Florence and fashion go hand in hand. Since pre-Renaissance times the city was a textile hub and leather-making centre. Today Florence is still considered a creative leader, having produced fashion powerhouses Ferragamo, Gucci, Pucci, and Cavalli, and hosting bi-annual Pitti Immagine trade show. It′s also home to a vibrant scene of young designers with a desire for traditional craftsmanship. And if you adore a store mixed with current fashion and collectable vintage pieces, Boutique Nadine is for you.
Boutique Nadine is a Narnia-inspired wonderland of fashion, jewellery and bric-a-brac for your home. Established in 2006 by Ponte Vecchio the store is literally steps from the famous bridge featuring a tantalising collection of vintage items from Italian labels including designers Roberta di Camerino and Emilio Pucci to French houses of Chanel, Dior, Hermes, YSL, Celine and Lanvin, plus a mix of high-end brand accessories alongside emerging fashion designers.
Created by Irene Zarrilli, the store is brimming with unique items sourced on her travels through Italy and Europe. Designers are selected according to Irene′s taste and the choice of materials, plus on sale is Odette, Irene′s own clothing label. The store has rows of new clothing alongside its carefully selected vintage accessories and jewellery. As for the name, why Nadine? Irene′s first foray in fashion was managing a store with her mother called Nadine Lingerie. Boutique Nadine pays homage to this heritage plus is a nod towards “the French style that is the shop”, as Irene explains. With a large mix of French and Italian labels, both old and new, Boutique Nadine it′s a treasured find for the fashion-minded in Florence.
Photo credit: Boutique Nadine