There are many reasons to visit Tuscany: the beauty of the landscapes, the culture, the history… and, of course, the shopping! Beyond the major Made in Italy brands, our region excels in artisanal products, leather, and leather goods crafted according to Tuscan tradition.
But where can you find these products? Which piece should you choose? This is where the role of a personal shopper comes in. “Thanks to the experience and professionalism of a personal shopper, clients are guided on a ‘journey’ of discovery to identify their strengths, and are steered towards creating a style and wardrobe that best highlights their personality,” explains Cristina Calosi, our collaborating personal shopper, who helps our clients make the perfect purchases for their style and lifestyle.
Below, you can read an exclusive interview with Cristina Calosi, where she tells us everything about the work of a personal shopper, the must-have items for your shopping spree, and much more!
What does Tuscany offer in terms of clothing, footwear, and accessories?
Like every region, Tuscany has its own peculiarities. The Tuscan fashion system is very strong and deeply rooted in our history. Just think of the first real fashion shows that kicked off the Made in Italy haute couture for international buyers, organized by Giovan Battista Giorgini at Palazzo Pitti in the magnificent Sala Bianca in the 1950s. Tuscany is the birthplace of the textile and clothing tradition, as well as leather goods and the goldsmith sector.
The biggest and most important brands produce in significant districts around Florence and beyond. This is reflected in the demands of guests and clients, who want to purchase items that showcase unique craftsmanship recognized worldwide. It’s not just about having a piece of clothing, but knowing how and by whom it was made.
Think of boutiques or ateliers offering handmade clothing, leather shoes and bags crafted according to Florentine tradition, and accessories such as jewelry and home goods made of gold and silver, which trace back long-standing family traditions.
What are the must-have items when shopping in Tuscany?
I would say leather bags and shoes, gloves, textile accessories, tailored clothing, jewelry from historic Ponte Vecchio ateliers or hidden goldsmith workshops, as well as handcrafted silver items and traditional artistic products from historic shops.
Why is it important to have the help of a personal shopper when shopping?
A personal shopper guides and directs you to stores that reflect your style and lifestyle according to your requests. Thanks to the experience and professionalism of a personal shopper, clients are taken on a ‘journey’ of discovery to identify their strengths and are guided in creating a style and wardrobe that best enhances their personality. The goal of a personal shopper is to make the client feel welcomed and heard, and to impart knowledge for self-enhancement even after the shopping experience. It is important to create a unique experience, discovering special stores and places where you can find exceptional and valuable items. Of course, fun should not be missing! Often, clients just want to spend time with a style expert to treat themselves to a special shopping moment.
Looking at the services you offer, we see that there are various options depending on the client’s expectations. Could you tell us more about them?
Every client is unique. Some travel for work, others for tourism, some have a particular event, or are going through a change in their life. Based on the guest’s personality and request, a personalized itinerary is proposed and created. There will be clients who want a wardrobe for their trip to Italy and to dress in Italian style, or those who have changed jobs and want to revamp their wardrobe. Some look for unique and typical Florentine artisanal items. Others might be at the seaside in Versilia and want to spend time shopping while discovering new stores. There are also clients who want to explore vintage shops. A wide variety of options for every mood and personality.
What are your tips for making great purchases?
In the case of clothing purchases, fashion is a blend of styles and trends. As a personal shopper, we understand the client’s universe and needs to choose the style and elements that represent them, helping them best interpret their lifestyle. Generally, I always start with a combination of style and fit, what suits us best, makes us feel good, and enhances us. Then we explore colors based on one’s chromatic characteristics. The goal is to create looks with various pieces, starting with a few essential items and adding more specific pieces over time. The result is a series of looks that can be interpreted and mixed in multiple combinations, and clients are often surprised at how each selected element contributes to building a cohesive final image. At the end of each service, I like to send the client a lookbook, a kind of guide with photos of the purchased clothing and accessories and the countless combinations.
Nowadays, there is much talk about ethical fashion. Could you explain this concept to our readers?
Certainly. I have been working in this sector for almost twenty years, both as an international buyer and as a personal shopper. I have seen a real evolution and change in mentality towards respecting the environment and sustainability. I also work with many clothing and textile companies throughout Italy, and over the years, they have changed their internal processes with significant investments to convert productions in favor of sustainability, reducing energy resource consumption. There is greater attention to sustainable fabrics and productions with a traceable supply chain. Definitely, vintage and upcycling are also part of this vision.
Can we say that Italian fashion follows the principles of ethical fashion?
Yes, many companies are now attentive and have many internal controls in these terms. Both small and large brands are deeply convinced of the importance of sustainable development within the creative framework. It creates value and brings innovation. It is a commitment both locally and globally, to preserve the planet and natural resources with new practices and standards.
More and more people are interested in “recycling” old clothing items. Are the places that sell these vintage pieces part of your itinerary?
Yes, I also suggest shopping at vintage or upcycle stores. In Florence, there are many vintage shops with unique stories to discover, where you can find wonderful clothes or accessories, giving them a new life by interpreting them with modernity. In Versilia, my itinerary in Pietrasanta includes a beautiful store with unique upcycle items.
In your opinion, which current pieces will become future vintage objects of desire?
Everything moves very fast now. I think objects with sentimental value, passed down over time, will always be desirable. I believe strongly in the emotional value and experiential value linked to an item purchased. So, I would say handcrafted clothes or jewelry, even personalized ones, high-quality bags, a nice coat, and a beautiful shirt.
Is there anything you would like to say to our readers?
Shopping is a journey into one’s style and personality. With my help as a personal shopper, you learn to enhance yourself and identify excellence in terms of shopping. The time spent together is a special moment dedicated to the person I accompany. Often there is an evolution, discovering pieces they would never have chosen on their own. The knowledge of fabrics, craftsmanship, and styling secrets together create a special recipe. As a personal shopper, I also accompany clients in purchasing home elements to create a comprehensive vision for the living environment. Listening and enhancing the personality of those who choose to spend time shopping with me is fundamental, organizing personalized itineraries for individuals or groups to provide a unique, engaging, and fun experience.
Would you like to shop with Cristina? Contact our front desk and book the service.