Conte of Florence is an iconic Italian clothing brand with a rich history dating back to 1952. Founded in Florence as a small boutique called “Con.TE” (an acronym for “Confezione Tessuti Esclusivi”), the brand initially focused on creating exclusive handmade women’s clothing. Over time, this humble shop expanded into a full-fledged fashion company, embodying the essence of Italian craftsmanship and style. The brand’s connection to Florence, the cradle of the Italian Renaissance, is not only reflected in its name but also in its distinctive logo, which features a red “C” intertwined with a fleur-de-lis, a symbol synonymous with the city’s cultural heritage.

Throughout the years, Conte of Florence evolved from its roots in artisanal fashion to become a prominent name in luxury sportswear, gaining international recognition. In the 1970s, the brand cemented its reputation within the sports world by sponsoring the Italian National Ski Team and developing innovative products, such as the renowned “Happy Head” helmet, designed for professional athletes. This foray into winter sports led to Conte of Florence sponsoring national ski teams across Europe and North America, further solidifying its place in the world of high-performance fashion. The brand also made a significant impact in golf, sponsoring key tournaments and players, including Italian golfing legend Costantino Rocca.

Despite facing financial difficulties in recent years, including being declared bankrupt by the Court of Lucca in 2018, Conte of Florence has managed to persevere. Through a strategic partnership with the South Korean Shinsegae group, the brand continues to produce its iconic sportswear and fashion lines. This enduring legacy speaks to the brand’s deep connection to both Florentine tradition and its commitment to evolving with modern trends, ensuring that Conte of Florence remains a symbol of elegance, innovation, and Italian heritage.

Conte of Florence SS12 Collection

How to tell if Conte of Florence is vintage from the logo

Conte of Florence is an Italian brand that has remained iconic due to its elegant designs and distinct logo, often associated with luxury sportswear and fashion. The brand has evolved over time, and its logo is a useful indicator of the era in which a product was made. Below is a breakdown of the logo changes in a significant era for Conte of Florence.

1980s to now Conte of Florence logo

• The logo features an elegant script font for the “Conte of Florence” text, emphasizing the brand’s luxurious and sophisticated image.
• Above the brand name, a prominent red emblem depicts a stylized “C” combined with a fleur-de-lis, which is a classic symbol of Florence.
• The logo remains mostly unchanged throughout this period, showing the brand’s commitment to maintaining a timeless identity.
• This design, with its combination of classic and bold elements, has become a symbol of heritage and style for Conte of Florence products.
• While the font and emblem have remained consistent, slight refinements in spacing or color might occur depending on the year and product line.

1980s to now Conte of Florence logo

How to tell if Conte of Florence is vintage from the tags

The evolution of Conte of Florence tags reflects the brand’s rich heritage in Italian sportswear, with changes over the decades that signify different periods of its history. By identifying specific details in the tags, such as typography, logos, and additional descriptors, it’s possible to determine the era a garment comes from. Below, you’ll find an overview of Conte of Florence tags from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, highlighting the most notable features from each period.

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1980s vintage Conte of Florence tags

• Early use of elegant cursive font for the “Conte of Florence” branding.
• The logo often features a red “C” with a fleur-de-lis symbol inside, emphasizing its Italian roots.
• Some tags include “ITALIAN SPORT WEAR” below the brand name, marking the era’s focus on sportswear.
• Tags are rectangular with a white background and blue or black lettering, typical of this period’s simple and elegant design.

1980s Conte of Florence tags

1990s vintage Conte of Florence tags

• More varied tag designs, often featuring a color contrast like navy blue tags with white cursive lettering.
• The “C” logo with the fleur-de-lis remains central, often in red or black, depending on the garment.
• Additional text such as “SPORTWEAR SINCE 1952” appears on some tags, reflecting a nod to the brand’s legacy.
• Tags are sewn onto fabrics with different backgrounds, including textured materials and colorful trims.

1990s Conte of Florence tags

2000s vintage Conte of Florence tags

• Modernized look with more variation in tag colors, such as black or navy backgrounds with contrasting cursive text.
• The iconic “C” with the fleur-de-lis remains present, with a bolder, more contemporary presentation.
• Some tags highlight “ITALIAN SPORT KNITS” or similar descriptors, emphasizing the brand’s sports-focused evolution in this era.
• Tags may also include stitched borders or additional embellishments to enhance their durability and style.

2000s Conte of Florence tags