A magnificent exception to the medieval and Renaissance fabric of Florence, the 17th-century Palazzo Corsini al Parione is a rare example of Baroque architecture inspired by the grand noble palaces of Rome. When it was built, the people of Florence were not enthusiastic about its imposing silhouette reflected in the waters of the Arno River, between Ponte Santa Trinita and Ponte alla Carraia. “Too different, too new, too ostentatious,” many objected. But the die had been cast, and the city learned to love the splendor of its terraces overlooking the river, its dramatic façade crowned with statues, and its large windows. Popes, heads of government, intellectuals and scientists have all lived and stayed in the immense halls at Palazzo Corsini, decorated with stuccoes and works by some of the greatest artists, including Pontormo, Filippo Lippi, Signorelli and Caravaggio.
Now open to the public in the beautifully frescoed rooms overlooking the monumental courtyard is a magical new space: the extraordinary historical archive of Il Bisonte. It preserves 55 years of history and creative experimentation of the iconic Florentine brand of high-end artisanal leather goods. To discover this well-kept secret, lovers of the most authentic “Made in Florence” need only go to Il Bisonte’s historic store at via del Parione 31 and book one of the free guided tours offered from the beginning of September (pass by the shop and leave your email or write to marketing@ilbisonte.net).
Visiting the store is already an experience in itself, not only for the beauty of the new collections, but also because many of the products preserved in the historical archive are still available for purchase in the shop’s heritage section. These include the transformable Caramella bag (created in 1973 using the fabric of a beach chair from Forte dei Marmi), the iconic men’s Trappola backpack (designed the same year), the unmistakable Doctor Bag inspired by British physicians’ bags, and the Disco Bag beloved by Elizabeth Taylor. All these items, and many more, have remained a constant part of Il Bisonte’s collections since they were first envisioned by the brand’s founder, Wanny Di Filippo. It is thanks to his talent and free-spirited thinking that bags and accessories designed five decades ago still feel strikingly contemporary and continue to capture the hearts of Il Bisonte lovers worldwide.
Among them is Ralph Lauren, who once purchased a briefcase directly from Wanny at the via del Parione store. After using it daily for many years, he entrusted it to Il Bisonte’s skilled restoration artisans so he could continue carrying it for a long time to come. The magic of this brand lies precisely in this: in creating high-quality products free from fleeting fashion trends, and therefore capable of being loved for a lifetime.
The historical archive is open to visits
Visitors to the store and archive will hear a truly unique and special story from curators, the story of a brand that is a piece of Florence itself, which has earned love all over the world and, even as it celebrates its 55th anniversary, remains deeply rooted in the places where it was born: a small workshop-turned-store, an incredible palazzo preserving its legacy and a very short supply chain centered in the province of Florence, where the best leather artisans keep the most authentic Tuscan craft tradition alive day after day.
Sneak preview!
Readers of The Florentine are invited to visit the new Showroom and Historical Archive on Thursday, July 3 at 5.30pm and 6.15pm, followed by light refreshments.
Meeting point: Il Bisonte shop in via del Parione 31, Florence
The post Il Bisonte: experience the history of the Florentine leather company appeared first on The Florentine.
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