Not Your Typical Garden

If you have never heard of the Gucci Gardens, it may not be exactly what you expect. The colors are just as vibrant and beautiful as a garden filled with flowers but this garden is comprised of famous pieces from Gucci, scattered throughout the building. I was in awe because of the detail and originality that is put into each piece and I couldn’t keep my eyes off of my favorites.

Gucci has a much different style compared to designers such as Ferragamo. Bright, bold, and bling come to mind now when I think of Gucci. Before this experience, the iconic Gucci label on belts, shoes, and bags was the only thing I really associated with the brand. However, I now know that Gucci pushes the limits with fashion and it really does pay off, literally.

The staff members of the Gucci Gardens were all dressed in the same signature Gucci fit which helped add to the feeling of high class and exclusivity that Gucci offers. Although Gucci showcased many of their unique and extravagant pieces at the Gardens, they also displayed many of their classic pieces that can be worn on a much more frequent basis. This aspect really shows the brand’s range of style and reassures consumers that almost anyone could find something they want to buy.

If you are interested in fashion, The Gucci Gardens are a must see while visiting Firenze. Admission is free and the atmosphere is incredible. Don’t be fooled though, the Gucci Gardens are the most extraordinary gardens you will ever see.

How Salvatore Ferragamo Single-handedly changed the industry // Sustainable Fashion at its Finest

Yesterday, my class and I had the opportunity to visit Museo Salvatore Ferragamo and I will say it is not what I expected. I had no prior knowledge of how he changed the industry with the use of sustainable, natural materials and of his legacy to this day. The presentation of the pieces was outstanding and the guide really took time to explain the history and significance of each individual piece.

A portion of the first exhibit of the museum, made almost entirely from plastic straws

The atmosphere in the museum was quiet and dim but that allowed the pieces to stand out and really catch your eye. While some pieces were made using something as simple as organic cotton, many pieces were made out of materials I would never think of such as apple skin. Although the garments are sustainably made, they are extremely high fashion and of the highest quality.

I would highly recommend touring the museum with a professional guide, otherwise you may miss out on some backstories and history behind the garments and art. During the tour, I was able to touch many of the fabrics used to create the garments and they were all extremely unique. Ferragamo’s use of sustainable fabrics and practices sets them apart from any other company in the industry and I am now a full supporter of the brand, even though I likely will never be able to afford it.

This was an incredible experience and I highly recommend that you visit the museum if you are spending time in Firenze and have any interests in sustainability, fashion, art, or all three.

Mercato Centrale di Firenze and Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

My name is Maggie Rees and I am a study abroad student from North Carolina, studying in Florence, Italy for one month. While that may sound like a long time, I am skeptical that it is enough time to see everything I long to.

I am a marketing major and I decided to take a course called social media marketing through Lorenzo De Medici. In this course, we learn about the elements of social media marketing and get hands on experience.

The first place our class visited was the Mercato Centrale di Firenze (Florence’s Central Market). The bottom floor contained countless shops selling meats, cheeses, flowers, seafood, spices, oils, wines, prouduce, and many other local products. The atmosphere was bright and busy and a new smell filled the air only by taking a few steps. Shop owners greeted our group with friendly faces and even invited us to sample their product sometimes.

The upstairs had a food court-esque atmosphere and there was numerous foods to try including pasta, pizza, sandwiches and other typical Italian dishes. All of the food upstairs is prepared with the items being sold downstairs, so you know what ingredients and in your food and you can purchase them in the same location.

Our final stop was the Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. This pharmacy is the oldest pharmacy in the world and also serves as a museum. When I walked through the entrance, I could immediately smell the herbs and oils used in the perfumes. It was strong but not displeasing. I associated the pharmacy’s display of perfumes and other products with art and elegance. Each display was a work of art itself. The pharmacy had a calming presence and there was no shouting or hustleing around. The patrons took their time and appreciated the history.