Via Cesare Battisti is, in my humble opinion, one of the most picturesque streets to walk down in Modena. Look over your shoulder as you stroll along past the boutiques, book stores and vintage shops to the Ghirlandina Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the quintessential symbol of the city.
Just a few weeks ago my friend Francesca Moschin invited me to the opening of her brand new boutique, Francesca Cuoio e Cashmere. Exclusively sold in her store is "Francesca", her brand new line of Italian knitwear brand created with business partner Alessandro Bonvicini.
Alessandro Bonvicini has been creating some of Italy's best quality textiles as a member of his family business, whose story begins in the 1970s . Stay tuned on the blog for our visit directly to their factory to meet their textile artisans as part of the on-going HANDMADE - THE ARTISAN SERIES.
As is the story with many craftsman in Italy who manage to modernize and industrialize, their production line was filled with orders for top international luxury brands. The new "Francesca" line, available exclusively at their multi-brand boutique Francesca Cuoio e Cashmere, is the launch of their very first collection.
Specializing in top quality cashmere, silk and cotton, they produce their knits using traditional 21 Gauge Machines and source from the World's best suppliers to produce a product that will truly last a lifetime when cared for correctly.
Ask Alessandro about how to care for your knits and he goes off on a passionate tangent!
Cashmere is a fibre that must be taken care of. If you treat it with love and respect it will last your for a lifetime, unaltered and unchanged. It is such a incredible fibre that it can be in direct contact with skin, and our quality is so soft that even a baby could wear it.
At that point in our chat he looked at Francesca, who's husband is one of Alessandro's lifetime friends to ask her "How many year's has your husband had that pullover I made him....20? 25?"
The Francesca Cuoio e Cashmere Style
When I asked Francesca about the aesthetic of the line and the store the words she used to describe the collection were so fitting: Evergreen, timeless, classic, elegant and sophisticated yet modern.
This is not a boutique dedicated to passing fads and trends, this is where you would come to purchase items you would love for a lifetime. In her words:
They are items that you can wear season after season because they adapt to any type of look. This is for the woman who doesn't follow the trends but who wants pieces that work effortlessly into her wardrobe perfect for any situation.
The duo have been thinking about opening a store in Modena for years, and have created a partnership between buying and selecting, designing and producing that has filled this unique space with items that are handmade throughout Italy.
Boldrini Selleria
Along with their own brand they also sell one of Italy's premiere saddlery style bag brands, Boldrini Selleria. A historic and classic brand that has been creating saddlery inspired bags in natural vegetable tanned leather since 1955.
Francesca Cuoio e Cashmere are the exclusive sellers in Modena and bags are reasonably priced and available in a variety of colors. In the Spring collection you'll find tans, beiges, bright reds, natural blacks and caramel browns.
Fra M
Along with their inaugural collection of knits, I got to see the first bags from the up and coming Fall collection that will be entirely produced and designed by Francesca and Alessandro in Italy. A few designs are available in the boutique upon request.
Inspirational Jewelry
Perhaps one of the best gifts your can buy yourself is a piece of jewelry, wether it be to remember a vacation, commemorate an event, match an outfit or just simply treat yourself. Francesca has always been a lover of simple, well made jewelry and the pieces that she sells from Italian and designers throughout Italy are stunning.
She's been scouting for years for the perfect mix of minimalistic elegance and in her boutique you'll find real silver pieces by Japanese jewelry designer Yoko Takirai, who lives and works in Italy. Or Italian Chiara de Fillipis and Cornja who work with brass, wood and other natural materials.
Store Hours & Location
In Modena it is tradition that stores are closed on Thursday afternoons, during the lunch break from 1 pm to 3 pm and for a few weeks in August. Below I've posted their current store hours, but don't hesitate to call or check their Facebook page for current hours!
Address: Via Cesare Battisti, 33, 41121 Modena, Italy
Phone Number: 059 224376
E-Mail: francescacuoioecashmere@gmail.com
If you visit Modena, Via Cesare Battisti is a must-see on your list of things to do, and don't forget to drop in at number 33 at the Francesca Cuoio e Cashmere boutique for a gift or souvenir that you're sure to love.
If you visit Modena, Via Cesare Battisti is a must see street, an authentic part of the city filled with shopping and beautiful views. Don't forget to stop in at number 33 and visit Francesca Cuoio e Cashmere for a truly luxury knit piece, leather bag or souvenir that you will actually treasure!