Firenze may be famed for its rollicking Renaissance art, but this medieval madame is also a hotbed of contempo artisanal design and a haven of hip gifting.
For the self-respecting scribe, how about a personalised, leather-bound initialed journal by trad bookbinders and stationers Il Torchio? All their notebooks and albums are hand-cut and bound with Florentine leather and superfine Italian paper. Serious diarists can order bespoke.
Il Torchio, Via dei Bardi, Florence, +39 055 234 2862, legatoriailtorchio.com
You may have spied calligraphist Betty Soldi’s elegant artistry on your Fortnum’s hamper choc box. Well, now you can drink from of one her designs by way of these cute cappuccino cups adorned with illos of the Florentine big four: Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio and Santo Spirito. If that leaves you thirsty for more, pop by Betty and hubby Mateo’s design studio &Co; for yet more china and vintage furny bibbobs.
&Co;, Via Maggio 60R, +39 055 219 973, bettysoldi.com
Manolo melts hearts (not to mention calves), but in cobblestone-y Italy it’s handy to keep a pair of stylish flats on standby. Thankfully a change in height doesn’t mean compromising your sartorial sass – Florentine shoe designer Viajiyu can customise from a rainbow of hues, patent or matte, classic ballet or pointed pumps.
Viajiyu, Borgo Ss Apostoli, 45R, Florence, +39 055 290 380, viajiyu.com
More? Our fabulous Florence resident editor Kate Collins has a compact little black book of artisan talent, and she’ll share with LUXE readers upon request. And if you’re planning an Italian jaunt, Kate can help arrange a customised trip to the city and wider Tuscany. Contact kate@bgprincipessa.com – just be sure to mention LUXE!
