Guya
When this store opened in 1970, the main idea was to display new, independent and innovative designers outside of the famous Florence brands. Over the years, they expanded to feature international brands, too. Today, their shop has expanded into two smaller shops and the décor and vibe is completely laidback — a snobby high fashion store this is not.
Luisaviaroma
Having made its name as an extremely popular online store, Luisaviaroma’s brick-and-mortar store has gained the same prestige. Located right near the main cathedral (known as the Duomo), the store can’t be missed. The display windows and entrance alone are attention-grabbing with a new theme every season that always sparks curiosity and makes it look more like a colourful wonderland than a clothing store. With brands such as Alexander McQueen, Kenzo, Lanvin, and Burberry, as well as few new up and coming brands, this place has lots of fun high fashion pieces for your wardrobe.
Via Roma 19/21R, 50123 Florence
Luisaviaroma | © Sarah-Rose, Flickr
Flow Store
Carrying both men and women’s clothes, this store has been around for a while and all the trendy Florentines know about it. This is a fashionista’s paradise; not only do they carry the trendiest clothes, they also have vintage items, interesting new books, and are a great place to discover new music. They also host some events and you can always find something new to add to your collection here.
Via Vecchietti 22, 50123 Florence
© Hannah Morgan
Gerard Loft
If you’re looking for new statement pieces, this is your place. A mix of fashion trends for men and women, Gerard Loft has tons of interesting new trends, some bold statement pieces, and a great mix of luxury and everyday styles fill the store, with a hint of irony in their designs and décor.
Via dei Pecori 36R, 50123 Florence
Stockholm street style | ©Thomas Leuthard/Flickr
A Piedi Nudi nel Parco (A.K.A. PNP)
This fantastic boutique has an alternative twist and a great selection for those who have an edgier style. Dark decor in the store, bold pieces and slight grunge rocker vibe, this place is great for unique pieces full of your own personality. Mostly black and simple, with some edgy asymmetrical cuts, PNP is the perfect boutique to match your black heart with your black wardrobe.
Bjork
No, this store was not inspired by the quirky singer by the same name. With minimalist décor and a Nordic vibe, this concept store has a distinct style. Featuring all things design, including art, photography, fashion and design magazines, and books, they know how to make a creative setting. The large window in front and lack of clutter inside makes this space bright and airy, which is like a breath of fresh air while shopping. Find this boutique in the Oltrarno neighbourhood, and experience where the locals live.
Via dello Sprone 25R, 50125 Florence
Clothes | © Artificial Clothes / unsplash
Boutique Nadine
Trends come and go, but good boutiques last the test of time. Nadine now has two locations in Florence, which means it’s doing something right in this fashion city. Not only is there a great selection of vintage clothes, the entire store is full of vintage items and has a great classic vibe with pops of modern décor. With old trunks, silk dresses, accessories, home wares, and even non-vintage styles from upcoming designers, this place has it all. The location on Via de’ Benci is a bit hidden by a window with a beautiful view of a garden, so look closely when you go. Their newer location is in the Oltrarno neighbourhood, so after stopping by Bjork, get a change of scenery with Nadine’s.
Via dei Benci 32, 50122 Florence
Lungarno Acciaioli 22R, 50123 Florence
Vintage Clothes | © Demi-Brooke / Flickr
Epoca
Finding this little gem is like finding the X marking the spot on a vintage lover’s treasure map. Looking for a great leather jacket? How about a classic pair of Salvatore Ferragamo shoes? Gently used items with big names make their home here. You can find a steal at almost half the price of what you would spend in store, with brand names including Prada, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Louis Vuitton, to name but a few. Well-organised, and style and color coordinated (which we can all appreciate), this vintage find is a must-visit.
Via dei Fossi 6R, 50123 Florence
Vintage shopping | ©Steven Depolo/Flickr
Cristian Fenzi
This brand new jewellery and accessories boutique will definitely be the hottest place to shop this year in Florence. With innovative, handmade designs and a unique style, Cristian somehow manages to have something for everyone. His designs are diverse, with everything from futuristic pieces inspired by technology to intricate medieval inspired pieces. This is a must-stop while you’re in Florence. Cristian, surprisingly, has never had any traditional training in jewellery design, meaning all his ideas and creations are organic and entirely of his own making. He runs the store along with two other designers, Fabio Gianni and Paolo Gianni, and together they make this store stand out from the rest. Check out their Instagram to see what we mean.
Lungarno Torrigiani, 33B, 50125 Firenze
Société Anonyme
This boutique is for men and women, and their collection is fantastic for fashionable wardrobe staples. A corner location just outside of the centre, this store is where many trendy locals shop. With brands such as Maison Margiela, Henrik Vibskov, Alexander McQueen, Helmut Lang, and Société’s own brand, they definitely know the right pieces to pick to feature in their store, which makes this place a great boutique for fashion lovers.
Via Giovan Battista Niccolini 3/f 50126 Florence
Alexander McQueen | © Victor SotoFlickr
For more shopping, head to Via de’ Tornabuoni, which is the Rodeo Drive or 5th Avenue of Florence, to find all the big designer stores. Shopping in one of Italy’s fashion capitals obviously isn’t cheap, so if you’re not used to the boutique life, it’s better to stick to stores like Zara, H&M, Mango, Georgette, and Daisy where you can find great trendy fashion for less.