The Best Five Artisans Shops in Florence, Italy
Loretta Caponi, a Unique Artisan Workshop in Florence
Via delle Belle Donne, 28/r, 50123 Firenze
This artisan workshop opened in 1967. Since then, her creations have graced the wardrobes of thousands of important families, such as the Rockefellers and Kennedys.
Additionally, the 850 square-meter atelier, today managed by her daughter, Lucia Caponi, and grandson, Guido, is located in a beautiful Florentine palace. Home to more than 10,000 designs of men’s and women’s nightwear – linen, silk, cashmere and velvet bathrobes for him; silk, velvet and georgette nightgowns for her – as well as tablecloths, sponges, bedsheets, pillows, baby clothes and children’s pieces.
Pelletteria Artigiana Viviani, Florentine Craftsmanship at Its Finest
Via Guelfa, 3/a, 50129 Firenze
When you enter Pelletteria Artigiana Viviani you immediately understand their deep roots in the great Florentine artisan tradition of leather-making. Renato Viviani opened his workshop and boutique in the centre of Florence in 1965 after spending years mastering his craft, first in Guccio Gucci’s workshop in the 1920s and later in Buenos Aires in the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s, where he became a master artisan.
Women’s bags and work bags, wallets and belts, these original creations are designed, cut and assembled completely by hand. The hides used for all the products come exclusively from Tuscan tanneries. The workshop is today headed by Renato’s daughter and grandson, Viviana and Leonardo.
Woo Class, Handmade Eyewear Atelier in Florence
Via dell’Orto, 23 r, 50124 Firenze
Opened in 2004 by Lisa Gabellini, Woo Class makes one-of-a-kind artisanal glasses. This unique glasses atelier has created frames that perfectly combine style and comfort while considering the wearer’s well-being.
Their glasses are made with at least 11 natural wood layers, making them super light, flexible, and durable. Moreover, the manufacturing process includes more than 83 steps carried out by hand.
Il Torchio: High Quality Bookbinding and Handmade Paper in Florence
Via de’ Bardi, 17, 50125 Firenze
Since 1980, Il Torchio has kept the Florentine tradition of bookbinding alive by creating handmade products, preserving old treasures, and exploring new ideas.
Established on tradition and classic bookbinding, Il Torchio continues to create 100% made in Florence items using high quality selected material, such as leather, handmade marbled paper and colored canvas. Have fun browsing through their amazing products inside their workshop in Oltrarno, the artisans’ district of Florence.
Hello Wonderful, Artisanal Women’s Fashion Boutique in Florence
Via Santa Monaca, 2, 50124 Firenze
Run by two Italian fashion makers, Hello Wonderful is an artisanal fashion brand based in Florence, Italy.
At Hello Wonderful, everything is designed in-house and made in limited quantities! The two designers and founders have their sewing machines in the shop and they’re cutting and sewing in the back. The beautiful storefront shows their latest creations at very reasonable prices.