A Piedi Nudi Nel Parco (Florence, Italy)

I first came across this boutique during my visit to Florence a year ago. With a romantic store name, that translates to 'Barefoot in the Park', you would probably think of green grass, flowers and a few butterflies, but I'm guessing the owners were thinking more 'car park' than 'country park'. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, because the industrial vibe is what drew me to the store in the first place: a retail space that I suspect would attract the likes of Rick Owens or Ann Demeulemeester should they ever decide to shop outside their own wardrobes. Nestled in the heart of Florence amongst tourist kitsch, high street stores and luxury flagships, PN\P (as it's abbreviated) has two shops that cater to a more alternative crowd. Aside from a few international names, the focus lies on local indie designers with a goth/rock/avant-garde edge, but it's the store interior of the main boutique that stands out more than anything else.

Alessandra Marchi looks available at P\NP (images: PN\P)

Ilaria Nistri looks from P\NP (images: PN\P)

If you come across PN\P, chances are you'll see a few passersby pressed against the store window, gaping at the transparent glass floors which reveal the ground underneath. Not just your average retail space, PN\P is set among Roman ruins of the old city walls (visible in the basement area), while carefully preserved cloth-dying vats can be viewed under the flooring. If that's not enough to lure you in, the coffee and cocktail bar near the entrance will probably do the trick. The best thing? While you sip a cocktail or espresso, you can peruse the jewelry and accessories, which are conveniently located near the bar area. And more tempting wares, such as shoes and bags are located a few feet left of the bar... is there a better way to multi-task?

Overview of the bar area and the nearby jewelry counter (top, lower left image: PN\P)

Another view of the bar (left) and a few shoes, incl. a pair of booties placed on a giant leather glove (top).

The glass floor, which allows a view of the vaults beneath, while clothing hovers above it.

If you can pry yourself away from this part of the boutique, the rest is just as enticing. The entire store is kept in gray and beige, while the clothing mirrors this color scheme. Many of the clothes reminded me of the aforementioned Owens/Demeulemeester aesthetic: slouchy knits, draped leather jackets and asymmetric skirts were just some of the pieces I spotted. Everything was suspended from metal bars like works of art and a rack never held more than a dozen items. The very eager SA was quick to point out the Italian talent such as Alessandra Marchi, Ilaria Nistri or Marsell. Some brands were familiar (Comme des Garcons being one of them) while others were virtually unheard of and almost impossible to find elsewhere. Of course pricing was a little painful, but as you can guess, the quality and tailoring was impeccable and the majority of the pieces is very unique.

Another view of the ground level (top image: PN\P). A few splashes of color among the black (left) and a very interesting leather tie (right).

More clothing (left), but don't forget the accessories, incl. large statement necklaces (top) and patterned scarves (bottom).

I also ended up taking a quick peek at the basement area, which despite being underground was almost brighter than the ground level. The menswear section was prominently displayed, but I sighted a few more pieces for the ladies on racks along the wall. And with its rustic colors, this section was almost homey.

More cool stuff, such as leather jackets, boots and a funky red hat.

A look at the basement level (top image: PN\P). For men who like their bling (left).

Arched doorways and high ceilings give the basement an airy atmosphere (left). Jeans and sweaters along a wall (right).

Thankfully I didn't feel like spending a ton of money the day I visited, or else I would have done some serious damage (though beware: there is an online store). Nevertheless, shoes, bags, scarves and some very funky jewelry provide for excellent gifts if you ever need a unique Italian souvenir that lasts longer than the chocolates and biscuits I wiped out within a few days (yum). And even if you're not wanting to spend anything, the incredible interiors are almost as worthy of a browse as the nearby museums.

Looks from Cora Groppo (left three), Lost & Found (center) and M.A+ (right. All images: PN\P).

Address: Via del Proconsolo Angolo/Via Dante Alighieri, 50122 Florence
Opening Hrs: Mon-Sat: 10:00-20:00, Sun: 11:00-19:00
A Piedi Nudi Nel Parco Official Homepage & Online Shop