Few periods in history - Italian or otherwise - were as transformative on an artistic, cultural, intellectual, political and spiritual level, as the Renaissance and few places are so evocative of that period than its birthplace, Firenze. Noted as the key turning point in history, a break from the Middle Ages towards modernity, this era of Enlightenment marked a powerful shift in social perspective, redefining the human as a reflection of the larger cosmic order, instilling a sense of harmony in the human experience. Cue the avalanche of extraordinary artistry, the transformative social passage towards a more indulgent, opulent and luxurious existence, and the reawakening of interest into ancient texts and historic symbolism.This powerful period of creative innovation, in a city so close to our hearts, was the inspiration behind our Fall Collection, a rich, decadent new line of ready-to-wear and accessories designed to elevate the everyday and infuse a little abundance into one’s autumn wardrobe. Scroll for a sneak peek into our process and dive into all the “Firenze feels” this fall.

“Rinascimento” or Renaissance, literally means “rebirth”. We took this to heart for this collection, re-imagining some of our best-selling silhouettes in luscious new fabrications, opting for more feminine and empowering styles in soft but striking autumn hues.

Symbolic motifs and protective totems featured heavily in Renaissance art and fashion, as evidenced here in Andrea Mantegna’s altarpiece, in which red coral is hung over the Madonna and her child to ward off evil spirits. Our LDJ Design Team took note, and have woven energy-elevating elements throughout the line, like the sensuality-enhancing rosette, or the power-promoting griffin.

When selecting the key symbols from the Renaissance to infuse into our designs, we went wide in scope, sourcing details everywhere from world-renowned masterpieces like Botticelli’s “Primavera” to hidden motifs found in the private palazzos of some of Florence’s most historic art collectors. Our in-house designed Boboli print (below left) showcases elements drawn from symbols found in the ceiling of the Uffizi, while our hand-placed Portal print was inspired by a fountain inside the Palazzo Corsini chapel. Note the angel wings and cherubs woven throughout the collection - a nod to the spiritual enlightenment of the period.

Fashion during the Renaissance period was a means of demonstrating personal, political and societal narratives. The symbolism used in some of the most iconic artworks of the period extended beyond the canvas onto the clothes of noble figures such as Caterina de’Medici and Isabella D’Este, a reflection of their power and influence. Deep colours were favoured, along with highly intricate patterns, an outer representation of the wearer’s inner creativity. And as for embellishments? Well, the intricately embroidered and lavishly gem-studded garments of the time are testaments to the emphasis on abundance, details which we replicated in our bejewelled knits and playful Botticelli-print pieces.

Along with this fresh perspective elevating the human to the heavens, came a new wave of social indulgence. Extravaganzas abounded - enormous banquets, theatrical balls, lavish, choreographed, hedonistic soirees. Not simply opportunities to relish in carnal pleasures, such affairs were a convergence of art, culture, and refined sensibilities. We knew that we wanted to mirror the majesty and ebullience of these celebrations when presenting our Fall collection for the first time - after all, only the finest festa would suffice for fashion of this calibre.

With this in mind, we went full force with our Fashion Week Presentation last February, leaning into the over-the-top opulence (minus the hedonism) with performances by a troupe of sbandieratori, a room cloaked in calligraphic murals, and a table positively groaning under a Renaissance feast created by artistic chef Marco Assaggia.

Florence is a city we never tire of visiting, one whose beauty reveals itself more and more as you peel back its intricate layers. You’ll find no shortage of guides to this gorgeous gem of a place, but if you have only time for four absolute essentials, we highly recommend the following itinerary. Start with a little culture with what is inarguably one of the most beautiful galleries in the world, the Uffizi (along with the “Birth of Venus”, “Bacchus” and “Primavera”, the works of Titian and Lippi are can’t-miss masterpieces) before meandering to the Piazza Michelangelo for breathtaking views over your mid-morning espresso. Then swing by Officina Profumo - farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, considered the oldest historic pharmacy in all of Europe (and the most exquisite) for some aromatic retail therapy of the highest, most luxurious level. For the rest of the day, we recommend getting lost along Florence’s winding alleyways, particularly in the Oltrarno neighbourhood across the river from the touristy parts. Be sure you fuel up with a well-laden Schiacciatta, the local Tuscan delicacy, at one of our favourite food spots in a town famous for them, Bufalo Trippone