Style icon, eclectic personality, timeless charm: Eleonora of Toledo, Duchesse of Florence, has been from the sixteenth century to this day a source of inspiration for her refined grace and dynamic spirit.
She is the daughter of the wealthy Spanish Viceroy of Naples, and marries Cosimo I de’ Medici, revolutionising the Ducal family’s lifestyle, bringing to court splendour and magnificence.
Beautiful and haughty, resolute and proud, generous in business and with the loved ones. She is a caring wife and an affectionate mother of eleven, such that the husband confers the motto “Cum pudore laeta fecunditas – Happy fruitfulness with chastity” upon her, along with the effigy of a lapwing protecting her children under her wings.
But the lapwing of splendid feathers also symbolizes the Duchess’ pride, an authentic beauty lover, architect and endorser of Florence’s artistic and cultural renaissance. For instance, the restoration of Palazzo Vecchio and the construction of the marvellous Boboli Gardens are due to her.
With refinement and taste, unique for her time, her appearance is the perfect reflection of her status and prestige. As witnessed by Bronzino’s paintings, she loves to wear precious and exquisite dresses, with the finest fabrics and textiles, artfully embroidered with gold and silver threads, sewed with care by experienced Tuscan tailors’ hands.
To this day Eleonora of Toledo’s eternal grace keeps inspiring those who desire to stand out, embodying the deepest values of Made in Italy fashion.
