The minute you meet Marco Meacci of Dexter, you know what′s in store. A dapper gentleman, equal parts smart and stylish, he oozes 1940′s fashion flair. The fitted waistcoat and tailored jeans are slightly rolled to show tan leather Oxford shoes. If I wasn’t so sure it was the 21st century, I′d feel I was in Florence of a glorious past.
Marco is the brain behind Dexter. This small fashion space near the bridge of Ponte Santa Trinita sells Italian-made clothing for men and women. Dexter only houses Italian brands, many of which have a vintage twist and design nods to the 1940s ′s and 1950s ′s. Yet the collection of denim, checked shirts, waistcoats, and felt hats filling the cosy store is anything but old.
Dexter reflects Marco′s personal style
Having an international background in the fashion business, he began his career at Oliver in 1980, the go-to clothing store in Florence. Then moved on to running the men′s department at Raspini, the Florentine fashion company established in 1947. But it was time abroad in Seattle as a style and textile consultant for Union Bay Company, then working with Japanese designer and stylist Yohji Yamamoto, who developed Marco′s own style ideas. Yamamoto is not only a master tailor but also an artist who collaborated with the legendary German director Wim Wenders.
After years of working for others Marco decided to “open my little own boutique” as he puts it in 2009. Today Dexter′s Italian-made brands grace the rails. Tela Genova, whose jeans are made in the Marche textile district, makes up the large denim selection with detailed cuffs and optional braces. Shirts by Milan-based Deperlu offer soft flannel cotton pieces that are easy to dress up or down depending on the occasion.
For women, Alysi, a Roman designer whose bold patterns on tops and trousers make for a statement look. Phisique du Role, a Florence label, creates basics, including simple T-shirts. Plus skirts made from sweatpants fabric. Hats by Stondo Firenze and a collection of beaded jewellery from local artisans are housed in a wooden display cabinet.
Jazz saxophonist Dexter Gordon inspired the store′s name a musician of the bebop era. And arguably the ideal musical accompaniment to the clothing styles hanging on Dexter′s shelves: classic, stylish, and a little smooth. Within this small space on via Maggio, it′s easy to be drawn in by the fashionable fabric and stylish items folded on wooden shelves. It′s clothing to create a personal fashion statement of your own.




Photo © Sofie Delauw