Florence - Vintage

It would seem a cliche to say that Florence is vintage, given it's long history, but the recent explosion of stores selling Vintage fashion has taken over more than just one area of town.

Borgo Pinti has been renowned for decades as the home of Florence vintage shops. It is still true that sandwiched between the jazz club and numerous Indian bead shops can still be found some of the best fashion buys in the city. However, new competition is springing up in the most unlikely of places...Santo Spirito and even Via Tournabuoni in fashion row.

The best find of all, however, is around the corner from Santo Spirito on Via dei Serragli at Ceri Vintage. If Audrey Hepburn was alive, today, you would most likely find her there perusing the wide assortment of brand name clothing. Alexander McQueen's first designs next to Ferrucci 1970's skin tight jeans...plastic chain necklaces accenting Sgt Pepper jackets...and, of course, Go-Go boots to make Gidget squeal with delight!

The store is a treasure trove of style and fashion crimes waiting for the right eye. In an old 18th century building with vaulted ceilings, the ambiance itself inspires to try the unthinkable . . . yellow plastic patent leather shoes with a fuchsia mini!

The owner and his wife are both cordial and discreet. If you want to hunt undisturbed he is more than willing to let you while away hours or, if you need a hand, he can generally suggest the right combination at a price that won't bankrupt you.

Look carefully before leaping, however. The numerous originals mixed carelessly among cheap imitations may be beautiful and costly at the same time. It takes a discerning eye to walk away both happy and financially secure but, no matter what, you will never find yourself meeting a carbon copy at the next occasion if you shop at Ceri Vintage.