Ceramics: The town of Faenza,
in Emilia-Romagna, has been the center of pottery
making, especially majolica, since the Renaissance.
Of course, you don't have to go to Faenza to
buy it because shops throughout the country
carry it. Tuscany and Umbria are also known
for their earthenware pottery, sold in many
shops in Rome and Florence.Vietri
in Campania is another important center for
the production of artistical ceramic.
Fashion: Italian fashion is
famous all over the world . and Valentino Armani,
Missoni, Gucci, Versace,Krizia and Ferre are
the most known names. After the World War II,
Italian design began to compete seriously against
the French fashion monopoly. Today Italian designers
are among the arbiters of the world fashion
scene. Milan presents the largest selection
of boutiques, followed by Rome and Florence.
Ironically, a lot of "French" fashion
is now designed and manufactured in Italy, in
spite of what the label says.
Glass: Venetian glass is famous
the world over. In Venice you'll find literally
hundreds of stores selling Venetian glass in
a wide range of prices. Here's the surprise:
A great number of Venetian glass today is manufactured
not on Murano
(an island in the Venetian lagoon) but in the
Czech Republic. Many factories outside Italy
turn out high-quality glass products that are
then shipped to Murano, where many so-called
glass factories are just stores selling this
imported "Venetian" glass.
Gold: The tradition of shaping
jewelry out of gold dates back to the e Etruscans,
and this ancient tradition is going on strong
in Italy today, with artisans still working
in tiny studios and workshops. Many of the designs
they follow are based on ancient Roman originals.
Of course, dozens of gold jewelers don't follow
tradition at all but design original and often
daring pieces. Many shops will even melt down
your old gold jewelry and refashion it into
something more modern.
Lace: For centuries, Italy
has been known for its exquisite and delicate
lace, fashioned into everything from women's
undergarments to heirloom tablecloths. Florence
long ago was famous for the punto Firenze (Florentine
stitch) made by cloistered nuns. Venetian lace
is even more famous, especially for tombolo
(pillow lace), macramé, and an expensive
form of lace known as chiacchierino. Of course,
the market today is full of cheap machine-made
stuff, which a trained eye can quickly spot.
Although some pieces, such as a bridal veil,
might cost hundreds of euros, you'll often find
reasonably priced collars, handkerchiefs, and
doilies in Venice and Florence boutiques.
Leather: The Italians craft
the finest leather in the world. From boots
to luggage, from leather clothing to purses
(or wallets), Italian cities, especially Rome,
Florence, Venice, and Milan are full of leather
shops selling quality goods. This is one of
Italy's best values and if you shop carefully,
you can still find lots of handcrafted Italian
leather products.
Prints & Engravings: Wood
engravings, woodcuts, mezzotints, copper engravings,
you'll find them, especially in Rome and Florence.
Of course, you have to be a careful shopper.
Some prints are genuine antiques and works of
rare art, but others are products of the assembly
line.
Religious Objects & Vestments:
The religious objects industry in Italy is big
and centered mostly in the greater Vatican area
in Rome. The biggest concentration of shops
in Rome is near the ancient Church of Santa
Maria Sopra Minerva. These shops have it all,
from cardinals' birettas and rosary beads to
religious art and vestments.
