As the menswear crowd descends for Pitti, we round up the style lessons to be learned in this most picturesque of Italian cities...
WORDS BY ALEXANDRA RHODES
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRIS FRAGKOU
Between the Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi, Florence has long been known as a cultural capital, but it’s also pretty much the world’s fifth fashion capital too. Every year the international style set flock to the city (which also happens to be the birthplace of fashion titans like Gucci, Pucci and Ferragamo) for the menswear trade show Pitti Uomo. And we have the lowdown below. Prego!
On the catwalk
Aquazurra
The last time you found yourself thinking ‘I wonder where she got those shoes?’, they were more than likely Aquazzura. Founded by Edgardo Osorio, an alum of Florence's prestigious Polimoda school, the label’s signatures include over-the-knee boots and those lace-up flats you’ve spied all the fashion girls wearing.
Société Anonyme
They say if you want a thing done well, do it yourself. Case in point: Massimiliano Giannelli of Société Anonyme. As if stocking the world’s best Japanese, Swedish and Belgian labels in his boutique wasn’t enough, he created a label of the same name. It’s our go-to for luxurious wardrobe builders in a pared-back palette – all made entirely in Florence.
On the street
On your radar
Shop: SOTF
Looking for a place to get your kicks in Firenze? SOTF – short for store of the future – stocks one of the world’s most comprehensive edits of luxury sneakers from Eytys and Common Projects to Yeezy, all shoppable via iPads which are located throughout the store.
Eat: Alimentari Uffizi
A trip to Italy wouldn’t be complete without tasting the local delicacies, now would it? This small deli is great for delectable sandwiches, all-Italian platters and home-grown wines. Located around the corner from the Uffizi, it’s the perfect pit stop if you need a break from all the Botticelli.
Only the natives know: Prada Space Outlet
It’s the stuff of fashion legend. Prada’s Space Outlet in Montevarchi houses past season Prada and Miu Miu at very purse-string-friendly prices. Word is that it’s so good, editors tack on an extra day following the shows to make their annual pilgrimage.
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