“Don’t judge, beauty will save the world.” The Florentine street artist collective Lediesis includes this caption on their Instagram @lediesis alongside a photo of their latest mural of Spanish-Italian actress, model, and TV presenter, Vanessa Incontrada, who recently posed nude for the cover of the latest Vanity Fair. Incontrada’s decision to model naked for the cover shoot and Lediesis’ mural in response both comment in favor of the body positivity movement. The [...]
A woman has been appointed conductor and two women principal guest conductors of the prestigious ORT (Orchestra della Toscana). ORT artistic director Giorgio Battistelli went on record to say “to put things into perspective, if three men had been chosen, it would be taken for granted and not make headlines.” The 40th anniversary of the foundation of the Orchestra della Toscana will be celebrated in 2020 with a series of important changes with [...]
“This bookstore, we could say, was like a series of fortunate events,” says Icaro Rotunda. He and Gianluca Romeo took a leap of faith when they bought the Paperback Exchange bookstore (via delle Oche 4/r) at the beginning of May 2019. With no background in managing or owning a store, the two entrepreneurs have faced this challenge head on and have maneuvered their way into success. After living in Montreal, Canada for a [...]
In keeping up with ever-changing international melting pot of cuisines, and unique dietary needs is the rise of more self-conscious diners who crave a healthier alternative. Luckily for them, there is a new local café which delivers just that and more. Simbiosi Organic Café & Lovely Bistro on Via Ginori 64r, opened its doors recently to deliver an organic experience like no other in Florence. The lovely premises hold true to its name [...]
CAFFE’ LIETTA. Piazza Libertà 6/7/8 red at the end of via San Gallo, Florence. Open Monday to Saturday from 7 am – 9 pm. Thanks to designer’s Roberto Cavalli’s nieces, Florence’s historic Caffè Giacosa, which recently closed, is the inspiration for the brand-new Caffè Lietta. Reimagined by two sisters, Francesca and Lucilla Tacconi, Caffè Lietta opens as a remake of their uncle’s Caffe Giacosa, with a new appearance now combining both nature and urban [...]
The Uffizi recently purchased Daniele Ricciarelli’s (the artist better known as Daniele da Volterra) Elijah in the Desert. The painting was completed between 1543-1547, under the papacy of Paul II Farnese. A masterpiece of 16th century Italian painting, the work depicts the prophet Elijah in a moment of meditation. The influence of Michelangelo’s monumental figures in the Sistine Chapel is evident in Elijah’s musculature and pose, as well as the work’s rich tonality. [...]
Opening on July 1, The Student Hotel‘s (TSH) first Florence location will bring 390 modern, stylishly designed rooms to the city, targeted to an ever-growing population of global and digital “nomads.” Complete with a state-of-the-art gym, extensive collaborative spaces for co-working, and a rooftop bar and pool with staggering views of the Duomo, The Student Hotel holds to true to its tag phrase: “Completely Connected Community.” It is a model with an undeniable [...]
Old England, an independent historical clothing store located on Via dei Vecchietti, 28, once popular among many Florentines, re-opened under new management on Sept. 8 as Souvenir, a contemporary women’s clothing boutique. The new store will continue Old England’s up-scale styles while adding a contemporary twist. First established in 1924, Old England was like no other in the city, known for its English wool sweaters and other English-style clothing, fabrics and umbrellas. Aside [...]
Il Ristorantino di Pesce, Piazza Giorgini 20/r. Open every day except Monday. Tel. 055/0351155. Info: www.ilristorantodipesce.it Ristorantino di Pesce is a small Florentine seafood restaurant focused on serving a mixture of tasty fish-based dishes. Available for walk-in meals and aperitivos, Tuesday through Thursday between 12-3 pm and 7-11 pm, Saturday and Sunday 7-11 pm. Owner Samuele Gallori, founder of Panino Tondo in 2010, is behind this new establishment and demands only the most fresh and [...]
Hotel Helvetia&Bristol, via dei Pescioni 2, Florence. Sunday from 11.30 am to 3.30 pm. In recent years, brunch has become an important part of the Florence food scene, with more and more American-style venues appearing across the city offering alternatives to the traditional cappuccino and croissant colazione. Florence’s latest contributor to this brunch phenomenon is Hotel Helvetia&Bristol. This 19th century palazzo stands elegantly in the heart one of the city’s most prestigious areas [...]
