Give the gift of something Florentine this Valentine’s Day. Here’s The Florentine’s pick of the crop for the Tuscany lovers in your life. Many ship internationally and have English-friendly online shops.
For your wrist
This bracelet wrapped in Dahlia cowhide from small artisanal Florentine leather company Re Artù (98 euro, www.reartufirenze.it) is decorated with a dashing perforation with pops of the geranium-colored leather beneath. The metal core and leather lining make it comfortable on any wrist and the distinctive sinuous shape bestows contemporary yet ageless elegance. Entirely handmade according to the best Florentine artisan tradition, Re Artù also makes leatherwear for the likes of Roberto Cavalli, Paul & Shark and Dior.
For your neckline
Architectural embroidery artist Alanah Edwards of Cariatide Embroidery has joined forces with sustainable clothing brand Undici Florence for a line of shirts with collars sewn with Florentine details (170 euro, www.undiciflorence.com). Painstaking reproductions of the facades of Santa Maria Novella, Santa Croce and Santa Maria del Fiore have been embroidered tone on tone onto white, wine red and blue tailored blouses for a unique Florentine look.
For a special date
Paper marbling artist Riccardo Luci (https://riccardo-luci-art-of-marbling.myshopify.com) allows you to embrace your creative side this Valentine’s Day and beyond with workshops in his via del Parione space. The maestro explains the natural pigments and techniques used to design Florentine paper down the centuries before guiding you through crafting your own design that you can take home. Add a special treat for the occasion, such as a hand-stitched leather notebook (55 euro) as a memory of your artsy day together. Newly opened Linfa Studio Gallery (borgo Allegri 60R / www.linfastudiogallery.com) sees jewellery and founder Valentina Caprini running introductory metalworking and filigree courses on a private or group basis. Turn your idea into wearable art with a Valentine’s vow to add sparks to your creative relationship in the coming months.
For your scent
This vetiver-led scent from fragrance design atelier Parfumeide (180 euro, www.parfumeide.it) in piazza Savonarola uplifts this winter and into the spring. Carnalis blends head notes of cassis, grapefruit and fig leaf with a core of green mandarin, juniper, vetiver, rose and incense over base notes of Lebanon cedarwood and musk for a primarily masculine product. Alternatively, reach out to the perfume makers for a fragrance specifically made for the one you love.
For wine lovers
This wine window necklace is made to order by Florentine silversmith Francesco Pestellini (via Guicciardini 16 / +39 328 8984541 / francescopestellini@anellocuoreviola.com). Taking three weeks to make (your loved one will have to make do with a glass of wine served ideally through a buchetta del vino in the meantime), the pendant is crafted in 925 silver, while the door, fleur-de-lis and chain are in 18K gold. The design is not based on any old wine window, but the one belonging to Palazzo Antinori through which the noble family used to distribute its vino. Francesco also crafts Florentine rings and Duomo earrings for the committed Renaissance connoisseur.
For your four walls
There’s nothing like a black-and-white etching of a beloved landmark to say “I love you”, which is exactly what Lorenzo Concas’ drawings encapsulate (starting at 75 euro, www.lorenzoconcas.com). Whether it’s a view of the Duomo, San Miniato al Monte or Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Sardinia-born artist and photographer brings light, passion and perspective to the walls of your home, wherever you are in the world.
For your flowers
Dutch artist based in the Santa Croce neighbourhood Jacqueline Harberink’s long-neck black moon vase (99 euro, www.jhaporcelain.com) brings a stylish yet minimalist touch to your Valentine’s day flowers. Crafted in Mont Blanc porcelain, the outside is decorated by hand with a self-designed relief surface by using the shellac technique while the interior is glazed, making the vase dishwasher- and microwave-oven safe.
