Aside from my mainstay of photography--advertising for liquors, jewelry and home furnishings--I used to do some beauty and fashion work. I even did a short stint in Paris. In my time, I've worked with and directed many types of models (some who became household names), stylists and makeup people. While lately I don't really pay close attention to fashion styles and trends, I do see what's going on--at least in my peripheral vision. I will also admit to being fairly opinionated--no more and no less than most creative types.

I'm of the opinion that classic style is timeless. It lasts. It's not really a trend. The best Italian style is exactly that. When we traveled throughout Italy, the best looks were the simplest--sort of like the Italian cuisine versus French. The first is simply prepared with the best ingredients. The latter is overly complicated and at times convoluted.

​Beauty is beauty. Balance, lines, color and texture have certain rules if they are to work well together.

Here are some thoughts on a few looks I've stumbled upon lately... Am I not getting something? 

--Jerry Finzi

Keep in mind when visiting Florence, that you are in a timeless city with centuries-old tradition of artisan crafts, with many maestri (masters) in each of their specific trade-crafts. Many still work with traditional tools and methods, while others have modernized their techniques to suit the increase in demand from the tourist trade. This is a double edged sword. On one had, it is still possible to find the best traditional leathers, jewelry, linens and more. On the other hand, the casual Voyager to Florence has to be wary of shoddy materials, careless workmanship, outright fakes and forgeries and cheap factory-made imports from China. 



A great way to start your search is to take a stroll through medieval streets of the Oltrarno (“other side of the Arno”) neighborhood,  in between Via Maggio and Piazza Pitti.  Walk past the vendors on the Ponte Vecchio to the south bank of the Arno and then a bit west. You will sense that you really stepped back in time into the Renaissance discover a literal maze of artisan workshops in the tiny streets--violin makers, bookbinders, gilders, ceramics, tilemakers, mosaics, calligraphers, clock makers,metal-workers, framers and sculptors. Just remember not to go during riposa, when most Italians close up their shops for 203 hours between 2-3 pm. Early morning or later in the afternoon is best. There are also many little piazza with trattoria to enjoy, sit back and just take it all in... 

--Jerry Finzi

Beginning in January, 2017, Grand Voyage Italy is undergoing a reconstruction: adding new pages, categories and moving older posts to more appropriate pages. If you can't find what you are looking for in this new Lifestyle page, use the Search Box to help find what you need. Grazie!