Author: Melissa Tauber

A Tradition Rooted in Florence and Time If you spend enough time in Florence, you begin to notice something about leather. It is everywhere—in the shops, in the markets, in the hands of artisans carefully shaping it on wooden workbenches. Yet among the many types of leather produced around the world, one in particular has come to define the region: Tuscan vegetable-tanned leather. For centuries, this method of tanning has been quietly practiced throughout Tuscany. It is slower than modern industrial...

There is a reason people are told to buy leather in Florence. Not because it is simply a tradition, but because this is where much of it begins. Long before leather goods filled shop windows across Italy, Florence and the surrounding Tuscan region were already known for their craftsmanship. As early as the 1200s, artisans here were working with hides, refining techniques that balanced durability with beauty. Over time, those techniques became part of the identity of the region. Even today, much of...

Fashion Forever: How to Build a Timeless Wardrobe Fast fashion is arguably the biggest buzzword in retail right now, but have you heard of its less talked about counterpart? Slow fashion prioritizes high quality pieces that are made to last. In the long run, a slow fashion focused wardrobe can save you money and support sustainability. Timeless fashion can only be described as the obvious: timeless! There’s nothing worse than buying a new outfit only to look back at the photos and wonder, “What on earth...

The proper care and maintenance of your leather products purchased at Tornabuoni Tuscany will add longevity to their lifespan. The first step in deciding how to care for your leather is by simply asking yourself what you want it to look like. Your taste in style will help you choose the right approach to caring for and maintaining your leather in the best method that suits your needs. While there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach, there are common ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ that can be applied to your...

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT LEATHER FOR YOU When visiting Florence, it will take only minutes to realize it is overflowing with leather. The art of leather-making in Tuscany dates back hundreds of years to ancient guilds who specialized in various crafts. These guilds not only controlled the quality of work but also controlled who could join. Today, leather craftsmanship in Tuscany is still recognized as one of the best throughout the world. Shopping for an authentic Italian leather item in Florence can be...

TORNABUONI’S GUIDE TO EXPLORING FLORENCE CHECK OUT OUR LIST OF SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE IN FLORENCE When visiting Tornabuoni, many customers ask for suggestions on what to see and do while in Florence. Besides shopping for authentic leather pieces and eating your way through Italy, there are numerous activities to fill your days. Whether you are interested in the history, culture, fashion, or wining and dining, we have compiled a unique list of must-sees to satisfy every traveler. First,...