One would think here in Florence-- a city steeped in a long and rich tradition of fabric, wool and habadashery, that acquiring such a simple thing as needle and thread would be, well, easy. Turns out not.
In my neighborhood of Santa Croce, there's a leather goods shop every 50 feet, a cafe on each corner and Tabac vendors a stone's throw in any direction. Within a two minute walk one could find some of the best wine in the world, fresh pecorino, a side of beef, Gucci sunglasses and the Financial Times. Walk a little further and there are probably 15 pharmacies, three hardware stores, a dozen bakeries, gelaterias and sweet shops as well as purveyors of flowers, fruits, vegetables and beautiful handmade papers. But no needles and no thread.
Having done some shopping (strictly as a cautionary measure -- should my lost suitcase not show up--which it did, but no matter...) I have several pairs of new too-long pants needing hemming. And while I could probably find some local Nona to assist me in these matters, I'm reasonably handy with hand sewing so I figured I'd have a go.
But finding the most basic of tools turned out to be quite a challenge. Thank goodness, last night, our close quarters dinner companion at Vini e Vecchi Sapori was none other than famous Florentine jewelry designer (and one of my absolute design idols) Angela Caputi. http://angelacaputi.com How do I know this? Because quite serendipitously, I was wearing one of her necklaces which she recognized and commented on. What an absolute thrill! We talked at length about her business, the design environment, her new shop in NY, Garrand, fashion PR, the possibility of working together and finally, where to get a damned needle and thread in Florence.
She, one of the city's grand dames of style, pointed me to a tiny milliner's shop, the last one in Florence, in business over 50 years right next to Roberto Cavalli on Via della Spada.
Sure enough, needle, thread (and two boxes of linen pocket squares for good measure) were to be had. On a return trip I plan to more closely observe the many trays of lovely vintage buttons--many cool mid century beauties... Lovely souvenirs of a dressmaker's city.
May you have many more opportunistic adventures and encounters. How splendid it all appears when needle and thread turn into pure style!
Posted by: john bennett | 01/11/2012 at 09:18 PM