Leather fashion: Hand made bags and accessories

14
October
2021

Everything you need to know about the world of leather goods

What are the most valuable leathers and how to recognize them

There are different types of leather. The natural product differs depending on the animal, the intended use, the tanning or the type of coloring. It is a fascinating product that has accompanied us, protected us and kept us warm since ancient times. Used in numerous sectors; from design to the automotive industry passing through clothing, leather represents a true art that has been handed down for centuries.

Why go for leather?

Leather is a noble and natural raw material, mainly used in the production of shoes, furniture, car interiors, clothes and bags. Approximately 500,000 tons of leather are produced each year, the equivalent of about 1.5 billion m².

This material has a technical advantage over alternative materials: one gram of leather has an internal surface area of up to 300 m², its fibers are rich in collagen.

Therefore, leather has great resistance to tearing, stretching and bending, is reluctant to age and can absorb up to 30% water without “wetting”.
Can absorb moisture from the inside and direct it to the outside. Insulates against cold and heat. No substitute, no synthetic leather has so many advantages. Especially when it comes to shoes, jackets or gloves, leather clearly offers an unparalleled advantage and comfort.

The variations in leather are amazing, depending on how the dermis is processed we have a different texture and value: Nubuck, velvet, aniline, semi-aniline, pigmented leather, oily leather, suede and more.

Animals

Before talking about the characteristics of the different leathers, let’s review the various types of leather starting from the animal of origin:– Lamb: This is a thin but very resistant leather, protective and insulating, suitable for winter jackets. Loved for its delicacy, given by a smooth and silky surface. Its name is synonymous with quality.

– Sheepskin: Sheepskin has similar characteristics to calfskin but is less noble. The advantage of mutton lies in the fact that its thick wool, gives the leather even more resistance and makes it even warmer. It is therefore ideal for the creation of clothes.

– Cowhide: smooth and thick, cowhide is generally not a leather used for its nobility, we prefer it on rough and masculine jackets, which should naturally improve over time.

Buffalo: a more noble natural grain material than its friend above, buffalo remains relatively expensive and can take many forms. Solid or flexible, depending on its intended use and the treatment used.

– Crocodile – Aligator: these are undoubtedly the most famous exotic skins. They are expensive, rare and highly sought after by the large clothing industries for making shoes and accessories.

Le diverse varietà di pelle

– Crust: the crust is a very particular type of leather, as it is not very worked. The tannery does not apply any primer on the leather, in order to reduce chemical treatment to a minimum. This type of leather easily absorbs any type of processing and color, and is particularly used in the clothing and accessories sector.

– Vegetable leather: Today, classic leather is tanned with chrome in particular – the rest of the products is a recipe generally kept secret by the tanneries. However, it is also possible to tan it using natural materials (it is more time-consuming, more expensive and more complicated, but it is possible), so we talk about vegetable tanning. Vegetable tanning is the oldest and most ecological method of treating leather, used for several centuries.– Full-grain leather: Full-grain leather is the most valuable and durable layer of animal skin. This material is the most natural in its class and is unrivaled in quality.

– Sawn grain leather: it is the dermis that has been treated to improve its quality. The benefits are its resistance, nobility and naturalness. Having a product so raw and of such high quality is a guarantee of exceptionality and durability.

– Nubuck: This is a type of top-grain leather treated in such a way as to give a smooth and velvety feel.

– Suede: A popular type of leather that can be identified by its fuzzy surfaces, suede is commonly made from split leather.

– Leather split: is the lower part of the leather, the least noble part and the cheapest. It is often used for entry level products of excellent quality.

Now you have all the information you need to improve the quality of your purchases.

Knowing these indications from now on will allow you to distinguish a quality product from one that is defined as such but that is not at all.

We have always been of the opinion that quality is better than quantity.

7
October
2021

The leather goods

Where does the term leather goods come from? Etymology and curiosity about this word

“Leather goods,” a term used in the past to refer to items made of animal skin, now has several linguistic connotations. In today’s era, leather goods mean much more than just leather items. As the Universal Encyclopedia web dictionary states: the term also includes the company that produces it, the techniques used to make it, the store that sells it, etc.

What do we find in the world of leather goods?
Today, leather goods are not limited to clothing and carpets. There are also shoes, wallets, belts…and especially handbags. It is precisely the latter that are the most sought after on the market, always monopolizing the first place on the podium of fashion trends. A leather bag is a symbol of luxury, elegance, sturdiness and nobility. Several giants of the Fashion Industry are dedicated exclusively to the production and sale of leather bags.

So where does this ancient art, which is gaining importance century after century, come from?

The National Center for Textual and Lexical Resources explains that “leather goods” draws its etymology from the word “Moroccan” or “goatskin”. The term and the know-how were transmitted to Europe by the Spanish, a word they learned in turn from the Muslims, the true inventors of the new practice: “marroqun”.

The genesis of the art of leather goods

It is known that the use of animal skins has very ancient roots in human history. The proof was given by archaeological findings on Egyptian soil: furs, shoes, objects of daily use, musical instruments… all made of leather. And that’s not all. The use of animal skin was also a common practice in ancient Greece: knights and fighters used leather leggings and epaulettes to protect themselves during battles.

Until then, leather goods existed, but with discretion: it was a response to basic needs, including that of protection from the cold and from the enemy in battle.

It was only at the beginning of the 12th century that leatherworking began to develop, particularly in Italy and in the Maghreb countries. Leather was used in the production of luxury items, bought and worn exclusively by the bourgeoisie, the only social class that could draw on the high price. Fortunately, nowadays leather goods are accessible to everyone and can be purchased by anyone who wants them. It was only at the beginning of the 12th century that leatherworking began to develop, particularly in Italy and in the Maghreb countries.

The leatherworker: from modest worker to expert craftsman

Initially a leatherworker was a simple worker who barely earned enough to live on. But as time went by, leather goods gained importance, the bourgeoisie and the wealthy population became more and more attracted to this trend, which soon became “art”. Nobles of the Middle Ages decorated their interiors with leather objects, especially with trunks and carpets. This phenomenon continued to grow until the 13th century when demand reached its peak and furs became a real must-have, sought after by the middle class. The furriers then became artisans and their creations became objects of common desire.

Leather goods as fashion and glitz

We arrive at the sixteenth century, where leather goods enter the glorious world of fashion. The art of leatherwork became indispensable and no outfit was complete without a leather accessory. Owning a leather item was a matter of wealth, a reason for pride and irreproachable pride.

From utility to aesthetics

Leather goods, which until then had only satisfied the need for protection from the elements, also became an object of aesthetics. For this reason, a leather bag not only had to allow the transport of objects, but also had to be beautiful and elegant.

The baptism of the art of leather goods

Until then, the art of leatherworking had no real name. It was only in 1835 that it was given the name “leather goods”. From that moment on, the leather goods industry began its successful expansion and in the 19th century saw the emergence of the great luxury leather goods brands. Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Lancel and other fashion houses saw the light of day thanks to the production of fine leather goods and at the beginning of the 20th century they created the most popular leather accessory in the world: the bag.

Leather goods for everyone and for all uses
After its success in the world of fashion, the art in question expands also in the field of Design: more and more sofas, headboards, luxury car seats are made with exclusive and refined leather. Thanks to the hardness of this material it is possible to preserve beauty and uniqueness over time. Because leather is not only color or grain, but also softness, texture, characteristic smell and even art.

Today, leather goods continue to be an emblem of elegance and the highest quality: bags, shoes, gloves and leather accessories are synonymous with innovation and refinement, the result of a tradition of craftsmanship that aims at excellence.

28
September
2021

The right bag for your body, discover it here

Bags are a very important accessory for women, and each one has at least one pair in its closet.

Some, on the other hand, have dozens. Indeed, they are objects that can distort simple looks and give an added touch to casual outfits.

In addition to the aesthetics, which makes the bags so appealing and desired, another important factor is their comfort. In fact, practicality and glamour often come together in a single object: the bag.

Of course, on the market there are plenty of them, of all colors, materials and sizes. There are the large bags, the mini ones or the middle measures, the shoulder bags, the briefcases or the shoppers, and again, the bags of high craftsmanship and queens, leather, fabric or plastic. I mean, each one her favorite kind of purse.

Right bag for tall women

If you’re lucky enough to be tall, then be already quiet because virtually every bag pattern suits your physique. If you really want to score, try these tips.

With large bags, such as shoppers or even backpacks, you always play it safe, because only a high physicality can be balanced with large bags.

What I said, however, does not mean at all that you cannot wear clutches or mini bags. The latter, in fact, are able to balance the figure, softening the pronounced height and thus softening it.

Bags ideal for small figures

On the contrary, if you are not too tall, there are models of bags that are ideal to look taller.

First of all, for your petite figure the maxi bags are not recommended. The reason is simple, they would risk highlighting your height even more.

For these reasons, oriented on medium or even small bags, which even if they appear less practical, are definitely winning for your physicality.

Bags for plus size

There are also some models of bags that allow us to hide some flaws or even appear leaner and slender.

For example, the maxi bag helps a lot to look slimmer and gives balance to the figure. In fact, especially if you choose a model to wear to the arm, an XL bag will camouflage and make the critical points of a woman look smaller, such as the hips or thighs.

Another model that helps to look leaner is the pointy shaped bag. Although it is unusual and typical of catwalks, nothing prevents you from wearing one every day. These bags, with geometric shapes and sharp angles, help to make the figure seem more tapered.

To slim the figure, which is a great idea when you are a strong size, instead, the ideal bag is a bucket, geometric and rigid that stretches the figure without weighing it down. If you then choose a bucket that develops vertically, the effect of momentum on your silhouette will be evident and assured.

If your problem is wide hips, for example, you should shift your focus to other parts of the body. So choose models of carry bags attached to the shoulder or very short shoulder straps that attract the eye on the top of the body.

Instead, if you have a very large breast, you should avoid the short handles, which risk enlargeing the area of the cleavage even more. In this case, you can opt for bags with long handles or to wear on the forearm. That way the attention will be shifted from your breasts.

21
September
2021

The pouch, history of a centuries-old accessory

When talking about pouch, it immediately comes to mind that a particular accessory has grown in popularity especially in recent years. Suitable for sports environments and extremely practical, the pouch has gradually become an increasingly accurate accessory and also suitable for casual situations.

What perhaps not everyone knows, is that the pouch is a product of centuries, and that Florence Leather Market has been able to carefully revisit to propose it to modern customers.

The origins

The oldest version of what were the first pouches dates back to the time of homo sapiens, where a bag was applied to a rope. Over the years the practicality of this element has been rediscovered in the years of war.

Now as already mentioned this product is back in vogue, and although few people would think to wear it outside of sports contexts and outdoor trips, the pouch is actually still today a great ally for those who do not want to give up comfort and appear in the latest fashion.

The pouches of Florence Leather Market are iconic and fashionable leather products and made by skilled hands of skilled artisans.

Made in Italy and absolutely high quality, their design and their characteristics can vary deeply, to better adapt to the needs of each buyer

The characteristics

Although the models may be different, some of the main features found in each pouch can still be identified. It certainly starts from the bag, the real “body” of the pouch, which can contain objects and in turn accommodate other pockets, both internal and external. Another fundamental feature is certainly the presence of zip. A real pouch can have buttons, but it wouldn’t be a complete and practical model without the presence of comfortable zippers. Last fundamental point, but certainly not for importance, is the buckle. Both in fabric and leather, the adjustable buckle makes the pouch such.

The models proposed by Florence Leather Market clearly have many different details and finishes, but a common line that is repeated in each of them.

Models

For the realization of the pouches, have been chosen of the practical and comfortable designs, as well as attractive and innovative. Among the most requested ones we must certainly mention the pouches for men in real calfskin. Available in five different colors, this model has sober shades such as dark brown, brown and black, and other more flamboyant and lively colors such as orange and red. Characterized by a textile shoulder strap to wear on the shoulder and multiple external zippers, this simple and practical model represents the modern style accompanied by tradition (which is called by the symbol of the metallic lily at the top). The interior, fully lined with fabric, hasPerfect for men who are always on the move and need comfort in two pockets, one with and the other without zip. Perfetto per gli uomini sempre in movimento e che necessitano di comfort.

Come and discover all our baby carrier models on our online shop FlorenceLeatherMarket.com.

14
September
2021

The trendy colors for the next season

For the fall/winter 2021, Florence Leather Market has paid particular attention to trends, in order to create attractive models and in line with the tastes of the seasons.

Quality, elegance and details were the keywords for the development of the new models, which were certainly made following a careful study for the selection of colors.

THE NEW TRENDS

When it comes to trends, you can certainly not exclude colors. The latter are an important and not negligible detail.

When you buy a product, both for necessity and aesthetics, the color is perhaps one of the first things that jumps to the eye. The colors selected by Florence Leather Market for the new collections have been chosen with care after careful analysis of past trends and based on the tastes of buyers.

Whether you are buying a bag, a clutch, a wallet or a briefcase, the main colors for fall/winter 2021 are certainly blue, orange, red, lilac, military green, but also gray and black.

These shades are very different from each other. You can then choose bright and flashy colors, but also sober and refined. The choice according to your needs and tastes is certainly not limited, and when it comes to leather, the options are really endless.

THE MODELS

Leather goods made in Italy is certainly one of the many qualities that stand out, and among the novelties that Florence Leather Market has to offer, you can notice a wide range of colors, often flanked by more or less articulated forms.

Linda, the handmade bag made from braids, is one of the latest models most appreciated for its design and sophistication. In 100% calfskin, this handbag is available in six colors. The first, sober and elegant, is just the black. Perfect for important evenings, this color gives style and finesse. In line with the latest trends we then find orange and yellow, bright and cheerful tones; the perfect first for the day and the second for the evening.

Even lilac, gray and red are not lacking in the list, in perfect line with the latest trends.

The Tote Isla is a hand bag with quilt effect.

Soft and refined, its size allows you to carry many things with you. Perfect for work, the bag can be used on different occasions of the day, especially during the day. Present in six colors, the most popular is certainly the gray, able to confer sobriety. Suitable for the office and the most elegant personalities, this bag has a fresh and innovative charm, while retaining elegance.

Other colors are beige, light turtledove and black. For those who want something more appealing, the colors available are certainly leather and light red.

A profoundly different model is definitely Harper. A refined backpack but still functional.It is one of the most popular pieces among the latest collections because of its cutting-edge design. Also available in six colors, it has warm tones such as mustard, leather and light red, perfect for the day and informal occasions.

Everything you need to know about the world of leather goods