Florentine Artisans and their extraordinary pieces protagonists of Dolce&Gabbana special event: ‘The Renaissance and Rebirth’
Dolce & Gabbana have chosen Florence for the presentation of their men’s Alta Sartoria and women’s Alta Moda collections. From 2 to 4 September, the city will be the stage of an important calendar of events and of a special project that will directly involve local artisans. “The Renaissance has always meant the extraordinary to us, pure creativity, manual ability of the highest level, just like a love for Italy, art, and that which is handmade has always represented a fixed point of references in our work” declared the two stylists.
‘The Renaissance and Rebirth’ is the title of the event that will begin 2 September with a menswear fashion show to be held inside the Palazzo Vecchio 'Salone dei Cinquecento’, the most important room in the Palace adorned with the frescos of Vasari. Unique and extraordinary pieces will appear on the catwalk accompanied by accessories and objects made by artisan workshops. On the same date also a High Jewelry presentation will be staged inside the cloisters of Santa Maria Novella. The calendar of events will continue the next day in the wonderful Italian garden of Villa Bardini, with its Baroque staircase and unique view of Florence, and end at the Cantine Antinori vineyard.
The main aim of the project is that of understanding and respecting the identity and unique characteristics of every single artisan involved, bringing their creations under the spotlight of an international public. It is exactly for this reason that work was not subcontracted out, but rather the stylists worked in complete harmony with artisans to highlight the pieces which, already unique and precious on their own, were often pushed beyond their normal use, inventing a new identity for them.
The creations made from terracotta, silk, gold, silver, leather, straw, wicker, crystal, porcelain, glass, wood, brocade, feathers, beads, semi-precious stones, and marble intarsia interpret not only the value of artisanal tradition, often handed down from one generation to the next, but also a clear attention on contemporary renderings.
Recounting this rich and meticulous universe is a limited-edition book produced with the contribution of Cuoio di Toscana. A leather cover, the profiles of the individual artisans and the designs of the objects to be presented on the catwalk: a kind of guide for touring the city.
In addition, the display cases containing the work of the artisans involved in the project will be exhibited in Palazzo Vecchio, in the Cortile di Michelozzo, from September 2 to October 15. One will be dedicated to Cuoio di Toscana.
‘The Renaissance and Rebirth’ is the title of the event that will begin 2 September with a menswear fashion show to be held inside the Palazzo Vecchio 'Salone dei Cinquecento’, the most important room in the Palace adorned with the frescos of Vasari. Unique and extraordinary pieces will appear on the catwalk accompanied by accessories and objects made by artisan workshops. On the same date also a High Jewelry presentation will be staged inside the cloisters of Santa Maria Novella. The calendar of events will continue the next day in the wonderful Italian garden of Villa Bardini, with its Baroque staircase and unique view of Florence, and end at the Cantine Antinori vineyard.
The main aim of the project is that of understanding and respecting the identity and unique characteristics of every single artisan involved, bringing their creations under the spotlight of an international public. It is exactly for this reason that work was not subcontracted out, but rather the stylists worked in complete harmony with artisans to highlight the pieces which, already unique and precious on their own, were often pushed beyond their normal use, inventing a new identity for them.
The creations made from terracotta, silk, gold, silver, leather, straw, wicker, crystal, porcelain, glass, wood, brocade, feathers, beads, semi-precious stones, and marble intarsia interpret not only the value of artisanal tradition, often handed down from one generation to the next, but also a clear attention on contemporary renderings.
Recounting this rich and meticulous universe is a limited-edition book produced with the contribution of Cuoio di Toscana. A leather cover, the profiles of the individual artisans and the designs of the objects to be presented on the catwalk: a kind of guide for touring the city.
In addition, the display cases containing the work of the artisans involved in the project will be exhibited in Palazzo Vecchio, in the Cortile di Michelozzo, from September 2 to October 15. One will be dedicated to Cuoio di Toscana.
The artisans involved are:
Antica Fornace Mariani M.I.T.A.L
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Experts in working the clay of Impruneta which, baked at 1000 degrees in the wood-burning kiln becomes, in the hands of the Mariani family, an artistic vase, a statue, a work of art, a traditional or creative object to triumph in gardens all over the world.
Antica Occhialeria
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Established in 1956, this store makes hand finished spectacles that are also bespoke, original and distinctive, sometimes inspired by the many vintage models to be found in the private collection.
Antico Setificio Fiorentino
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An historic factory, established in 1786 in the heart of the celebrated San Frediano district, that unites tradition and innovation by creating unique fabrics.
Aprosio&Co
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In her workshop-store on via del Moro, Ornella Aprosio gives life to wonderful creations using strings of Murano glass or Bohemian crystal beads.
Argentiere Pagliai
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A reference point in the city for unique silverware inspired by the great Florentine tradition.
In parallel to the classic line there is an experimental collection with original objects made of bronze and pure copper.
In parallel to the classic line there is an experimental collection with original objects made of bronze and pure copper.
AtelierGK Firenze
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Twenty years of experience in art binding as well as in the restoration and creation of artistic craft objects. The two young owners make all the delicacy intrinsic to their work available to their clients.
Bianco Bianchi
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The Florentine scagliola technique is handed down in this workshop that vaunts over fifty years of tradition, creating masterpieces that are valued all over the world. Alongside the new creations is an enviable museum collection of historic pieces.
Bottega d’Arte Maselli
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For three generations, this historic store has been creating and restoring special frames, carved and gilded exclusively by hand.
Brandimarte
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The history of silversmithing began in this workshop three generations ago and is carried on today by the heirs who create works of significant size, various tableware lines – including one expressly dedicated to wine- jewelry and historic medals.
Castorina
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In the heart of the Santo Spirito district, a boutique woodworking workshop whose roots go back over one hundred years to the land of Sicily.
Club del Ricamo di Casale
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This cultural association has long been dedicated to the study, promotion and teaching of ancient Casalguidi stitching, the main characteristic of which is the three-dimensional decoration.
Dimitri Villoresi Bags
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Dimitri Villoresi creates leather bags and accessories that are made by hand without the use of sewing machines, just skiving knives, awls, scissors, needle and thread. True luxury according to this artisan is to dedicate the necessary amount of time to everything.
Fondazione Arte della Seta Lisio
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A foundation which is, at the same time, a silk factory and a school handing down the ancient art of working this valuable material following the values of its founder, Giuseppe Lisio, ‘tessitore di ogni colore' [‘weaver of every color’] as he was defined by Gabriele D’Annunzio.
Fratelli Piccini Gioiellieri
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Over one hundred and fifty years of devotion to the city of Florence and its history. This family of jewelers has often given their utmost for the city, drawing inspiration from it to create regular masterpieces of jewelry, many of which inspired by Botticelli or illustrious monuments like the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio or the sculpture of David.
Fratelli Traversari
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This workshop has continued an ancient tradition – that of micro-mosaics - since the 19th century, creating jewelry, pictures and various objects.
Giotto Scaramelli – Cesteria Beccacivetta
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Giotto Scaramelli skillfully plaits strips of different woods to create baskets with new and surprising color tones.
Giusto Manetti Battiloro
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An institution in the production of gold leaf that finds its application in the most diverse forms of decoration. Alongside the centuries-old tradition, the innovation of the new generations and the cutting-edge machinery permit the use of this material in the world of the kitchen and beauty.
Grevi
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The tradition of Florentine braiding becomes straw hats for men, women and children in this workshop on Via dei Fossi, in the center of Florence.
L’Ippogrifo Stampe d’Arte
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The ancient technique of etching is the strong suit of this workshop on via di Santo Spirito.
The subjects are classical landscapes, as well as animals, objects of everyday use or ones connected to the world of the imagination.
The subjects are classical landscapes, as well as animals, objects of everyday use or ones connected to the world of the imagination.
Locchi Firenze
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The story of this grinding workshop began back in the 19th century. At the gates of the San Frediano district, glass and crystal are engraved and blown to create regular masterpieces.
The most important museum institutions and noble families also refer to the workshop for the restoration of valuable pieces.
The most important museum institutions and noble families also refer to the workshop for the restoration of valuable pieces.
Lorenzo Villoresi
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This Maestro of perfume gives life to very distinctive creations starting from a deep knowledge of and a deep respect for the raw materials, many of exquisitely Tuscan origin. In the ancient palazzo on via de Bardi, next to the shop, is the museum of perfume and an academy.
Loretta Caponi Firenze
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The vocation of this atelier is to maximize domestic time. Silk, cotton and linen elegantly transformed into linen for the house, for the nighttime and homeware, have bewitched and continue to bewitch queens, actors and exponents of the most famous dynasties.
Mazzanti Piume
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Duccio Mazzanti has become a point of reference in the field of working feathers, a very delicate and versatile material. In his workshop the traditional working process is also handed down to students from the most important fashion institutes in the world.
Mireille Valentin Mosaico Fiorentino
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After studying at the Opificio delle Pietre dure in Florence, Mireille Valentin, originally from Belgium but Florentine by adoption, decided to stay in the city to continue the ancient Commesso Fiorentino technique.
Nerdi orafi
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This small but invaluable goldsmith’s workshop is located near Ponte Vecchio, inside the Casa dell’orafo where, in the past, the Medici family decided to group together all the city’s goldsmith artisans.
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
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The history of the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is closely linked to the city of Florence, ever since Caterina de’ Medici took with her to the court of France the wonderful creations of this workshop started by Dominican monks, that today is still confirmed as a world excellence.
Pampaloni
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In this workshop, brilliance and intuition make it possible to transform silver into mold-breaking objects, distorting their original destination of use.
Paolo Penko Firenze
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An historic Florentine goldsmith’s workshop that was the proud creator, among other things, of the gold Florin and also responsible for reproducing important Medicean jewels.
Parione - Tipografia&Legatoria
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Ever since the early 20th century valuable masterpieces have been created with paper and leather in this printing works-bookbinding factory. Books, business cards, writing paper, handled with unequaled attention to detail.
Pestelli Creazioni
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Tommaso Pestelli and his wife, Eva, have created a wunderkammer featuring objects with precious details inspired by traditional stories.
Saskia Scarpe su Misura
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German by birth but a genuine Florentine by adoption, Saskia Wittmer exclusively creates bespoke shoes combining expertise with top quality hides and fabrics.
Scarpelli Mosaici
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Maestro Renzo Scarpelli and his son, Leonardo, are the custodians of an all Florentine ancient art: Commesso. They start by choosing the stones, then proceed to cut them and match the shapes and colors, respecting the nature of a material that, in the hands of these artisans, is transformed into a painting.
Scuola del Cuoio di Firenze
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Inside the old monastery located behind the Basilica of Santa Croce is a workshop that is also a school where it is possible to see master craftsmen at work making and decorating leather items.
Stefano Bemer
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Shoes are the true protagonists in Stefano Bemer’s workshop/boutique in the Oltrarno district. Rigorously handmade with care and devotion by the Master artisans and their pupils, conquering clients from all over the world.
Taddei Simone
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Delicate boxes of every shape and size. Jewelry cases, money boxes or card holders realized by expertly shaping the leather by hand in this workshop located near Dante’s house.
Taf Firenze
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This store-workshop features tablecloths, bedroom and bathroom linen, trousseaux, children’s clothing, all hand embroidered following the Florentine tradition with unique designs resembling paintings.
Tommaso de Carlo
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Tommaso De Carlo creates furnishing items and components using only natural products, pigments and types of earth for the colors as well as glues made inside the workshop following the tradition of an ancient craft.
Ugo Poggi
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Everything for the table and home furnishings, paying particular attention to the Florentine premises and tradition that gives a nod to Europe and contemporary culture.
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