By Ginevra Barbetti. Cover image Taftique Textile Art Jules Vissers courtesy
Young creativity, whether Florentine by birth or by adoption, finds its natural home in the small workshops and studios scattered between the Oltrarno and the historic centre. The very word creative, from the Latin creare and the Sanskrit root kar- – to make, to generate – evokes the desire to give shape to something new within a city deeply rooted in the culture of traditional craftsmanship, where workshops still come alive each morning to the slow, familiar sound of rolling shutters.
In these spaces, Florence rediscovers a more authentic image of itself, shaped by gilded ceramics, three-dimensional textiles, one-of-a-kind jewellery, botanical perfumes, tailored garments and contemporary painting — different languages united by a shared attention to materials and a strong drive for experimentation. We met a group of artisans who shared their stories with us.
“I Work with Gold Leaf and Antique Chandeliers” — Catherine Castor, Ceramic Artist
Azoulai Ceramica d’Arte, Via degli Alfani 45R, Florence
Catherine Castor of Azoulai Ceramica d’Arte creates entirely handmade ceramic pieces adorned with fine gold leaf, Murano glass and salvaged antique pendants.
«I trained in Florence about fifteen years ago, studying ceramics with Romano Pampaloni. After opening my first atelier-boutique in Tours, France, I returned to Florence nearly three years ago and now work in a small workshop just a few steps from the Duomo.
I create entirely handmade ceramic pieces characterised by fine gold-leaf decoration, including jewellery, decorative objects, vases, lamps, animal sculptures and artist dolls or marionettes, often enriched with Murano glass and pendants salvaged from antique chandeliers.
Working in Florence’s historic centre is both a privilege — thanks to daily encounters with travellers and loyal clients — and a challenge, due to the high costs that are often incompatible with artisanal practice. My clients include both visitors and, increasingly, Florentines.
At the same time, I am developing a parallel project in southern Tuscany, on Mount Amiata: an atelier open at selected times of the year, dedicated to a different audience, creative workshops and a new source of inspiration to complement my work in Florence».
“Textiles Are My Sculptural Language” — Jules Vissers, Contemporary Textile Artist
Atelier Taftique, Via Bonifacio Lupi 20/9R, Florence
Founder of Atelier Taftique, Jules Vissers combines tufting, embroidery, felt, crochet and experimental weaving techniques into highly tactile, three-dimensional works.
«I graduated with honours in Art Textiles from the Florence Academy of Fine Arts in 2020 and immediately founded my atelier, where I create entirely handmade textile works distinguished by a strong three-dimensional quality and by the combination of traditional and experimental techniques such as tufting, embroidery, free weaving, punch needle, felt, tatting and crochet. I work with high-quality Italian yarns, both natural and recycled, and draw inspiration from nature, art and architecture.
In 2024, I received the European Textile and Craft Award and was also a finalist for the LVMH Maestri di Eccellenza Award. I do not run a traditional shop: I divide my time between my studio, active since 2021, and a street-level atelier renovated in 2024 and open since April 2025, which can be visited by appointment.
I strongly believe in craftsmanship as the guardian of irreplaceable knowledge and as a vital presence in Florence’s historic centre. My clients are mainly private collectors, and I also collaborate with fashion and design brands. I sell across Europe and the United States through galleries, my website, Instagram and specialised e-commerce platforms».
“Each Jewel Is Born from Dialogue” — Ginevra Gemmi, Oltrarno Jewelry Designer
Ginevra Gemmi Jewelry, Via della Chiesa 29R, Florence
Raised in Oltrarno, Ginevra Gemmi handcrafts unique jewelry pieces without moulds or reproductions.
«I was born and raised in Florence, in the Oltrarno district, where I trained for seven years in drawing and goldsmithing at Porta Romana Art School. After working abroad in London and Australia, I returned to Florence to continue my studies at the Academy of Fine Arts, focusing on painting and sculpture while also working in a goldsmith’s workshop and collaborating with other artists.
After completing my studies, I decided to open my own studio in the Oltrarno, which I consider the most authentic heart of Florence, just a few steps from Santo Spirito and on the very street where I was born. Each piece of jewelry is entirely designed and handcrafted without moulds or reproductions, making every creation unique. Some pieces stem from my personal research, others from a dialogue with the client, who becomes an active part of the creative process.
My language blends traditional techniques with a contemporary sensibility inspired by nature, hiking and detail photography, using gold, silver, bronze and natural stones. I see craftsmanship as an expression of quality, identity and human connection, in contrast to serial production. Over time, my clientele has grown through fairs, word of mouth, social media and spontaneous encounters in the studio, bringing together people who seek authenticity, uniqueness and a direct relationship with the maker».
“Fragrance Is the Purest Expression of the Land” — Extra Virgo, Botanical Perfumers
Extra Virgo, Via del Trebbio 6R, Florence
Founded by Alex Postiglione and Letizia Ridomi, Extra Virgo creates niche perfumes in small handcrafted batches in Florence. Shortlisted for the Art & Olfaction Awards in Los Angeles, their fragrances are rooted in botany, agriculture and ancient cultures.
«We come from backgrounds in art history and anthropology and share a deep connection to the botanical world, shaped by my upbringing on a farm and by the teachings of my grandmother, Princess Yadana Nat Mai. From these roots, Extra Virgo was born.
For us, fragrance is the purest expression of botany — of the land, of agriculture and of ancient cultures — interpreted with contemporary elegance and rigour. We create niche perfumes in small, handcrafted batches, entirely made by hand in Florence, using rare ingredients sourced from small Italian and European producers.
Everything begins at Montecucchi Castle, the company’s headquarters, and takes shape through a local network of artisans and botanical suppliers. Our creations are available at our boutique on Via del Trebbio, through selected collaborations and international retailers, as well as via direct online sales.
We believe in craftsmanship grounded in quality and respect for people and places, and in cultivating a conscious audience. Our fragrances, appreciated by collectors and connoisseurs and shortlisted for the Art & Olfaction Awards in Los Angeles, do not follow trends but speak to those who recognise their intrinsic value».
“Slow Tailoring Is an Act of Listening” — Giorgia Papa Salerno, Founder of Sciabika
Sciabika, Via della Spada 26R, Florence
Giorgia Papa Salerno founded Sciabika during the pandemic, creating garments from natural and end-of-roll Italian fabrics.
«My passion for fashion began in Palermo during my childhood and was further shaped by my studies in Fashion Design in Florence. Five years ago, during the pandemic, I founded my atelier, Sciabika. The name — a Sicilian surname of Arabic origin meaning “fishing net” — evokes interweaving, strength and memory, and is deeply connected to my maternal grandmother.
In my atelier, I personally oversee every stage of the creative and production process, crafting unique garments and accessories from natural and precious fabrics, often end-of-roll materials sourced from different regions of Italy. Each piece is made slowly and with meticulous care, conceived for a specific woman whose name it carries.
I strongly believe in artisanal tailoring as a practice rooted in listening, respect for the body and personal identity, in contrast to the speed and standardisation of fast fashion. My goal is to grow Sciabika without compromising its authenticity, preserving a strong identity while remaining open to experimentation and a contemporary language.
My clients are women of different ages, from Italy and abroad, who discover me through the atelier, word of mouth or online. Alongside direct sales, I also create made-to-measure garments remotely and use Instagram as a space to share and narrate my creative process».
“Painting Is an Evolving Dialogue” — Samuele Alfani, Contemporary Artist
Samuele Alfani Studio, Via dell’Agnolo 25R, Florence
Working from his Sant’Ambrogio studio, Bagasseria, Samuele Alfani bridges painting and video.
«I was born in Florence and trained between Spain and Italy, studying photography, film direction and painting. After a period working in the film industry, I have focused primarily on painting since 2020, while continuing to incorporate video into my artistic research.
In recent years, I have held solo exhibitions in Florence and taken part in various artist residencies. In 2024, one of my works was shortlisted for the Art Laguna Prize and exhibited at the Arsenale in Venice; in 2025, I was selected for Paratissima in Turin.
I create original works, both personal and commissioned, developing each project in close dialogue with those who entrust me with it. I work in my studio, Bagasseria, in the Sant’Ambrogio district — a space that functions both as a laboratory and as a place for encounter and exchange.
I believe in artistic craftsmanship as an expression of uniqueness, time and human connection, and I see my practice as constantly evolving, open to collaborations and new projects while maintaining a direct relationship with people. My clients are collectors and art enthusiasts, whom I mainly reach through word of mouth, social media and online commissions».
