Florence, a city of timeless beauty, has long been a cradle of creativity and craftsmanship. While renowned for its Renaissance art and architectural marvels, it also holds a special place in the history of fashion. At Antica Torre Tornabuoni, we are thrilled to unveil a special seven-episode series dedicated to the legacy of fashion in Florence, exploring the maisons that have shaped the city’s sartorial identity.

A Celebration to Florence’s Fashion Icons

Each episode in our series will be dedicated to a renowned fashion house that calls Florence home. Through these stories, we will delve into the artistry, innovation, and passion that have defined their styles and made them global icons.

Gucci – The story of a humble leather goods shop that grew into one of the most influential luxury brands in the world.

Roberto Cavalli – The master of exotic prints and opulent designs, revolutionizing the fashion industry with boldness and flair.

Emilio Pucci – The “Prince of Prints,” whose kaleidoscopic designs and fluid silhouettes captured the spirit of Italian elegance.

Salvatore Ferragamo – The shoemaker to the stars, whose innovative designs redefined luxury footwear.

Enrico Coveri – A pioneer of color and playful sophistication in Italian fashion.

Patrizia Pepe – A modern vision of femininity, blending contemporary trends with timeless sophistication.

Ermanno Scervino – The epitome of haute couture craftsmanship, where tradition meets modern glamour.

The First Fashion Show at Palazzo Pitti

To set the stage for our journey, we will revisit a defining moment in Florence’s fashion history—the first-ever fashion show held at Palazzo Pitti. The show paved the way for the city’s ascent in the luxury industry, inspiring designers to merge traditional craftsmanship with avant-garde creativity. It took place in the Sala Bianca of Palazzo Pitti in the early 1950s and marked a transformative moment. This event showcased Italian designers to an international audience, cementing Florence’s status in the global fashion arena.

So, it is only fitting that the first state museum in Italy dedicated to the history of fashion was located in Palazzo Pitti. The Museo della Moda e del Costume was established in 1983, with an extensive collection that boasts over 6,000 artifacts, including garments, accessories, and theatrical costumes spanning from the 18th century to contemporary times.

Housed in the Palazzina della Meridiana, an extension of Palazzo Pitti constructed in the late 18th century, the museum offers visitors a chronological journey through fashion’s evolution. Highlights include the meticulously restored 16th-century funeral attire of Cosimo I de’ Medici, Eleonora di Toledo, and their son Garzia de’ Medici, providing a tangible connection to Florence’s illustrious past.

Through this series, we invite you to explore Florence’s deep-rooted connection to fashion, a legacy woven into the very fabric of the city. Stay tuned as we embark on this journey of elegance, innovation, and Italian style at its finest.