A Captivating Journey through Florence’s Fashion History

Illuminating Florence’s Historic, Fashionable Footsteps

Discover Florence, the birthplace of Italian fashion, where culture, art, and style unite to craft a timeless legacy of elegance and innovation.

Florence’s rise to fashion supremacy began in 1951 with the inaugural ‘High Fashion Show’ held at Palazzo Torrigiani. Spearheaded by visionary entrepreneur Giovan Battista Giorgini, this landmark event introduced the world to “Made in Italy," establishing a new benchmark for craftsmanship and style. 

Florence’s fashion dominance is deeply rooted in its rich history, shaped by two remarkable traditions: the Medieval Guilds of Calimala and Wool, which earned the city international acclaim for its textile craftsmanship and financed architectural masterpieces like the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Baptistery of San Giovanni. Combined with an enduring devotion to art and beauty, these foundations cemented Florence as the natural birthplace of Italian Haute Couture.

A Contemporary Fashion Capital

Today, Florence remains a global fashion powerhouse, home to nearly 9,000 businesses and iconic names such as Emilio Pucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Roberto Cavalli, and Ermanno Scervino. The city’s esteemed fashion schools nurture the next generation of visionary designers.

About The Florence Fashion Tour

Embark on this extraordinary journey through Florence’s rich fashion heritage. Discovering its evolution from medieval textile guilds to a global style capital. Marvel at exquisite creations, explore masterful craftsmanship and celebrate the innovation that defines Florence’s timeless influence on the fashion world. 

• Palazzo Pitti: The Museum of Fashion and Costume

  The adventure begins at Italy’s first state museum dedicated to fashion history, elegantly housed in Palazzina della Meridiana within Palazzo Pitti. This remarkable collection features over 15,000 garments and accessories, spanning from the ornate ‘robes à la francaise’ of the 18th century to the visionary creations of contemporary Italian designers. The museum offers fresh perspectives on fashion’s evolution, weaving stories of culture, tradition, and innovation through rotating exhibits.

• Oltrarno: Fashion Ateliers and Vintage Treasures

  Our tour continues on foot through the vibrant Oltrarno district, celebrated for its artisanal ateliers and charming vintage boutiques. Here, traditional craftsmanship harmonises with modern design, offering a truly unique shopping experience filled with bespoke creations and timeless finds.

• Via Tornabuoni: Luxury and Legacy

  Then we stroll along Florence’s most glamorous street, Via Tornabuoni, where luxury boutiques define elegance. At the historic Palazzo Spini Feroni, the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum showcases the legacy of the iconic designer known as “the shoemaker to the stars.”

• Gucci Garden at Piazza della Signoria

  The tour concludes at the Gucci Garden, nestled in the historic Tribunale della Mercanzia. Established in 2011 under the creative direction of Frida Giannini, this iconic space honours Guccio Gucci’s visionary legacy, celebrating the brand’s extraordinary journey from its Florentine origins to global renown.