There is so much going on in Florence at the moment, mostly to coincide with the ‘Firenze Hometown of Fashion’ week.   Thanks to a bit of rain and a drop in the temperature this weekend, we went for a lovely walk into the center and the below photos are a little taste of what we found happening around town.

I personally love the art by Emilio Pucci wrapping around the baptistery to hide the restoration scaffolding.  An interpretation of one of his original scarf designs from 1957 and a symbol of the Florentine designer’s ties to the city.  The installation, titled Monumental Pucci is part of the events celebrating 60 years that Florence has been the Center of Italian Fashion and coincides with Pitti Immagine which will run from the 17 – 20 June at the Fortezza del Basso.  This is a ‘trade only’ event so not really open to the public.  This coming week Pitti will be showing the Spring Summer 2015 Collections so there will be lots of fashionistas strutting their stuff around the Florence streets –  if the weather behaves, should be perfect for grabbing a cocktail and watching the passing parade!

Also for the occasion of Pitti Immagine this week, iconic high fashion boutique Luisa Via Roma have created a controversial ‘art’ installation out the front of their shop!  Titled, ‘Il Tempo Vola e Anche Le Farfalle’ / ‘Time Flies and so do The Butterflies’, about 200 exotic, Amazonian butterflies have been placed in a large case and as you can imagine, the reaction from the public has been very mixed.  There is a sign explaining the habitat of the butterflies which also lists the biologists who not only assisted with the transportation but are also looking after these specimens while they are on show.  It was a bit sad to see a few of these beautiful creatures lying on the ground with damaged wings and clearly with not much time left in this world…………..

Walking along the river today, we were lucky to get a preview of tomorrow evening’s event which will culminate with a light installation on the Ponte Vecchio designed by local designer Stefano Ricci.  The lights will be turned on at 10pm by Andrea Boccelli after he has performed at the ‘Nuovo Teatro dell’ Opera’ and we will also be entertained by a spectacular water show by Fous de Bassin, a floating spectacle created by French company Ilotopie.

I would love to take Matteo to see this seeing as it walking distance from our house but I’m afraid it will just be too late for him and if the predicted rain falls, then I may not venture out myself!