Sandwiched between the San Lorenzo chaos and the daunting drivers of via de’ Cerretani sits a wide-open walkway that feels like a Florentine anomaly. A concrete oasis at the crux of two crowded areas, the cool, calm via dei Conti is often overlooked. But the beauty of this stretch is that it’s no typical backstreet, cluttered with ‘closed’ signs and abandoned bins. It may be off the beaten track, but this hidden passage has a pulse all its own.
Tutto 99 Cent – 57r. Everyday items at deep discounts
New Rock – 22r. Boots, gear, motorcycle memorabilia and stacks of studs–not for the faint of heart
ph. courtesy of Le Muse
LE MUSE – via dei Conti, 9
Le Muse has been the talk of the town since this restaurant, lounge bar and social space opened last spring. Modern and multidimensional, what sets Le Muse apart is the sheer potential afforded by its size, schedule and structure. Unwind after work with an outdoor aperitivo and finger foods. Pop in post-lunch for a business meeting over cocktails. Indulge in an international breakfast buffet or dig in to a creative Tuscan dinner. At Le Muse, the ‘all day’ factor will keep drawing you back.
Clochard Vintage – 16r. For true thrifting
Ceramica Ricceri – 14r. Colorful ceramics
Konnubio – 8r. Tuscan dining with an international touch
KLAB – via dei Conti, 7
If you’re a card-carrying gym-dreader, but worry your daily walk doesn’t cut it, one look at Klab will bring your motivation back. Far more than a fitness center, Klab is a haute lifestyle hub, complete with a spa and beauty facilities. Walls in the workout space are dotted with colorful contemporary art, devoid of the dungeon-like aesthetic of average gyms. Get your heart pumping at one of Klab’s aerobics, yoga or pilates courses; turn to a trainer for a tailor-made experience; or sample all services with a one-day pass.
UB – via dei Conti, 4/r
Borrowing its name from owner Ubaldo, this secondhand goods store deserves a day’s worth of digging. Mannequins flank sepia-toned Madonna prints; vintage light fixtures line the shelves; wrinkled postcards, rare magazines and rustic luggage add more mixed-bag appeal. Convinced it’s all just hipster hogwash? Don’t be: there’s no contrived ‘concept’ behind this unaffected space. Ubaldo’s simple explanation of why it opened: ‘Just to change things up– così per cambiare.’
Desii Vintage – 17/19/21r. In Carlo Andreani’s words, a place where garments ‘get a second life’
Men in search of a style icon must drop by Desii (via Dei Conti 17/19/21r) to meet Mr. Carlo. This photogenic gentiluomo is paces ahead of the Pitti trendsetters.
photos by Marco Badiani except where indicated
