basilica santa croce florence

  
Florence is best known as a tourist destination in the summer – the Uffizi, the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio – and a menswear hub in January and June, when it plays host to the men’s trade show Pitti Uomo. 

But it has enough unique shops to make it worth a visit any time of the year. The city has always had a large population of artisans, particularly for paper and leather goods, and some of Italy’s best tailors and shoemakers reside in the city today. 
  

1. Santa Maria Novella
www.smnovella.com
Via della Scala, 16

The perfumery Santa Maria Novella has a case for being the most beautiful shop in the world. Founded by the church’s Dominican monks, it sits in its own, magnificent section of the basilica, complete with ornate frescoes and paintings charting the history of the family. There is a selection of fragrances, soaps, creams, liqueurs and several other ways to perfume the house and body. 

 

2. Liverano & Liverano
liverano.com
Via dei Fossi, 43

Florence’s best-known bespoke tailor cuts a flattering and surprisingly modern style, with a slightly shorter jacket, rounded fronts and a wide lapels. Although expensive, the work is first rate. There is also a collection of vintage fabric bolts, which are always nice to drape across the body when picking out a suit, and some ready-to-wear and accessories.

 

3. Stefano Bemer and Sartoria Vestrucci
www.stefanobemersrl.com
Via di S. Niccolò, 2

Since Stefano’s sad passing, the company has been taken over and moved to a beautiful old church on the south side of the Arno. In there, the customer can pick from ready-made shoes, made-to-order and bespoke – with the company’s bespoke craftsmen all work in view around the ground floor. Since the pandemic, Sartoria Vestrucci is also housed in the same building. 
  

Scuola del Cuoio Florence

  
4. Scuola del Cuoio
www.scuoladelcuoio.com
Via S. Giuseppe, 5

Bemer is now owned by the old Florentine family that runs Scuola del Cuoio, a bag-making school and workshop (above) on the other side of the river in the Basilica di Santa Croce. Although they mostly produce women’s bags, there are some beautiful leather desk sets (supplied to several US Presidents) and the school itself is worth a tour. 

 

5. Lorenzo Villoresi
www.lorenzovilloresi.it
Via de Bardi, 12

Florence also has a strong reputation for artisan perfumers, and just down the road from Stefano Bemer is the shop attached to Lorenzo Villoresi’s studio. Lorenzo creates original perfumes that often stand out for their intensity and impact, and come in beautiful blue-glass bottles. 

 

6. Il Micio
Via de’ Federighi, 6

Over the years many Japanese artisans have come through Florence, often training as shoemakers before returning to their home country. One that has stayed and etched out his own, local reputation is Hidetaka Fukaya, known as ‘Il Micio’ (the cat). His bespoke shoes are very finely made, and like many Japanese makers tend to have an elongated silhouette. There is also a small range of leather goods. 

 

7. Vintage: Desii, Hunter, Tartan and others

There is a surprisingly large range of vintage shops in Florence, from the group of stores that is Desii, to the old-school Hunter and the Brit-obsessed Tartan. See dedicated article on them here. 

 

8. Sartoria Corcos
www.sartoriacorcos.com
Via Della Vigna Nuova 26

Also close by is the first-floor workshop of Japanese tailor Kotaro Miyahira, or Sartoria Corcos. Kotaro is a young tailor who has gathered a strong following in recent years, both for his relatively low price and his style – which combines some classic Florentine elements with broader influences. However, at the time of writing he was not taking on any new clients.
  

Shoes at Roberto Ugolini - Permanent Style

  
8. Ugolini

www.roberto-ugolini.com
Via della Chiesa, 4

The other best-known Florentine shoemaker apart from Stefano Bemer is Roberto Ugolini (above). Located on the south side of the river on Via dei Michelozzo, Roberto offers only bespoke. A good range of bespoke designs can be seen on the website. 

 

9. Mannina
www.manninafirenze.com
Via Guicciardini, 16

And a third shoemaker worth investigating, particularly on value, is Mannina, founded by Calogero Mannina in 1953 and now run by his son Antonio. His boots and spectator models and particularly popular.

 

11. Simone Abbarchi 
simoneabbarchi.com
Via delle Terme, 15

Simone Abbarchi is a bespoke shirtmaker that offers great value for money. Unlike many Italians he eschews both aesthetic and functional hand-sewing, leaving an entirely machine-made garment with a great fit and low price (starting at 120 euros). There is a great range of fabrics and he offers made-to-measure knitwear as well.  

Photos: Luke Carby  

 

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Albert

Antonio Mannina, Madova Gloves, Old England, Michele Negri…..

Joe

Hey Simon,

I thought Mannina would have made the list…They make quality shoes at a fair price.

Anonymous

What would be the price range for (ready-wear and made to measure) Mannina shoes?

Albert

Mannina RTW 450 euro (blake stitch), bespoke 1300 euro (goodyear)

J.T.

Simon,

Are there any Italian bespoke luggage makers that you could recommend? It’s my (very limited) understanding that Florence is one of Italy’s primary centers for leather production.

J.T.

Thanks, Simon.
I do remember hearing about the disparity in quality of Florence’s leather goods, depending upon location, but, what I don’t understand is why that’s the case. I think that this would be a good post topic.
On my way to your Mont Blanc post.

Frank ross

Hello
Any recommendations for a made to measure suit in Florence

Nicholas

Eredi Chiarini has a good selection of casual clothes but are perhaps a bit too fond of the ‘hard sell’.

Parker

Milord, probably the best RTW menswear store in Florence. The have a nice selection of various Italian designers, a good selection of Santoni shoes and their house clothes are very nice aswell. I would name Luisaviaroma, for a more fashion forward crowd, and Principe too.

Parker

Please delete the previous comment.

Thank you for finding out, sad to hear. I know that the owner was of advanced age, but this is still a surprise.

This also shows, how short lived some information on the internet can be. A change of the owner, head cutter or designer and the whole company change without you noticing at first and even though the outside appearance remains the same. During my last holiday in Italy I wanted to visit a shirtmaker, only to find out that he closed down 2 years ago. The same thing happended in many other cities I visit, often to more recent openings.

Sam

Hi Simon, just wondering if you have ever been to Genova and whether there was anywhere that similarly stood out there?

Magnus

Simon,
Where would you go for ties in Florence?

Litigator

The Gucci museum is a surprisingly worthwhile visit – a real focus on the craft, quality and design of the products, from luggage to clothing to shoes. Unfortunately the same can’t be said for Ferragamo.

Parker

@Sam

In every Italian city it’s best to simply walk around with your eyes open. Most upscale menswear stores are within the sight of the piazza or the places where to average tourist walks along. Now with bespoke artisans it’s a entirely different story. It may also be a good idea to google brands you look for or ask them for addresses. Once you’ve found one store you can ask the staff for others, in my experience Italian are usually glad if they can be of help.

@Simon

I’m surprised by your asessment of Madova. They have some very nice offerings and are cetainly in line with many exclusive brands.

Albert

Yes, in Madova shop i found only one budget range – 50 euro all. But if compare simple nappa gloves with cashmere lining from Madova and Merola – no difference in quality (i own both).

Albert

Thanks, i trust to your expirience. Realy.

H O

You telling me now? Was there over easter. Only made to to the Bemer shop…

Oliver

Wanted to ask what’s the best way to contact Il Micio or Ugolini? Don’t seem to get feedback from the email addresses in their respective websites & I’m not in Italy. Will be flying in & wanted to set an appointment before arriving.

Oliver

Do you have their email addresses? I may be using a wrong one.

Paul

Simon. I find your sartorial guides excellent reading. So far you have only covered London in the UK, do you have plans for any other major cities, such as Edinburgh, Cardiff, Dublin, Manchester, Liverpool or Birmingham ?

Paul

The emphasise being might travel to. How about revealing some home grown hidden gems first. If you don’t think you could find ten from each City, how about ten from outside London ?

Parker

Let’s agree to disagree. I’m a heavy user of gloves, so I may look for different things. Reimer’s are very nice though.

I would also be happy so see more of these guides, especially for larger Europeans cities.

@ Oliver
Will you return to Florence? Ugolini has a larger workshop and may have a shorter turnaround time. You can probably walk in both shops and make an order.

Oliver

Planning to go next month but wanted to get an appointment via email first & not risk going there when he’s closed or travelling?

Parker

Understandable, but I suppose the Ugolini shop also takes orders without Roberto present. I don’t know if Hidetaka’s trainees take orders. I would also recommend you to givel them a call, Italians and e-mail sometimes don’t mix and you may arrive without anyone knowing about your visit.

Why not consider the other makers aswell? There is also Mario Bemer, Stefano’s brother, who works with a master trained under Stefano. Porbably closer to an original Bemer shoe than the Scuola del Cuoio shop.

Matias Montini

Thanks for this post Simon. Just a few questions to ask you: do you know any high-end bespoke shirt maker in Florence? Maybe Leonardo Bugelli? And what about socks? Is there a socks maker comparable to Bresciani?
Thanks in advance for your answer.
Matias

Jordan

I will be in Genoa for a few days this summer, but unable to really travel beyond 50k or so outside the city.

Do you have any recommendations on must visit menswear shops in Genoa?

Don Peterkin

I think you have forgotten about the great bespoke shoemaker Saskia. Also, what about Sutor Mantellassi in Florence.

Parker

I’m not surprised about your anwser. The RTW shoes of Stefano Bemer are much nicer than those of Mario Bemer, but I think for the bespoke operation it’s the other way around. The Japanese fellow, I forgot his name, toghther with Stefano himself was responsible for some of their nicest creations. Still, the differences might be marginal, even though I had the impression that Stefano Bemer has become more sales oriented than the original ever was.

Also surprised about you assessment of Saskia. She certainly is on the same level as Ugolini and above Mannina, but below Il Micio and the Bemers.

@ Matias

I can absolutely recommend Bugelli, also surprised that he didn’t make the list. Leonardo is extremely accomodating and if you inform him about your visit, he has a very short turnaround time.

Benny

@Parker

How would you compare Bugelli to Abbarchi since I believe they are both (mostly) machine made shirts?

Parker

@Benny

I’m afarid I can’t say anything about that, as I don’t know Abbarchi apart from Simon’s posts. Leonardo is obsessed with good fit and well designed collars, he makes a muslin fitting, pattern maching is also very nice. There is no denying though, that you pay for his name aswell, as he seems very popular in Japan. On the making I must say that most shirtmakers in Northern Italy that I’ve met, swear by machine sewing instead of hand. They say that the shirts last longer, still, my Neapolitan shirts have held up very well. I often wonder if there are more shirtmakers in Florence or the surrounding area, but I haven’t found anyone else.

@Simon
Expanded is nicely put. Upon my last visit to the old shop is was told that most of the show pieces were made by Stefano/ the Japanse master and that the apprentices weren’t this far yet. Comparing the two Bemers myself I’ve had the impression that Mario’s are closer to the originals. It’s also what I’ve hear from customers of both on the whole measuring process, the fittings, the ability to deliver an end product, but I don’t like to engage in hearsay, so I’ll leave it at that.

jwwp

Simon, have you managed to or do you plan to visit Sartoria Piero Cisternino on Via del Purgatorio?

C. Jonas

Thank you for these lists.

I was happy to see Bernardo up there. It was the store that I spent the most (time) at during my last visit and also the one that sort of made me start thinking about opening a store more seriously – like it could actually be done. The size of the store with the storage across the street, even if not ideal at times, it makes a small retail operation seem possible sort of… then again, i have no idea and that is probably the smallest of problems when opening up a store.

anyway, as usual, nice list and something to look forward to next visit 🙂

Amid

Thanks for all your hard work in putting these shopping guides together Simon. I will be travelling to Florence this August and was wondering if most of the shops mentioned above (or menswear shops in Florence generally) will be closed during the month of August. I am finding that the best restaurants tend to be closed and am hoping the same pattern of closing during August does not apply to all the shops I want to visit as well. Appreciate any insight if you know. Cheers.

roxlet

Cellerini on Via del Sole makes exquisite leather goods including wallets, briefcases and traveling bags. All are made in their workshop and nothing is exported. Women’s leather goods are wonderful as well.

Michael

Are there some shops in Florence that offer good quality shoes for price between 200 and 300 euros? Thanks

JJ.

Hi Simon

This is an excellent post!

Any ideas for Rome?

Thanks ver y much

Gordon Ang

Hello Simon,

Any guide for Rome ?

Best,
Gordon

Ray

A quick thanks for this guide – I had been travelling in Italy for a few weeks when I landed in Florence. Bernardo and Frasi were both nice shops with kind owners. I bought a very nice inexpensive jacket from Bernardo from Sartoria Latorre. I also had Simone Righi make me a jacket – I am a bit thick but otherwise close to off-the-rack 52 and Simone felt he could make a few changes to the chest and a few other places and give it a go. He had plenty of great fabrics to choose from – we shall see….mostly speaks Italian btw. Simone Abbarchi was again a person happy to show his shop and I ordered 2 shirts to try but really thought his outerwear was worth exploring. Next time. Thanks again the great blog.

Diego Torrella

Hello Mr. Crompton,
What about Principe ?
I found the wooden layout of the shop extremely elegant and their in house production is quite nice and classic.

Beverly

Seriously well written blog! Thank you for passiing on and I have undoubtedly learned
some ideas. Do you have a mailing list that I am able to check
out?

PeggyN

Do any of these shoemakers do women’s shoes?

Jonathan Dough

Would you recommend any bespoke tailor in Florence or London in the
price range of Whitcomb & Shaftesbury’s “foreign bespoke”?

Dough

Yes. — Let me ask a better question: are there any good tailors in
Florence that are taking new clients and are less expensive than
Liverano and Sartoria Vestrucci? I saw a shop called Sartoria
Romagnoli that offers suits for 1200 euro; do you know anything about
it? –3000 could also work, but I find 5000+ a bit steep.

JillY

Heading back to Florence in July and very much interested in finding similar fine brands/tailors for women’s suits and shirts . Any suggestions from those on the list?

JillY

Of course, but thought I would ask in case any of you had shopped with women there.
Thanks.

Martin

Simon, do you know what happened to Simone Abbarchi? I was in Florenz this week and found his shop closed down and empty while the website is still up as if the shop still existed.

Henry

Do you know the email of Il Micio?

Amy Bolton

Women’s bespoke tailors?

Grant

Is there a good place for coats and jackets. Not bespoke.

Darshan

Hi Simon, i recall coming across a recommendation for a Florentine trouser maker in the comments section of an article, which was subsequently endorsed by other readers as well. The maker only made trousers and had RTW options. I remember looking them up and found they were located south of the Arno, not too far from Pitti palace around via Santo Spirito.

I intend to go to Florence in June and can’t remember the name of the brand. I looked through the comments on various artticles and also tried to look up stores on google maps. Any chance the above description rings a bell? Thanks, Darshan

Joseph

Hey Simon any experience with Sartoria Latorre? Construction wise

Lindsay McKee

Do you have any favourite perfume from Lorenzo Villoresi in Florence?
Do you think that they are good quality,?
The blue bottles are beautiful and I love blue glass!