Shop, Eat, and Drink like a Local in Santa Croce, Florence
Creative Director of leather legend, Misuri, shares her favorite local spots
Carlotta knows a thing or two about heritage brands.
She’s currently carrying her family’s artisan leather design and production company, Misuri into its second century.
Florence is undoubtedly a shopper’s paradise.
From legacy designers like Gucci and Ferragamo to high-end and vintage jewelry, and leather products galore, it’s easy to spend here.
Read on for some shopping and dinning tips from a true insider.
Local Flavor
For those looking for something uniquely Florentine, Carlotta shared her favorite shops in the Santa Croce neighborhood where she was born and raised, along with restaurant and bar picks (and what to order).
Signum is an adorable shop selling all kinds of artisanal creations like from the famous Florentine paper, notebooks, diaries, and hand-painted little bookshelves. I’m hardly a tourist, but every time I go in there, I lose my mind and want to buy everything!
Like Misuri, Loretta Caponi is a true heritage brand.
It’s named for the young woman who learned the trade in the nearby town of Fiesole and mastered the art of embroidery to support her family. Founded in 1924, the shop continues an exquisite tradition of embroidery. They sell exquisite sheet sets, lingerie and loungewear as well as tailored gowns, each of which is a unique masterpiece.
Antica Occhialeria sells hand-crafted eyeglasses made to measure at accessible prices.
For clothing accessories, I really like Studioteca on Via dei Benci. They work with small, local Florentine brands. The collection is super curated and exceptional quality. A lot the pieces are originals, in fabrics produced from natural fibers.
Carlotta Caserta on Eating & Drinking in Santa Croce