Design Travel in Florence, The City of Art

Few cities can boast the level of art, architecture, fashion, design, and gardens as the renaissance city of Florence, Italy. It is here that Michelangelo flourished, that Brunelleschi created his spectacular domed cathedral the Duomo, Giotto his campanile or bell tower, and Vasari his whimsical grotesque murals. For art and design lovers Florence is a mecca unlike any other. Each time I visit Florence I endeavor to see not only the iconic, well knows works of art, but some of the lesser known centers of design and creative learning opportunities. I hope you'll consider adding a few of these to your next Florentine adventure.

Florence is renowned for it marbleized papers and several shops, such as Il Papiro offer the chance to learn this centuries old technique.

Pietra Dura, the art of cutting and inlaying stones of different colors to create pictorial effects is an ancient technique still practiced daily in Florence. Visit one of the workshops near the Palazzo Pitti to see museum worthy examples of this technique.

Pietra Dura

If Fragrances are more to your liking then visit Aquaflor, where you can collaborate with Sileno Cheloni in creating your own bespoke fragrance.

Aquaflor

Visit Madova Gloves on the famed Ponte Vecchio, crafting custom fit leather gloves since 1919.

Gloves being made at Madova since 1919.

Extraordinary trims at Valimar, a Florentine Tradition

Passamaneria Valmar

Scuola del Cuoio is an extraordinary leather school located on the lower level of the Church of Santa Croce. I'm planning to spend a week studying there when I visit again next year.

Scuolo del Cuoio