Florence: Italian Fashion's First Runway
Italian fashion's first high fashion shows were held in Florence in 1951 and 1952. Today the city is home to the designers behind the dresses, shoes, handbags and porcelain we carry from it.
Shop the Pieces
The First Runway
In 1951 the businessman Giovanni Battista Giorgini held a private Italian fashion show at his villa in Florence. On 24 July 1952 a full show followed in the Sala Bianca of the Palazzo Pitti, and Florence was the capital of Italian fashion through the 1950s and 1960s.
Gold on the Ponte Vecchio
The shops on the Ponte Vecchio were first held by butchers, tanners and farmers. A decree of 1565 allowed only goldsmiths and jewellers on the bridge, and jewellers still trade there today.
Dresses
The Contour dress is a sleeveless turtleneck midi in a fine rib knit with a removable belt; the draped jersey midi is viscose and stretch wool with an asymmetric neckline; and the Column satin dress falls into a fluid, draped skirt with a halter neckline.
Shoes and Handbags
Several of the Florence handbags we carry pair woven wicker with leather, and the evening clutches come in satin. The Ledger top-handle bag is woven wicker with contrasting leather trim and gold-tone hardware; the Saddle bag is woven leather with a chain. The slingbacks range from perforated leather to metallic leather with an Art Deco jewel buckle.
Porcelain
Florence has made porcelain since 1735, when a manufactory opened at Doccia, in Sesto Fiorentino on the edge of the city. The cups and plates we carry from it are pure porcelain, hand decorated in Italy, like the Lattice tea set for two with pink mallow flowers.
Sources: Italian fashion, Wikipedia; Ponte Vecchio, Wikipedia; Doccia porcelain, Wikipedia
