Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Florence is famous for its exquisite marbled paper and this well-known, fourth-genera-
tion bookbinder and restorer has been making sheets of the stuff by hand since 1908.
Come here to buy paper, leather-bound journals and colourful cards.
(Via del Parione 35r;
10am-7pm)
21
Le Gare 24
FASHION
Waltz into this retro boutique near the river, note the bright turquoise sofa with hairy
fuschia-pink cushions and know you're in one of the best addresses in town for cutting-
edge fashion.
(Borgo d'Ognissanti 24r;
10am-8pm Mon-Sat)
22
Loretta Caponi
FASHION
An old family name dressing the aristocracy for eons, this utterly gorgeous shop sells
hand-embroidered sleepwear, bed and table linen, as well as slippers, bathrobes and ex-
quisitely smocked children's clothes.
(
www.lorettacaponi.com
;
Piazza degli Antinori 4r;
10am-7pm
Mon-Fri & Sat morning Mar-Oct, closed Mon afternoon Nov-Feb)
Local Life
Florence's Oldest Perfumery-Pharmacy
Florentines - and Italians generally - are huge fans of
erboristi
(shops selling botanical or herbal products), and
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
(
www.smnovella.it
; Via della Scala 16;
9.30am-7.30pm), established way back in 1612, is without doubt the best-loved
erborista
in the city. The busi-
ness took off when the Dominican friars of Santa Maria Novella began to concoct cures and sweet-smelling un-
guents using medicinal herbs cultivated in the monastery garden, and monks have been selling a range of fra-
grances, remedies, teas and skin-care products ever since.
