A Free Day In Florence: Tradition, Tuscany, and Fashion
by Fi Porco
A Free Day In Florence: Tuscany, Tradition, and Fashion
As the reader’s of the Dickinson Mosaic blog know well, our trip thus far has been filled with interviews, visits, and exploration of Italy, fashion, and the nuances that exist within it. In a brief pause from the busy schedule of researching, we allotted ourselves a free day to rest and explore the city as we pleased. Though we may not have been actively reading, writing, or talking with experts, that did not stop the influx of knowledge we received by simply observing the bustling environment of Florence around us.
On this day off, I choose to take it slow and wander through the central markets that I had heard so much about. I was told the leather was truly one of a kind and I thought I would check it out for myself. Leather good stands lined the Mercato Centrale street, with each proudly showing its “Made in Florence” signs. Tourists filled the busy street looking through the various belts, bags, keychains, bracelets, and more. Hundreds of colors, styles and textures of leather were displayed throughout the market, no two exactly the same. I witnessed transaction after transaction, but the stock did not seem to even take a dent. The “tradition” aspect of these tactile goods seemed to be the allure that drew the people in (myself included), and acted as the focal point.
After exploring the leather markets, I continued on to Piazzale Michelangelo, to see the beautiful panoramic view of the city for myself. In my stroll there I exited the world of artisanal based fashion and into the world of commericial fashion. While strolling down Via Rosa, I saw stores range from Armani to Zara, then from H&M back to Louis Vuitton. People elegantly walked the streets after their respective shopping trips, displaying their bags with various brand names. Fashion and consumerism filled the air. With signs proudly pointing to exclusive deals while other stores’ exclusivity was protected by security guards. I had a clear sense of the influence that fashion had on the city, and the diversity of forms it takes.
I continued on my walk to the Piazzale. I was able to appreciate the beauty of the city as I walked along the Arno. Exiting the commercial and business districts removed me from our current age and back into the Renaissance period. I then hiked the hill to the Piazzale, leaving the stone and city briefly as I was surrounded by greenery and beautiful springs. At the top of the hill the 19th century Piazzale gave a panoramic astounsishing view of the city. In taking it all in from the top I reflected on all that I had observed in the day. Despite the day off, I continued to learn about the intricacies of the fashion industry. I saw first hand the many forms fashion takes: whether it be artisanal based practices, high end brands, or fast convenience based fashion, clothing regardless is the meaning and value we decide to assign to it. Whether the meaning be associated with tradition, price, quality, or simply in name, we as the consumers decide the power each item gets to hold. As I sat and enjoyed the view, I tried to remove myself from the value I had been assigning around me all day, and rather tried to appreciate beauty as it was in front of me.