Florence has bred several of Italy's iconic fashion designers, brands that today are internationally recognised for Italian haute couture. In recent years, some have gone on to reflect the Italian lifestyle "la dolce vita" also through food and wine.
Ferragamo
Salvatore Ferragamo found his passion for shoes at the age of 9 when he made a pair of shoes for his sister's communion. Years later, in the 1920'ies he set up shop in Florence and the rest is history. His son, Ferruccio, purchased an old hamlet in Tuscany in the 90'ies and now his children, Salvatore and Vittoria, run an organic winery Il Borro in the completely renovated farm that has become a Relais & Chateaux with 2 restaurants to go with it.
Gucci
The "GG" was created in the 1950'ies when Aldo Gucci paid homage to his father Guccio Gucci who made high-quality leather goods in Florence. It has now become one of the world's most recognised brands. In Florence, you can visit the "Gucci Garden" show-room and Osteria, where you can taste dishes created by 3-Michelin-starred chef, Massimo Bottura.
Cavalli
Roberto Cavalli's breakthrough came in Florence in the 1970'ies. His style was unmistakably innovative featuring bright animal prints, with an all-new technique. Foreseeingly, he purchased farmland in the beautiful Chianti Classico region which his son, Tommaso, would later breed track racing horses and subsequently turn into a winery, Tenuta degli Dei.
You can visit the Cavalli winery on Grape Tours' Elite Classico Cru tour.