punch), Arlecchino the clown, beautiful servant girl
Colombina, Doctor Peste (complete with plague mask), cheeky Brighella, swashbuckling
Il Capitano and many other characters from traditional Italian puppetry.
Giulio Giannini e Figlio
(
www.giuliogiannini.it
;
Piazza Pitti 37r; 10am-7pm Mon-Sat, 11am-6.30pm Sun)
Easy to miss, this
quaint old shopfront has watched Palazzo Pitti turn pink with the evening sun since 1856.
One of Florence's oldest artisan families, the Gianninis - bookbinders by trade - make
and sell marbled paper, beautifully bound books, stationery and so on. Don't miss the
workshop upstairs.
STATIONERY
