Francesco Lastrucci for The New York Times
Roberto Ugolini's workshop.
In a city like Florence where big-name labels like Gucci and Ferragamo are mainstays for international shoppers, it’s easy to overlook smaller, homegrown names. A number of these designers can be found in the Santo Spirito neighborhood. Situated in the Oltrarno quarter, south of the Arno River, this residential enclave is a collection of quiet and narrow streets gloriously free of the hordes of tourists that dominate the town center. Mostly housed in elegant Renaissance buildings, the shops especially stand out because many preserve the increasingly hard-to-find tradition of making everything by hand.
ROBERTO UGOLINI
Fourth generation men’s shoemaker Roberto Ugolini sells only custom-made pairs out of his compact workshop and storefront. His footwear comes in a range of materials including leather, suede, camel’s hair and shark skin. Prices from 1,300 to 3,000 euros, or $1,780 to $4,110 at $1.37 to the euro.
Via Michelozzi, 17r; (39-055) 216-246
PAOLA QUADRETTI
Francesco Lastrucci for The New York Times
A fitting at Paola Quadretti.
Tucked away in the back of a gated courtyard, this shop and showroom carries women’s clothing, shoes and accessories from the eponymous designer, who is known for her modern, meticulously made-to-measure creations. The broad selection includes colorful evening clutches, casual separates for day and ornate special occasion dresses. Prices from 250 to 10,000 euros.
Via Santo Spirito, 11; (39-055) 289-057; paolaquadretti.com
ANGELA CAPUTI
Francesco Lastrucci for The New York Times
A necklace at Angela Caputi.
Oversized and bold best describe the jewelry from this designer, who works strictly with plastic resin in her large, airy space. The selection of nearly 8,000 trinkets includes square earrings coated with shiny film and chunky necklaces with colorful beads that have been engraved with laser or covered in cloth. Prices from 10 to 300 euros.
Via Santo Spirito, 58r; (39-055) 212-972; angelacaputi.com
L’IPPOGRIFO
In his small shop and design studio, the graphic artist Gianni Rafaelli uses a 500-year-old technique of fashioning etchings from copper plates to turn out limited-edition prints. Some depict Florentine life dating back to the Renaissance era, while others are contemporary images of cars, cartoon characters and other everyday objects. Prices from 30 to 400 euros.
Via Santo Spirito, 5r; (39-055) 213-255; stampeippogrifo.com
IL SANTINO
Francesco Lastrucci for The New York Times
Il Santino.
This tiny wine bar and food shop gives no hint of its take-home gastronomic treasures. Choose from 150 mostly Tuscan wines produced by hard-to-find boutique growers, more than 30 kinds of cheeses made in the nearby hills, including a semisoft vinacce infused with the skin of merlot grapes, and a dozen kinds of cured meats like wild boar and deer salami. Prices from 4 to 80 euros.
Via Santo Spirito, 60r; (39-055) 230-2820
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