Gherardini was founded in Florence in 1885 and has experienced and influenced fashion changes over 135 years. It is considered a symbol of Italian excellence throughout the world, always being synonymous with style, practicality and meticulous craftsmanship. These are some curious facts about its history:

The Gherardini family is one of the founding families of the Republic of Florence. The family was forced into exile as a result of the civil war between the Black and White Guelphs, along with Divine Comedy author and fellow White Guelph Dante Alighieri, who later placed the prestigious family in their coveted paradise.

One of the most prolific members of the family was Lisa Gherardini , who is believed to be the Mona Lisa , the woman whose mysterious smile was immortalized by Leonardo Da Vinci in 1503. In 2008, the fashion house held an event dedicated to the union between art and fashion, past and future titled Re-Thinking Mona Lisa Gherardini, in honor of her legendary ancestor.

Leonardo's masterpiece was sometimes printed on limited edition monogrammed Gherardini bags and the proceeds from the sale were used to fund artistic restoration.

Considered the original inventor of Made in Italy , in 1915 Garibaldo opened his first store on Via del la Vigna Nuova, a few meters from the historic boutique of his contemporary, Guccio Gucci.

The brand saw the launch of a women's leather collection modeled by Twiggy in 1975, followed by a ready-to-wear line in the 1980s, a range of Gherardini Lifestyle scarves, ties and umbrellas and a line of accessories for men, Gherardini Man. (Attributed to the Gherardini Website)