Splendor of Florence

The mission of Splendor of Florence has always been to promote the most exceptional talent found in the Renaissance City of Florence. In the year 1999 the first city-wide event took place in Providence, Rhode Island and the city was transformed into a virtual Florentine experience. During that event a Friendship Pact was signed between the two cities and the most renowned Florentine artists, artisans, musicians and chefs embarked on a week-long festival in venues throughout Providence. The success of SOF in 1999 became the blueprint for subsequent city-wide festivals in Philadelphia and New York as well as art and photo exhibits throughout the USA giving visitors the opportunity to visit Florence without actually getting on a plane.

  • Splendor of Florence was founded in the year 1998 by Joyce Acciaioli Rudge. Her Italian heritage and her deep rooted links to fashion, music, and art served as inspiration to launch her brand. As a model in the 70’ and 80’s she was based in Milan and traveled all through Europe gracing the covers of top publications, such as Vogue, Harper’s and Cosmopolitan. Her ability to connect with people everywhere enabled her to navigate the world of special events and marketing. Through the 90’s she was contracted by Italian corporations and government agencies to handle logistics for their international cultural events. Then in 1999 she launched her first Splendor of Florence Festival in Providence followed by festivals in Philadelphia and then New York City. Her commitment to Florence inspired her to develop her own fragrance and launch a line of products made by the city’s top artisans. Sott’Acqua: A Tale of Two Cities Underwater is her latest project and it pairs her two favorite cities - Providence and Florence - in a series of events which focus on how each city has been impacted by the climate crisis and the steps being taken to halt the dangerous environmental trend.