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Style Files

5 Reasons Why you Should Invest in Leather Craftsmanship

What do all Italians have in common? Their love for food, art & design, and quality craftsmanship. 

The medieval craft guilds may be long gone, but the techniques, the skills, the knowledge, the spirit of Italian tradition is still intact in world-class objects such as, Murano glass, Sicilian Maiolica tiles, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Florentine leather, just to name a few.

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These traditions are kept alive by the hands of thousands of artisans who take pride in their regional specialties. They are so ingrained in the country’s DNA that even in the twenty-first century the products of their labour are recognized around the world as a benchmark of quality. 

This is the main reason why I decided to establish my fashion company in Italy; because in a world of fast fashion and fleeting trends, the true value of a handmade product is experienced through its history and craftsmanship.  These are my top 5 reasons why buying Italian leather craftsmanship is worth every cent.

 

Livia Leather Ballet Flat Shoes - Black

Black $212.00
 

Livia Leather Ballet Flat Shoes - Blush Pink

Blush Pink $212.00
 

Livia Leather Ballet Flat Shoes - Saddle

Saddle $212.00
 

Livia Suede Leather Ballet Flat Shoes - Cobalt Blue

Cobalt Blue $212.00
 

Livia Leather Ballet Flat Shoes - Silver

Silver $212.00
 

Livia Leather Ballet Flat Shoes - Gold

Gold $212.00

1.

You're getting the best leather in the world

Italian leather has been famous for its quality and durability since the Middle Ages when Florence became the capital of Europe's artisan leather workshops, with craftsmen making everything from shoes and accessories to decorated saddles, leather armour, and even ornate book bindings.

From these ancient roots, a thriving leather production spread across Italy everywhere; from tiny hill town workshops to urban designer boutiques. Italian leather is still considered the best in the world today and our signature lightweight leather comes from a factory in Biella, just outside of Milan, which is at the forefront of technological and sustainable advances in leather tanning.

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Shop the look
 

Mini Saddle Leather Crossbody Bag - Sky Blue

Sky Blue $335.00
 

Siena Mini Leather Satchel Crossbody Bag - Cognac

Cognac $398.00
 

Amalfi Midi Leather Tote Bag - Blue

Blue $478.00
 

Loren Large Leather Tote Bag - Fango

Fango $584.00

2.

Italian artisans give their hands and hearts to their craft

Whether you’re visiting a furniture manufacturer in the north of Italy, a ceramics workshop in the Puglia region, or a shoe factory in Naples, the highly skilled craftwork performed by master artisans is second to none. They lovingly assemble each piece with the care worthy of a unique masterpiece.

Handcrafting one of our handbags can take up to 100 steps. In our Roman workshop, Nicola is the master cutter and gluer, while Maria does all the stitching and assembling, giving each bag its final touch before it ships to you. They have been finessing their craft for over 40 years and are as passionate about making my bags, as I am about designing them.

3.

Style is ingrained in Italian culture

From the columns of ancient Rome to Michelangelo's David, to the palatial terracotta colours of the Amalfi coast, style is inherent in the fabric of Italian life. "La bella figura"— which means to make ‘a good impression’, is an aphorism to live life stylishly, at all times, and in all ways. Any item you acquire from an Italian artisan is an item born from this mindset.

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Just think about MaxMara’s signature coats. Their 10181 coat, designed in 1981 is a landmark in fashion history. It’s been in constant production since it was conceived because it’s perfect in cut, proportion and detail (I’m wearing one in navy in this photo). Or how Loro Piana patented a waterproof cashmere (yes, it really exists). Italian design is and always has been ahead of the curve. Snapping up something Made in Italy is an investment not just for your wardrobe, but also for your style bragging rights.

4.

You're buying into history

Some Italian businesses have been around longer than entire nations. Vitale Barberis Canonico, a family-run wool mill in Biella, has been in operation for fifteen generations. That's a lot of time to hone a craft into a flawlessly executed art. Our shoes and handbags are made in small family-run workshops in Pisa and Rome. Brothers Mauro and Andrea run our handbag workshop in Rome, after their parents founded the company in 1959. In the past year, Mauro’s daughter, Francesca, has also joined the family business, now making it a 3-generation tradition.

 

Siena Mini Leather Satchel Crossbody Bag - Sky Blue

Sky Blue $398.00
 

Amalfi Midi Leather Tote Bag - Black Croc Print

Black Croc $584.00
 

Amalfi Large Leather Tote Bag - Cognac

Cognac $504.00
 

Mini Saddle Leather Crossbody Bag - Fango

Fango $335.00
 
Sold Out

Stella Large Leather Shoulder Tote Bag - Pink

Pink $478.00

Sold Out

 

Leather Tablet / iPad Envelope Case Cover - Grey

$207.00

1 color available

5.

Your Made in Italy purchase is backed up by the Italian law

In 2009, the Italian parliament passed a law prohibiting the use of the phrase, "Made in Italy," on any product label—in any language or likewise iteration—unless the product is actually made in Italy, from start to finish. So, if you pick up a product emblazoned with those three little words, you can be sure it's of unrivalled quality.

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If you’d like to learn more about how our bags are made, watch our video of the making of our bestselling tote, The Loren here.

Ciao for now,

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