Vintage Store in Oltrarno
Throughout my time in Florence, vintage stores have held a certain appeal and an essence that I have come to associate with the culture of Florence. This specific store is called C’est Chic, a rather ironic French name for its celebration of Italian art. While this business like most of its kind, carries the typical big commercial brands, its focus tends to lie in smaller local, more niche works of Italian artists. I came into the city expecting to be overwhelmed by a sole emphasis on generic luxury commodification but instead encountered a more intimate history behind Italian leather, shoes, clothes, etc. The vintage culture in Florence is unlike any other because its production is rooted in a deeper origin, exemplified by not only the owners’ connection with each piece but concurrently the diverse people around the world it attracts. The art behind curating, preserving and displaying vintage collections in Florence is particularly well-captivated in C'est Chic—garnering a regular clientele and sparking frequent new attention. (Anoosha Reddy)
