So much as been written about Florence, origin of the Renaissance, birthplace of Dante, Brunelleschi. Acclaimed as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, the capital of Tuscany, developed into one of Europe’s most popular tourist hubs. This magnificent city has so much to offer from the worldrenowned Uffizi Gallery to the firm marble buttock of Michelangelo’s David. Not only has Florence a glorious place in history due to its art and architecture, it also played a pivotal role in the Italian Fashion Chronicles of the 20th century.

The date of 12th February 1951 is an important chapter in Italian fashion history. Giovanni Battista Giorgini invited prominent American press and buyers as guests for the first Italian Haute Couture show held at the picturesque Sala Biancha in Palazzo Pitti. This incredibly well received event reinvigorated Italian fashion from its post World War II slumber.

The fashion soiree signaled the re-emergences of Italian fashion on the world stage that at the time had been dominated by Parisian Haute Couture. Italian brands would become recognized for prestige as well as luxury.

Throughout the 70’s and 80’s, a generation of new and hip Italian labels with the likes of Armani, Versace, Valentino and Prada shifted to Milan- with its superior infrastructure, social, and industrial importance placed the rival city into the limelight, which increasingly led to Florence’s declassification as a fashion hub.
Fashion however never completely left Florence. Salvatore Ferragamo, Guccio Gucci, Emilio Pucci, Stefano Ricci just to name a few of the world renowned brands that are still synonymous with Italian fashion all have their roots in Florence. In recent years, despite having their headquarters in Milan, Salvatore Ferragamo and Guccio Gucci opened brand heritage exhibits and museums featuring past looks and products.

Florence hosts The Pitti Uomo, a biannual trade fair promoting menswear and accessories founded by the Centro di Firenze per la Moda Italiana with the aim of promoting Italian Fashion. Guest designers have included Kenzo, Gareth Pugh, and Valentino with the entire city used as a stage for shows. If you are tired of fashion, there is Caffee Gilli for late night drinks and mingling with the “beautiful people”.  It is an institution.
In 2012, Florence was ranked 16th amongst the world’s most important fashion capitals (according to Global Language Monitor’s annual survey). Florence is a fashion destination.

– Hotel Lungarno Borgo Hotel Lungarno Borgo
– Hotel Brunelleschi
– The Westin Excelsior Piazza
– Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy
– Hotel Four Seasons

– Dolce Vita
– La Terrazza – the Hotel Continentale Bar
– Cafe Gili – A Florentine institution.
– Colle Beretto – where the rich and beautiful hang out
– Moyo

– Museo Gucci
– Museo Ferragamo
– Scuola del Cuoio
Don’t miss:
– Farmacia Santa Maria Novella – It is a treasure. The location is worth the visit to see their products.
– Villa Bardini – Art meets idyll in this beautiful, picturesque historic park with a spectacular view over Florence’s historic center. The villa itself usually hosts varying art exhibitions.

– Luisa Via Roma – Florence’s fashion mecca! This concept store has come to fame due to its luxury online store but its physical store is just as worth visiting.
– Goya – A sophisticated selection of designers for the audience who love the not so obvious brands..
– Via Tornabuoni – You name it… Burberry, Dior, Celine, Hermes, Gucci, Armani …

– Caffe Amerini – Via della Vigna Nuova, 61, 50123 Firenze
– Cafe Giaccosa – Via della Spada, 10, 50123 Firenze
– Caffe La Posta – Via Pellicceria, 28-red, 50123 Firenze

– Il Santo Bevitore – Modern Tuscan restaurant with elaborate dishes. Great wine selection!
– La Giostra – Cosy, yet busy Tuscan restaurant, focus on tradition, yet in a more refined approach.
– Antico Ristoro di Cambi – This is where the locals go to enjoy their no-fuss authentic cuisine. Delicious home-made antipasti, mouth-watering Bistecca alla Fiorentina and to-die-for desserts, rustic, yet very amiable ambience. Some would say the best bistecca in town.
– Fuor d’Acqua – This is a paradise for seafood and fish lovers. High-profile menu. This is a place to see and be seen. Great food!
– La Bottega di Rosa – Tuscan dishes served in a refined artsy ambience. Their burrata and antipasti is a must.
– Alle Murate – Extravagant high-profile Tuscan cuisine based on local ingredients and seasonal delicacies.