Florence is not only a source of fascination due to its rich cultural legacy, it is also one of Italy's most important fashion locations. In addition to Botticelli, Michelangelo and da Vinci, Gucci, Cavalli and Pucci are also some of the city's famous personalities. But it's not just design that has a long tradition in the picturesque city on the River Arno: the manufacturing tradition can also look back on a rich heritage. Century-old craftsmanship, by leather tanners and cloth weavers in particular, still forms the foundation for a flourishing fashion scene – which is kept alive with the bi-annual Pitti Uomo. And our 'Cool Cities Florence' special is proving that in addition to the big names like Ferragamo, Gucci, Luisaviaroma and Gerard, the city also has quite a few unconventional shop concepts waiting to be discovered. We met up with Daniele Davitti, the youngest professor in Italy, Filippo Fanini, who has just launched a high-end fashion label, and Linda Loppa, a well-known name in the field of fashion education, who following her stint in Antwerp is now bringing fresh input to Florence's Polimoda.
The Danish multi-talent Henrik Vibskov is also a firm believer of unconventional thinking. J'N'C editor-in-chief Ilona Marx visited the creative head of the eponymous label at his new headquarters in Copenhagen's harbour quarter. Before the official opening she was welcomed at his freshly painted café, which is a part of the building complex.
Plus...
In London our correspondent Oliver Horton met up with Fred Perry's new Brand Director Andy Rogers and chatted to him about brand visibility, long-term cooperation partner Raf Simons and the balancing act between sport and subculture.
"Today there is more of a focus on the value of clothing; how it is created in terms of the manufacturing methods." The new Artistic Director of Victorinox, Christopher Raeburn, spoke to J'N'C author Fredericke Winkler about recycling as a sales argument, the 'Rescue' collection and his first Swiss army knife.
"We are putting our trust in natural evolution." Marc O'Polo has launched a new line called 'Pure', which COO Andreas Baumgärtner and his team proudly presented at their HQ in Stephanskirchen, Germany.
And:
Unconventional shop concepts in London, Hong Kong and Berlin and Jack Kerouac reloaded in our fashion shoot 'On the Road'. In the shade of Greek olive trees we are showcasing the finest denim in our 'Halkidiki' photo editorial and also breaking gender conventions in '(s)he likes'.
