Known around the world as the “Birthplace” of the Renaissance, the city of Florence is no stranger to craftsmanship and artisanal handmade leather goods. My guess is if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably already heard about it’s famous leather markets and plan on picking up a buttery soft leather jacket. The problem is these days you’ll often find a lot of untrustworthy vendors and can easily get tricked if you’re not too careful. So to help you make the most of your shopping trip, I’ve put together this local’s guide to shopping in Florence. Inside you’ll discover where you can visit local artisans & quality leather goods. Including Florentine artisans that sell online. Plus a variety of artisans that offer workshops that you can take on your next trip to Florence, Italy.
ON THE HUNT FOR UNIQUE GIFTS & TEXTILES? THIS IS WHERE YOU WANT TO GO SHOPPING IN FLORENCE, ITALY
The artisan scene in Florence offers more than just handcrafted leather goods. Here are a couple of the local artisans you can visit to pick up beautifully handmade gifts crafted from high quality Italian made textiles.
Eleolab
Address: Via Arnolfo 11r
website: https://www.eleolab.it/
Eleolabe creates handmade silk flowers using traditional techniques & antique tools. If you’re tight on space, here you can shop for an unique artisan gift that is luggage friendly.
M K Textile Atelier
Address: Via Salvestrina 1
website: http://www.mktextileatelier.com/
A textile studio based in an old green house, M K Textile creates bespoke fabric products, made with natural fibers & dyes, for your home and garden.
LEATHER GOODS & ARTISAN SHOE SHOPPING IN FLORENCE, ITALY
The Florentine leather markets are world famous. They can be worth a visit if you’re seeking out a gorgeous Italian leather handbag if you know where to go. Sadly, it’s notoriety has lead to some shady vendors selling knock-offs and not authentic “Made in Italy” leather goods. To save you from getting duped on your leather purchase, I’ve put together a list of trustworthy shops where you can purchase artisanal made in Italy leather items.
Digerolamo
Address: Via Del Moro 58r
Digerolamo is a Florence based ‘Slow Fashion’ brand that produces leather accessories and jewelry.
New Kid Footwear
Address: Via del Ghirlandaio 18
website: https://www.new-kid.com/
Locally made in Tuscany, New Kid designs unique footwear, clothing and accessories for kids.
SCUOLA DEL CUOIO
Address: To access the store where you can buy leather handmade goods is located inside the church of Santa Croce.
website: https://scuoladelcuoio.it/en/
Scuola del Cuoio has been one of the leading academies in Italy for bag making and leather working since 1949.
Il Torchio
Address: Via de’ Bardi 17
website: http://www.legatoriailtorchio.com/en/
A florentine artisan bookbindery that has been making 100% made in Florence items using high quality selected material, such as leather, handmade marbled paper, artistic papers and coloured canvas since 1980.
BEN HEART
Addresses:
Via dei Calzaiuoli,78/r, 50122 Florence
Via della Vigna Nuova, 97-red, 50123 Firenze FI
website: https://www.benheart.it/en/home-page/
Offering everything from handmade leather wallets, jackets and shoes, Ben Heart is your one-stop shop for beautifully leather goods crafted using only Tuscan leather. Well known around Tuscany, they have two shops in Florence and have also other locations in Italy & abroad.
FUN FACT: Did you know that Le Marche is the region known for artisan shoemaking (and not Florence!)? Le Marche is home to some of the most renowned Italian Shoe makers like Tod’s.
Ready to visit Italy’s artisan shoemaking region? Click here to learn more!
FIND ONE-OF-A-KIND PIECES FOR YOUR WARDROBE AT THESE ARTISANS IN FLORENCE, ITALY
When traveling to a new place there’s something special about bringing back an item that you won’t find anyone else wearing back home. Rather than hitting up the typical mass chains, by supporting local artisans you’ll be able add a unique piece to your closest that doubles as a very fashionable souvenir.
The following are some of the best places to shop in Florence, Italy for artisan designed and handcrafted clothing:
Eva di Franco
Address: Via Bronzino 19r
website: https://www.evadifranco.com/
Timeless wardrobe pieces crafted in Florence using locally sourced high quality fabrics.
Hello Wonderful
Address: Via Santa Monaca 2
website: http://shophellowonderful.com/
Hello Wonderful’s motto is that they love to sew garments that make you feel Wonderful! You can discover their boutique in the historical heart of central Florence.
Tiziana Alemanni
Address: Sdrucciolo de’ Pitti 20
website: https://tizianaalemanni.it/en/
Tiziana Alemanni is a made-in-Italy label that creates haute couture, ready-to-wear pieces, tailor made exclusive designs, wedding gowns, and theatre apparel. The perfect place to go shopping in Florence, Italy if you’re looking for something exclusive for a special occasion.
LOOKING FOR HANDMADE JEWELRY? TRY THESE LOCAL ARTISANS IN FLORENCE, ITALY
Going shopping in Florence, Italy for an unique jewelry piece is a great way to return home with a souvenir worthy of your precious luggage space. Here are a few of the local artisans where you can discover your next favorite pair of earrings or bold statement piece.
Officine Nora
Address: Via dei Preti 2-4r
website: https://www.officinenora.it/
You can Officine Nora in the artsy neighborhood of Santo Spirito. It’s a contemporary “bottega” which offers unique jewelry made by 6 different artists and workshops where you can learn how to craft your very own piece!
Sara Amrhein
Address: Via dello Sprone 9r
website: https://www.sara-amrhein.com/
Sara specializes in bold and colorful statement jewelry that is made in polymer clay. Her gorgeous one-of-a-kind and custom-made pieces combine art and jewelry design.
A Thousand Joys
Address: Borgo San Jacapo 11
website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AThousandJoys
Unique handcrafted jewelry, inspired by historic ornaments that are handcrafted by Joy Franklin in her studio located in the heart of Florence.
Arlo Haisek
Address: Via dei Bardi 20r
website: https://www.arlohaisek.com/
Jewelry maker and micro Sculptures crafted with historic inspiration and technique.
Campucc10
Address: Via del Campuccio 10r
website: https://campucc10.com/
Co-sharing art Studio and gallery space with jewelry, sculpture, illustration, engraving, and many other lovely things. They also offer workshops.
Digerolamo
Address: Via Del Moro 58r
Digerolamo is a Florence based ‘Slow Fashion’ brand that produces leather accessories and jewelry.
Jane Harman
Address: Via L. Bartolini 1/Red
website: http://www.harmanjane.it/en/index.php
Jane Harman is not a place to go shopping for jewelery in Florence, Italy. Artisanal pieces are crafted around antique furniture restoration and upcycling of vintage furnishings. Here you’ll find handcrafted wooden pieces for your home, unique gift items, ornaments, jewelry and lots more. You can also get custom made pieces on request.
ARTISANS IN FLORENCE THAT OFFER WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Enjoying an experience like a class with a local artisan is one of the best way to create memories during your Italian vacation. Not only will you learn something new, but you’ll also leave with your very own piece handcrafted by none other than YOU!
Ready to enjoy an immersive travel experience? Click here to learn more.
The following are a few of the local artisans in Florence, Italy that offer workshops throughout the year:
Campucc10
Address: Via del Campuccio 10r
website: https://campucc10.com/
Co-sharing art Studio and gallery space with jewelry, sculpture, illustration, engraving, and many other lovely things. They also offer workshops.
Offcine Nora
Address: Via dei Preti 2-4r
website: https://www.officinenora.it/
You can Offcine Nora in the artsy neighborhood of Santo Spirito. It’s a contemporary “bottega” which offers unique jewelry made by 6 different artists and workshops where you can learn how to craft your very own piece!
SCUOLA DEL CUOIO
Address: To access the laboratory you’ll find the direct entrance from the church (Piazza Santa Croce 16) or from the garden surrounding the apse (Via San Giuseppe 5R or Through the garden that surrounds the Apse (Via San Giuseppe 5R)
Monday – Saturday 10 am-5:30pm
The artisans work from Monday to Friday from 11:00 to 16:30 * Opening and closing times may vary always check their website
website: https://scuoladelcuoio.it/en/
Scuola del Cuoio has been one of the leading academies in Italy for bag making and leather working since 1949. It also offers workshops in additions to visits to the school.
Students: € 14,00 p.p. for groups of more than 7 participants, € 100,00 for groups up to 7 participants. Other visitors: € 16,00 p.p. for groups of more than 7 participants, € 112,00 for groups up to 7 participants.
Visits can be reserved Monday to Friday for a maximum number of 20 participants. Larger groups will be divided in smaller sub-groups and 45 minutes apart from each other.
An advanced credit card or bank payment is required to reserve the tour. The cost of the visit does not include the entrance ticket to the Church of Santa Croce.
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