Florence nowadays maintains and reconfirms a record in terms of refinement, craftsmanship and creativity, which make it one of the capitals of fashion and luxury at an international level.
To bring this heritage available to everyone here it comes the not-to-be-missed event of Apritimoda
During the weekend of March 24th and 25th, thank to this creative project, it has been possible to visit the boutiques and ateliers of the major local fashion houses, some of which are normally not accessible to the public, following an ideal fashionable treasure hunt, while discovering, and re-discovering, the city.
Each Maison organized a guided tour tailored to suit its style and particular history.
In addition, the students of the Florence fashion schools were also involved to be tour guides including those from my the amazing Institute Polimoda!
The majority of these locations are part of my Shopping&Lifestyle itineraries so I decided to visit the less known one , which is not open to the public: Antico Setificio Fiorentino, an historical silk weaving mill, secluded into the Oltrarno district.
Located at the bottom of a charming historic garden, here it is : a small, fully functional artisan industry where silence seems to reign, interrupted only by the music of the ancient looms.
Here, since 1785, skilled craftsmen weave fabrics of Florentine tradition on twelve looms: six by hand, from the XVIIIth century, and six mechanics of the nineteenth century. An inestimable knowledge handed down from generations, from masters to apprentices, same as it was for centuries here in the florentine’s workshops.
It’s a magic throwback in time... there is also a warping machine designed by Leonardo da Vinci !
Like a modern factory here looms, fabrics and machinery work together guided by the human manual skill to enhance craftsmanship. The result is the creation of unique fabrics in colors and quality, with high resistance and an inimitable sensation to the touch, which decorate the best luxury Palaces and properties in the world.
The designs of the fabrics are jealously kept in the historical archive and, in addition to those already in production, others can be reproduced at the request of the customer. Trimmings and fabrics can be purchased by the meter in the historic sales room, or ordered on request.
If you have a true passion for high craftmanship, then contact me and we will organize your private visit to this wonderful piece of Florentine’s manufacturing tradition and its hidden secrets !
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