The Traveling Diaries No. 22

"I Musei"

by Angelic Roman

 In my contemplation of the beautiful San Francisco museums ( my particular favorite being the Legion of Honor) I realized that my "Traveling Diaries" section really was missing a post on the various fashion museums in Florence. Other than the Salvatore Ferragamo museum, I failed to post my wonderful experience with the Gucci museum as well as the Galleria del Costume located in Palazzo Pitti. Hence, I shall endeavor to give a quick summary on the museums and why, if you're ever in Florence, you can't miss them. 

Gucci Museo 

photo takes from wwd.com

photo from trendhunter.com

The Gucci Museum is located in one of the main Piazza's in Florence, known as the Piazza della Signoria (where Michelangelo's famous David once stood). You really cannot miss it, even if you were trying to, because it is so marvelously advertised with giant banners and a very exclusive Gucci cafe. For those who don't know, Gucci was founded in Florence in 1921. The museum itself offers a wonderful taste of Gucci heritage on three levels and the entrance fee is 7 euros. It was really through this experience that I learned the complete history of the Flora designs Gucci commissioned for the famous Princess Grace Kelly. The museum offers a look at the various range of products that the Gucci brand has come to encompass (including a stunning car). 

You can find out  more information here. 

Galleria del Costume 

photo taken from museumsinflorence.com

The Galleria del Costume is located inside Palazzo Pitti just beyond the Ponte Vecchio. (Bonus: if enrolled in CCSF Study Abroad admission is free as part of a student package) The Galleria offers a look into fashion history and the intricate past of Florence's fashion up until the 18th century. For any fashion designers, this would certainly be a place of inspiration. Here you can see some costumes belonging to Eleonora of Toledo ( these are actually rare pieces from the 16th century). Overall, it is a wonderful representation of Florentine fashion and fashion history.

You can find more information here.