Destination: Tuscany

We’ve packed our bags with pieces from our Fall 2022 Collection, and we're embarking on an elegant adventure to Tuscany, Italy. Our journey begins in Florence, the capital of the Tuscan region where our dreamy fabrics originate and our garments are produced. This is the birthplace of the Renaissance, where some of the world’s most famous and influential art, architecture, and fashion will inspire you at every turn.


 

WELCOME TO FLORENCE

The Piazzale Michelangelo offers an unmatched view of Florence, so we begin here, then make our way into town. A walk through winding streets takes us to the Uffizi Gallery, where we’re astonished by renowned works of art by Renaissance masters: The Birth of Venus by Botticelli, The Holy Family by Michelangelo, Bacchus by Caravaggio, Adoration of the Magi by Leonardo da Vinci, and more. Art also inspires our ensembles as we explore Florence, a city that calls for the effortless elegance of the Jillian Top, London Pants, and Selena Necklace
The beauty of Florence’s historic art history doesn’t end there—equally famous works are scattered throughout the city in plain sight, from the statues that seem to guard the Piazza della Signoria to the breathtaking Duomo in the heart of the city, where Giotto’s Campanile tower and Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise doors are on full display.

TUSCAN ARTISTRY

The hustle and bustle around the Duomo is fitting for Tuscany’s largest and most fashionable city—just around the corner, we find a lively leather market with some of the region's most sought-after shoes, bags, and other handcrafted leather accessories. A stroll over the Ponte Vecchio (“The Old Bridge”) offers amazing views of the Arno River and leads us to the Oltr’Arno, or south bank. Here, the artisans of Florence truly flourish, and artisanal jewelry and woodworking shops are bustling with activity. 

After an afternoon of shopping, we’re ready for a meal at one of Florence’s incredible restaurants, where local dishes are paired with Tuscany’s famed vino.

INTO THE COUNTRYSIDE

For the next few days, we’ll take local trains to explore the picturesque villages that dot the rolling hills of Tuscany, perched at the tops of winding roads. Each town is known for its singular production: Montalcino and Montepulciano for their namesake Sangiovese-based red wines, Pienza for its Pecorino sheep’s milk cheese, San Gimignano for its white Vernaccia wine, Orvieto for its ceramic pottery, and so on.
Most of these magical Tuscan towns were built by the Etruscans, boasting ancient architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and delightful vistas around every corner that have been relatively untouched over many centuries.

DREAMY DAY TRIPS

We make time for a day trip to a vineyard or tasting room near one of these villages, coupled with leisurely walks in town and punctuated by an espresso (ask for “caffe”) amidst the energy of a local piazza. We end the evening at dinner in a local trattoria, where pasta, pizza, and wine dazzle the senses at a sensible price. For breathtaking Tuscan views and incredible hospitality, we wind our way up to the quaint village called Cortona.
Cortona is an enchanting hilltop town offers a variety of neighborhood cafés, small shops, tucked-away trattorias, and historic sites. Wandering the quiet streets brings us to a friendly enoteca selling local bottles of wine, fresh charcuterie, and divine snacks for an impromptu people-watching picnic on the steps under the clocktower in the piazza.

TUSCAN HOSPITALITY

A meandering stroll through the back streets of Cortona leads up to Santa Margherita, a beautiful basilica with magnificent views of the Valdichiana. We continue up the hill past the church to the Fortezza di Girifalco, wander the grounds, and enjoy a glass of local wine on the terraces where another great lookout is nestled. From casual to fancy, there are plenty of great dinner options in Cortona. We start the evening with aperitivi at a sidewalk wine bar, where it’s customary for complimentary snacks to come with a drink purchase.

For dinner, our options are endless—cacio e pepe prepared tableside, a hidden romantic ristorante, or mouthwatering pizza are just a few steps away. As we enjoy our after-dinner digestivo and luscious tiramisu, we muse about our favorite places in Tuscany while plotting our plans for tomorrow, when return to Florence to catch a ride to our next destination. We hope you’ll join us on our next elegant adventure and that you feel inspired to explore your own!