Lacing the shelves of Torre D’Arte are the geometric creations of artist Stefano Ramunno. However, do not expect to find paintings on canvases here; instead, await a staple of Italian fashion and culture: silk scarves.
History:
Scarves are an instrumental piece of Italian fashion, and are worn by locals and visitors alike, as well as a favored souvenir among tourists.
Most of the silk for Italian scarves comes from Lake Como, which has been manufacturing silk since 1400 to be distributed and sold in the metropolitan city of Florence, which later started to dye and design patterns for the fabric.
Yet, the trend of silk scarves as fashion pieces is more recent, and can be traced back to the style of 1960s, said Torre D’Arte co-owner Rossella Fantacci.
“About 1960s is when scarves came in,” said Fantacci. “The ladies wore a headscarf with elegant dresses during the day.”
Silk items, especially silk scarves, became so popular in the latter half of the 1900s that in 1972, Lake Como’s silk production exceeded that of China and Japan.
The birth of the silk scarf as a fashion emblem can be also seen in Gucci Garden, a museum displaying pieces from the designer’s past. The earliest scarf of the museum is from 1966, as a silk scarf with a print by Vittorio Accornero.
The prints featured in the museum are often floral and paisley, which are very classic designs, Fantacci said.
Fashion
Along with their historical significance, scarves can act as a spotlight fashion accessory, giving life to what might be an otherwise one-dimensional outfit. In the fashion-forward streets of Italy, scarves are often incorporated into outfits, usually by being worn around the neck or tied to another accessory (i.e. a purse).
As an accessory, scarves are not just reserved for women in Italy; men use them to stylize their outfits as well.
In addition to adding personality to an outfit, scarves act as a layer, which is a key tenet of European fashion. Walking in crowded areas, one can distinguish between a local and a tourist by their layers: a local may be wearing a blouse underneath a jacket with a scarf, whereas a tourist may just be seen in shorts and a plain shirt.
Scarves are also used for practical reasons. Even in the summertime, Italy can become chilly at night, and scarves provide a good amount of warmth. Scarves are also often used when going into churches, as it requires more modest dress, with a rule that shoulders must be covered.
Where to buy: High-end to low-end and the local in-between
From street vendors to designer brands, scarves are available at a plethora of stores in Italy, with prices ranging from $5 to upwards of $500 based on quality, material and designs.
In large plazas (“piazzas”), scarves are often a reoccurring product being sold. Expect to find
vendors selling cloth scarves from $5 to $20 (though pricing is negotiable). Due to the cheaper price, the quality of these scarves are often poor and have questionable origins, with some not actually made in Italy. Thus, this may not be the best if looking for an authentic Italian scarf.
Scarves are also found at the most high-end retailers, including Gucci, Versace and other famous Italian designers. At Gucci Garden, silk scarves are priced at $350. The price is higher, but the quality of the scarf is better and the silk is authentic; however, the reason for the high price tag is also based on the branding.
In between the high- and low-end scarf sellers are the more moderately priced and (arguably) best quality scarves, sold by local artisans. Many of these shops print designs from local Florentine artists on Lake Como silk, making it perhaps the most authentic.
Located near the Duomo is family owned scarf and accessory shop called Torre D’Arte, which sells genuine Italian scarves. Though they have only been in this location for four years, the store has been open since 1965, Fantacci said.
“This shop is an older shop of Florence,” Fanticci said. “It’s a family shop, with my husband, his family, and our son and daughter.”
The designs offered here are either created by one of three local artists, or are classic patterns. Local artist Stefano Ramunno is a favorite of the store, with his geometric interpretations of Florence’s most iconic landmarks.
The shop’s scarves come in a couple different textures, including cashmere, but the most popular is silk. A silk scarf from this shop can range from €29 to €65, and prices can be slightly negotiated.
There are pros and cons to all the different modes of purchase, but for a person searching for a well-made and reasonably priced silk Italian scarf, visiting a local artisan is most likely the best option.
How to identify a real silk scarf?
Perhaps the trickiest part of finding an authentic Italian scarf is determining the legitimacy of the product itself. Below are some tips to ensure the authenticity of a scarf claiming to be silk.
When picking up the scarf, test it for shine. Silk is noted for its shiny, almost reflective quality, so move it around and see if it glistens.
While it is still in your hands, note the feeling of it on your skin. Is it slippery? If so, that is another sign it is authentic silk. Now, try rubbing it between your palms. Is it heating up?
Again, if it feels warm, that is another sign that you are feeling real silk.
So, now that you know the ins-and-outs of the Italian scarf, make sure to stop by and take in the true art of what local artisans have to offer, all while adding a little bit of style to your wardrobe.