When living in a historic town like Florence, where cobbled streets are ripe and stilettoes don’t mix, what′s a girl to do? Meet Nicole Still behind VIAJIYU Florence, whose stylish “flats” offer an alternative to comfortable yet fashionable footwear for any city – not just the Renaissance capital. VIAJIYU is a colourful fashion haven for the most discerning shoe shoppers. Here, you can peruse the various styles and choose the leather before deciding on the trim of your bespoke pair of made-in-Italy items. VIAJIYU offers private shoe fittings in-store should you wish to create your pair when you are next in the city. So, what made America via Australia create a shoe brand in Italy? And what does she love so much about Florence? Find out how this fashionista spends her spare time when not creating Cinderella moments for shoe lovers.
1. Galleries I Love
Galleria dell′Accademia is a classic place to visit when you come to Florence. It would be criminal not to see David at least once. The space he is showcased in is impressive, and he is much larger than you would think. For 500 years old, he looks in pretty good condition! There is also the less visited music gallery within the museum, which has instruments from hundreds of years ago and is worth checking out after seeing Michelangelo′s masterpiece.
2. For A Perfect Dinner
I love going to Mangiafoco on Borgo Santi Apostoli, especially for the bruschetta. They make excellent farm-to-table Italian cuisine, and the place has a very authentic vibe. Plus, it′s my local. I′d also recommend Quattro Leone in Piazza della Passera for the meat dishes, including the famed Florentine steak.
3. For A Sweet Treat
Bar Pasticceria Piccioli has excellent pastries and always seems bustling with locals. The atmosphere is super cosy. The caffé at Palazzo Strozzi is also a favourite, with great pastries and a lovely view of the Palazzo courtyard (caveat: as long as you′re not there in the middle of the day when it′s filled with tour groups visiting the museum).
4. My Florence Style
People′s dress in Florence is a lot more considered, particularly men. Florentine′s seems better dressed than in many other places we′ve been to around Europe and the world; they seem to nail layering. People take more pride in their dress, and it′s more essential to wear good quality pieces. Italian fashion seems quite minimalistic regarding the colour palette and cuts, but the pieces are all tailored masterfully, and they are kind of classic with a modern design twist. I believe in good quality pieces, part of the VIAJIYU philosophy.
5. Favourite Shopping Stores & Streets
I love Borgo Santi Apostoli. It has a great mix of fashion, food, bric-a-brac stores, and the best hidden gallery in Florence, Aria. Angela Caputi does incredible contemporary jewellery made with Italian resin, all pieces are hand made in her Florence studio. Then there is the most Instagrammed, arguably, store in town, La Bottega del Chianti, with baskets of fruit, wooden chopping boards and bunches of garlic hanging outside the shop front, offering a feel of old-world Florence of the past.
6. For Sunset Cocktails
The rooftop bar at the Hotel Continentale is stunning with views down the Arno River. It′s an intimate bar that′s has a lounge vibe but also feels luxurious. The design is particularly special; the bar is carved from a medieval stone wall! Plus, you can gaze down to the Ponte Vecchio as night falls and the gold stores close, watching the pedestrians go by at sunset.
7. For Art & Culture {beyond the obvious galleries}
Unfortunately, I don′t have a lot of free time however, I do like the contemporary gallery, Aria. Tucked away in a private garden off Borgo Santi Apostoli, it hosts an array of exhibitions showcasing new talent in mixed media, sculpture and photography.
8. Favourite Green Space In Florence
Forte di Belvedere when it′s open to the public for the summer. Apart from incredible views, each year, the Forte hosts a contemporary sculpture exhibition to enjoy. It′s open until 8 pm in the summer, so a visit later in the day to see the city from up high is an insider city tip worth sharing.
9. Escape To The Countryside {best day trip from Florence}
I love the Argentario coastline in the southwest of Tuscany, about a two-hour drive from Florence, with its beautiful fields, crystal blue beaches and amazing seafood. Just heading that little further south in the province of Tuscany offers lesser travelled towns plus some of the best beaches in the region. It′s worth travelling the extra miles, literally.
Photo © Olga Makarova
