Florence may be the birthplace of some of Italy’s most famed fashion houses (*cough cough* Ferragamo and Pucci) and the designer may dominate streets like Via Tornabuoni, but independent shops and creatives still hold their own in the city. We already have articles dedicated to the city’s great vintage scene and wide range of bookstores, so these stores aren’t included, but here are 24 places–a blend of boutiques, antiques, and artisans–for one-of-a-kind items to add a hint of the modern Renaissance City to your wardrobe and/or home.
Ippogrifo – Open since 1977, this workshop carries on an even older tradition, that of acqua forte-etched and hand-painted prints, carried on in Florence for over 500 years. Founder Gianni Raffaelli incises the images by hand on thin copper plates and prints limited edition copies by a hand press, and then his wife, Francesca Bellesi, hand paints them. Whether landscapes or still lifes, the prints have got a healthy dose of italianità, from a moka pot and recipe for parmigiana di melanzane to fields of Tuscan poppies and a cypress-lined road in the Val d’Orcia.
I Visionari – This independent eyewear shop, in an old stationary store, is run by sibling duo Elena and Emiliano who curate their modern and vintage frames like an art exhibition. Each beautifully-designed pair of glasses and sunglasses is made by international creatives and craftsmen. Between their cool space, their artful collection, and the fact that you can get prescription-less sunglasses, it’s worth a stop in even if you have 20/20 eyesight.
Bronzetto – Since 1963, this art studio has been crafting–you guessed it–exquisite bronze pieces, from outdoor furniture for your terrazza to knobs, hooks, and handles to add a touch bespoke design to your cabinets and doors. Plus, their handcrafted lamps, which look more like art pieces than light fixtures, are some of the most stunning we’ve ever seen.
Riccardo Barthel – With locations in both Florence and Forte dei Marmi, father-and-son-duo Riccardo and Francesco have created an interior design store that’s based on Florentine craftsmanship but has international elegance in spades. From kitchen appliances and wood floors to upholstery and furniture, their products have garnished houses, hotels, restaurants, and yachts. No detail is left unnoticed, from shower curtain rods to faucet handles, and the vintage furniture collection is particularly impressive.
Argentiere Pagliai – With 80 years of experience, this workshop specializes in custom and ready-made silver objects, along with silver conservation, restoration, repair, and cleaning. The designs and figures are deeply Italian, modeled after things like salt cellars from Genova and artifacts in Florence’s Pitti museum; in the 1950s, they introduced a limited collection made in collaboration with Tiffany & Co.
Giovanni Baccani – The Blue Shop – Step inside this store, and it’ll look and feel exactly as it did when it opened in 1903. Here, you’ll browse through handmade frames, boxes, prints, and chandeliers, ranging in style from Renaissance to Baroque to Modern. Their methods of craftsmanship pay homage to Florentine tradition, and have remained the same over 120 years and three generations. Patrons refer to the store as “The Blue Shop” for the iconic bright shade of the color that paints the store’s front.
GF98 Giuseppe Fanara – The name of both the store and the man behind the craft, Giuseppe Fanara is a shop-cum-workshop for small leather goods. He personally makes every item in the shop, from wallets to keychains to glasses cases, setting this store apart in a city practically drowning in leather.
54 Calzature Don Francesco Da Firenze – Though this quaint, family-run cobbler/store isn’t overflowing with endless options, every shoe you find in here is classic and made entirely by hand. Their men’s and women’s ready-made options are great, but if you have time, we prefer getting a custom, made-to-order pair–if not just for the joy of getting to be involved in the shoemaking process.
Heart to Heart in Florence – If you’re trying to dress like a Florentine, this is the place to go. The clothing options in this tiny store in Oltrarno are entirely designed and made in Florence, and Heart to Heart has become a staple for the classic linen garments and their stunning velvet Friulane. If you have a bit of a bigger suitcase, or a home nearby, the store’s impressive international collection of carpets is just as colorful and eye-catching as its Friulane.
Moleria Locchi – In the heart of Florence’s Oltrarno, in the San Frediano district, this family-run studio has been making custom crystal and glassware since the 19th century. They follow ancient glass blowing techniques, and each piece is meticulously designed and engraved by hand. Custom patterns are also on offer.
Domus Aurea – Paolo Tozzi has searched high and wide across Europe for the best artisanal furniture and home decor from the 1950s through the rest of the century. He’s crafted a showroom in the heart of Santo Spirito full of timeless statement pieces, especially lighting and living room decor, to add a pop of mid-century design to your space.
Loretta Caponi – Loretta Caponi, a Fiesole local with a passion for sewing, created this beautiful brand with a long lasting legacy throughout Europe for colorful patterns, stripes, and, most recognizably, flowers. Her old-school, embroidered, and delicate floral sheets are the kind we dream of waking up in, and the vibrant floral tableware make for the most perfect breakfast or high tea. When it originally debuted, her couture lingerie was deemed quite scandalous, but today, the pastel colors and fine lace make some of the most gorgeous nightgowns, slips, and robes we’ve ever seen.
Elena Pinna – A leading face among Florence’s art scene, Elena Pinna opened a store selling her art and furniture designs in a cool, vaulted space. Even if you’re not looking to buy, you can browse the store as if it’s an art gallery, as Elena often does have exhibitions across Europe.
Lavinia Fantappié Atelier di Ceramica – Four years ago, Lavinia fell in love with pottery, and two years later opened her very own ceramic studio and store in Florence. Another year later and her pieces were in Milan’s Salone del Mobile, and now her store is filled with beautiful art pieces and functional kitchen and homeware all made in-house. The vases are particularly beautiful, and you can also take workshops here to learn the art yourself.
TAF – This two-story shop right off the Ponte Vecchio is the kind of place our cottagecore dreams are made of. It’s here that, for over 70 years, the Cappellini – Chiti family has been meticulously hand-embroidering linens, from tablecloths and napkins to sheets and children’s clothing. The designs are delicate, detailed, and elegant–think lilacs crawling up napkin corners, olive branches spilling off of table cloths, and shades of pink water-colored onto tiny dresses. Their larger sheets and tablecloths will run you a pretty penny, but the cocktail napkins–themed with different drinks–are a perfect gift for a special occasion (or to treat yourself).
Alberto Cozzi – There’s no shortage of Florentine paper-making in this city, and Alberto Cozzi remains one of the best. Here, their paper is beautifully marbled–some days, you can even catch a glimpse of them at work–but first and foremost they are bookbinders. Their specialty is beautiful leather-bound journals, which you can get embossed with writing of your choosing.
Bjork – Right off the local-favorite Piazza della Passera, this brightly lit spot stands wonderfully apart for its Scandi-style and trendy collections. Featuring a variety of international labels, browse through clothes, jewelry, and bodycare, or pick up a book, magazine, or accessory for a perfect gift. Look out for the special events they sporadically host. (We also love the cute pup often wandering around the store.)
Mannina – Vegetable tanned suede and French calfskin to crocodile and ostrich skin: these are just some of the high-quality leathers used to make shoes at Mannina. Located between Ponte Vecchio and Pitti Palace, this artisan workshop–first opened by Calogero Mannin and now run by his son–reinvents classic men’s and women’s styles–from heels to moccasins to ankle boots.
Antica Occhialeria – If you trek to the northern end of the city towards Piazza della Libertà, you’ll come across this near 70-year-old shop selling funky, custom-made glasses. The name literally translates to Ancient Eyewear Shop, fitting as the store is a mix of vintage and modern artisanship. In honor of the store’s founder, optometrist Lucio Enrico Di Nardo, you can also get a full eye exam here.
Simone Abbarchi – To say you own one of Simone Abbarchi’s tailor made shirts is bragging rights indeed, for the craftsman produces only 4,000 custom shirts per year. Open since 1997, his shirts use only Italian cotton and are perfectly made-to-measure. Appointments are held in his small shop in the city center, but all the magic happens at his workshop 10 minutes into the countryside.
Bastah – Named after the Egyptian goddess of cats, this atelier in Oltrarno is dedicated to the effortlessly feminine–think linen blend summer sets and flowy dresses and skirts. The creative soul behind the brand is Natasha Kontic, a young Serbian designer who invests in supporting local producers, especially women, and all her designs are made ethically and sustainably by Tuscan manufacturers.
Maglificio GRP – Head to this atelier, established in 1973, for incredibly soft men’s sweaters, t-shirts, and beanies, made entirely of raw materials from the surrounding Tuscan hills. You can’t go wrong with any of the ready-to-wear options, but getting one tailored is a particularly special experience.
Occasioni Musicali – Just two steps from the Duomo, this specialty shop is overflowing with new and old records, CDs and cassettes, 19th and 20th century original scores, musical instruments, books, vintage jewelry, and even audio and stereo equipment. Tucked within a-Mary-Poppins-bag of a space, you’re guaranteed to find more than you were even looking for–and whatever isn’t there can surely be secured later by request. Owner Maurizio Pieri–present six days a week since 2001–is just as much a treasure trove as the store, and will giddily guide you through the various rarities he’s curated. If you’re lucky, he’ll play you a song or two on his keyboard and sing along while you peruse.
Bottega di Sguardi – With two locations on Via Guglielmo Marconi and Via del Parione, this trendy store is the spot for your next pair of shades. Inside, you’ll find a beautiful curation of niche glass and sunglass brands, along with their own collection of handcrafted, limited-edition designs. All their frames are produced in Italy using traditional methods, including premium acetate, hand-inserted hinges, and entirely manual tumbling and polishing processes. Stop in to browse or make time for an expert consultation to help meet your specific visual requirements.
