Florence tailors/artisans and Albaladejo

[Guest]

1) Does anyone know if Albaladejo manufactures belts and accessories? What about when their catalogue will be on-line?

2) What book is the best guide to the non-culture side of Florence (shops, hotels, etc)?

3) Can anyone make any remarks about the tailors in Florence, for example Liverano and Cisternino?

[mathew]

There's another tailor in Florence, G. Seminara, who made one of the suits posted on Jun Kuwana's site. Unfortunately I don't have the contact info for G. Seminara.

[alden]

Alabaladejo does sell belts. They have cordovan belts to match their shoes. The website should be up soon, though it would be best for Miguel Font to advise on that question. He joined the londonlounge in recent months. Maybe you can write your question in French as he is more proficient in this language than English.

The guide books that are the best tend to be by Italian publishers: Gambero Rosso Editore, Le Guide De L'Espresso are two that come to mind.

[andreyb]

Dear Sir,

As you know, I just returned from Florence. Unfortunately, I can't suggest you anything meaningful.

Apart from Bugelli, I visited only two "clothing" shops: Ugolini & Fils and Florence Leather School.

Ugolini = Burberry + Brioni + Avon Celli + John Laing. Nothing special, just a collection of ready-to-wear brands. But if you are interested in some of them, prices are good (at least, much better than in Russia; probably, also better than in the USA).

Florence Leather School: I suggest you to visit it. Maybe their goods wouldn't be your cup of tea (I, for example, prefer English makers), but it is very interesting to see how real craftsmen do their work.

Mr Bugelli recommended Bemer's (www.bemers.it). But based on what I saw on the web-site and on Leonardo's feet, they are not my cup of tea (psst: don't say it to him! ). But this is just me.

Edited: If you read Flusser's book, don't seek for Neuber and Principe. Not there anymore. Regarding guides -- I used Rough Guide to Florence. What I can say: don't buy it!

Andrey

[zjpj]

FYI, cordovan Albaladejo will now be sold at Sky Valet in D.C. for ~ $550.

[jekarwoski]

I concur with Michael, the Gambero Rosso guides are excellent, some published in conjunction with Slow Food. However check to see if they are available in your language - I know the Rome guide is available in English. For shopping, they will suggest home/table, food and wine, but I've not seen anything for clothing.

The current Travel and Leisure or Food and Wine is a "special" on the cities of Venice, Florence and Rome; you might find something there. I just returned from Florence and Rome and can highly recommend a new hotel: the Relais Santa Croce. Housed in the same building as Enoteca Pinchiorri, it is a botique hotel in the restored palazzo. We were fortunate and were upgraded to a junior suite with a view overlooking the rooftops leading to Santa Croce; the service was excellent. They opened in March 2005, but there were no rough spots.