Oltrarno Artisan and Fashion Design Walk

The "Oltrarno Artisan Walk" is concentrated in the “Oltrarno” area, which lies on the left bank of the Arno River in the heart of artisan Florence.

Here you will visit a craftsman who still practices wood carving using techniques dating from the 17th century,the Art Printers where prints of landscapes and scenes of Florence are reproduced using a procedure which has become almost lost today, a leather craftsman who creates beautiful handbags, wallets and exquisite leather boxes skilfully modelled by hand, a Shoemaker who creates made to measure shoes all by hand and a bookbinder who decorates book covers with the famous Florentine marbled paper each page of which is created rigorously by hand in beautiful colour combinations. We will enter the hidden workshops where small and precious silver objects are made in pure Florentine style. We can follow the work of the young artisan creating real works of art, with wood marquetry and a unique and genuine workshop “museum” where mosaics and landscapes are “painted” using marble and semi-precious stone inlays instead of brush strokes.

During our walk we will pop into various other quaint little shops where you can buy authentic handmade

The “ Fashion Design Walk” is a shopping walk through creative fashion boutiques of unusual or emerging designer brands. A different experience where you get to know the real, authentic and hidden Florence.

For those who dream of owning the finest leather accessories such as shoes and handmade bags we will directly visit their creators. We will observe the goldsmith who still continues techniques from the past to create jewels with a modern twist using silver, gold and precious stones. Enter the imaginative world of a designer famous for her colourful bijou of inimitable taste and style. We will meet the handbag designer in his studio located inside an old palace with its own beautiful garden, the hat maker, one of the last still selling the famous straw hats of Florence which originated in the 16th century. We can feel the texture of the purest and softest sweaters in cashmere. We will explore a “Concept Store” specialising in clothing with an original touch, unique and at the same time ethical for its use of natural organic and eco-friendly fibres. Let’s be enchanted by one of the first organic textile fashion companies, from the “Organic Style” which today is an up-coming innovation in the Made in Italy fashion industry. During our walk we will also visit various workshops and labs where you can watch the artisans at work and at the same time perhaps buy something unique as a reminder of your stay in Florence.

Shopping Tours are Mo-Tue-Wed - Fri morning from 10 and afternoon from 15,30 for 3-4 hour