“Fit for a king or queen” is the standard at this tiny Oltrarno shop in the shadow of Palazzo Pitti. Madova is run by the Donnini family, whose commitment to crafting supremely tailored gloves dates back to 1919. They started producing gloves for rich families, luxury brands and specialty shops in Florence. Soon after, demand spilled over throughout Italy and then internationally. In 1954, the family opened a storefront and named it for their most popular style, the Madova.
The unassuming shop only holds a few customers at a time. Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by glove experts, whose smiling faces are framed by shelves of leather from floor to ceiling. As shoppers approach, a velvet pillow is laid out for a personalized fitting. Hands are measured to the closest half-size, and that’s when the fun begins. Gloves of all colors, styles, and stitches are slipped off the shelves and onto your hand. Some are cashmere-lined, others warm with wool, still others unlined for leather purists. No matter how the details are mixed and matched, the glove always feels luxurious.
This brings us to a very important point: in other parts of the city, such an exclusive shopping experience would demand an hefty price. Not so at Madova. Gloves are fairly priced according to type, with beautiful, classic styles starting at just 40 euro.
Today, lovers of fine leather goods still seek out Madova for its quality craftsmanship; in fact, it remains one of only a few shops worldwide dedicated solely to the art of glove-making. Can’t make it to the store? Learn more about this family tradition (and even purchase a pair or two) at madova.it.
photo here
