14
June
2021

History and development of the waist bag, an always fashionable accessory.

 

Loved, hated, surpassed and then resurrected. The waist bag is one of those accessories that makes people talk about itself as it clearly divides its audience. There is, in fact, who finds it indispensable and decidedly cool and who, on the contrary, hates it considering it uncomfortable and aesthetically not pleasant. This bag with a curious name, however, has a history of all respect and its origin is to be traced in the early era when our ancestors, before leaving for hunting, asked their ladies to apply pockets to their belts. The goal was certainly not to be fashionable but simply to be able to carry with greater simplicity all the tools, such as knives, sticks or blades, which could be needed to hunt animals.

The origins of the waist bag

But where does the name waist bag come from? The waist bag, par excellence, is the kangaroo sac, a real container that in nature serves the marsupials to insert and carry with them their offspring.

In short, the kangaroo pouch could be defined, without any difficulty, as the first form of bag that existed in the world and the only one that exists in nature. Taking a step forward, we note that the waist bag was also present among Native Americans who used buffalo leather versions and preferred it to the traditional pockets sewn on clothes.

Even, observing what the art offers us, a waist bag is algo present in a painting of 1416 by the brothers Limbourg where it is taken a noble in the act of hiding, in his own waist bag, how furtively stolen during a banquet luculliano, in a medieval court festival. 

But that’s not all. This bag with a particular shape soon arrives in Scotland where it will be used as an elegant accessory until you reach the formal and official clothing of the Scottish clans. The latter, however, preferred, given the rigid temperatures, wear the pouches in a version embellished with thick fur.

In 1991, in Italy, near the Venoste Alps, there was the discovery, by two Austrian tourists, of a mummy accompanied by a waist bag, called then the man of the Similaun, dating back to 3300 a.c.

For us inhabitants of the “Bel Paese” marsupio was and marsupio is but over the years many others have been the names given to the famous bag: in America it was called “Fanny pack” while in England it was the “bum bag”.

The first uses of the waist bag

Like all accessories, its function, initially, was purely practical and ignored any minimal fashion accent.

In the 80s, in fact, it was used by the working class as a stock exchange for work tools. At first the waist bag was placed under the back but, after repeated episodes of thefts, it was decided to start wearing it on the front. It was, therefore, an instrument of work, which was mainly used by those who worked in the factory. 

The first person who broke this habit, deciding to use the waist bag as a simple accessory, was the famous Bruce Springsteen. That moment represents a great debut for the pouch that from the dusty factories came to be exhibited all over the world, during the crowded international concerts of the American star. 

These are the same years in which, moreover, the pouch is consecrated as an exceptional accessory of the world’s rappers. In the 90’s, however, the waist bag was noticed by the athletes who began to use it during their marathons or, even more simply, runs to the park. There are many images of boys and girls of those years who, during their sports performances, show off more and more colorful pouches.

Of the same historical period, in fact, are also the photographs that appeared on all the magazines and that had as protagonists names like Bill Clinton and Lady Diana in the company, of course, of their waist bags. After those years, however, it seemed that the “marsupial” period had fallen. The silence, in fact, fell on the waist bag for about twenty years before his unexpected return to the work of the largest fashion houses such as Chanel, Saint Laurent, Prada and Balenciaga.

The waist bag today

Today the waist bag is back in the limelight, although in small size and often worn on the chest or, if it is not long, leaning on the shoulder as taught by the fashion icons Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and ASAP Rocky but also the sisters Hadid and Kardashian. I mean, it’s official, the ’90s fanny pack is back to shine on catwalks all over the world.

The famous bag was proposed in red paint, matt leather but also black nylon with comfortable and numerous pockets without neglecting the classic sporty version in bright and bright colors until you get a more aggressive reinterpretation with flat studs and metal chains.

In short, accomplices of big brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci, different types of waist bags have started to invade the catwalks of numerous fashion shows, immediately enjoying great success. Not only nostalgic but also very young have immediately married the combinations proposed by fashion, bringing the pouch to be one of the indisputable top fashion trends. Whether it is an extremely casual, elegant or sporty look, the fanny pack seems to always be able to find the right place, even and, above all, when you decide to play with colors or, simply, to break with a light note on an evergreen like the total black. La conferma che le mode sono come i grandi amori, possono fare dei giri immensi ma poi ritornano. Sempre.

7
June
2021

Birth, characteristics and origin of the belt.

The origins of the belt: from the Stone Age to the Roman era

Each of us has worn and knows what a belt is for, what many do not know is the story of this extraordinary product symbol of Made in Italy.

The first, primitive, belt forms have their roots many years ago, more precisely than the Neolithic. Born as an accessory to tighten the life, the belt is one of the first garments with a value not only practical, but also social and religious. In the civilizations preceding the Roman era this accessory is in fact established as a garment with a function of definition of classes and social classes. On it could be applied accessories or tools useful to their craft, sword if you were soldiers or tools if you were craftsmen.

The quality of the material and the workmanship of the buckle, instead, reflected the wealth and well-being of the wearer.

This way of understanding the belt is affirmed in Roman culture, in fact during this historical period this chief takes different names according to the social value. Cingulum was the name for the belt used by civilians, while balteus was the name reserved for that of soldiers. The total absence of this accessory indicated the status of slaves.Usually the buckles were richly decorated and recalled subjects of mythology and religion.

Even today religion and belts have a very strong bond. All religions, keep traces of belts or at least cords, used in sacred ceremonies and in the embellishment of the priest’s clothing. Even today the girdle is an integral part of the clothing of the Catholic priest. Even the friars still use a cord to tie at the waist, so as to tighten the habit. Although since the fifteenth century the belt is stripped of its religious significance some of these habits have not been completely dispersed, many primitive peoples still use belts to try to prevent and cure diseases.

The history of this garment is therefore more ancient and important than you think, as an important element of ancient cultures such as Egyptian, Greek, Jewish and Roman.

Medieval and Renaissance: belt also for women

During the Middle Ages the belt lost its social connotation, but maintained its role as an accessory that still continues to distinguish the richness of the wearer. In this period, in Florence, many leather workshops were engaged in the production of belts, starting a legendary tradition that is still the flagship of the Tuscan capital.

The main novelty of the Middle Ages, however, is that this garment, once reserved only to a strictly male audience, begins to be worn by the ladies of the time. The fashion of wearing corsets and bodices leaves room for large tunics more comfortable, requiring precisely a belt able to gird the waist. This garment therefore becomes a symbol of sophistication for women, as can be seen from numerous canvases of the time where frequently the belt stands out to the eye more than the rest of clothing. 

This innovation kept however practical elements typical of the past, the buckle in fact soon became more and more widespread, because of its practicality. The women who used the belt used to direct the buckle to the left, while the men carried it to the right. Even this latter custom has its roots in the past, as it was a practical solution for soldiers, usually right-handed, so that in combat they could easily extract the sword, which usually hung from the left side.

From the eighteenth century to today: the belt becomes an iconic garment

In the following years the belt returns to its ancient purpose: to distinguish the military from the civilians. The former wear functional belts and tightly tied to their uniform, while the latter carry this accessory freely, to different heights and why not attached to the straps, making it the garment symbol of style and elegance that is now.

Nowadays this item of clothing has been definitively consecrated as an essential accessory for feminine and masculine looks, both elegant and casual, since now available in many variations and styles.

When choosing to buy such a product, however, account must be taken of the manufacture of the product and, without doubt if you choose to buy a high quality belt the first choice would definitely be a leather belt made in Italy.

The leading company in the sector is Florence leather market, an e-commerce purchasing platform where you can find the best leather products such as: suitcases, bags, shoulder bags, wallets and of course belts.

By registering on this site you can access the exclusive promotions and buy the products you want, being sure to buy leather treated by the best Florentine artisans.

 

28
May
2021

Techniques and advantages of vegetable tanning.

Vegetable tanning is a leather manufacturing process based on the use of natural tannins, state-of-the-art machinery and, above all, a slow preservation time.

Tradition and Innovation

Vegetable tanning is an artisanal leather production system, handed down from generation to generation by combining colouring recipes with technological innovation. 

The transformation of raw hides into processed leather ready for production is a process that is carried out using wooden drums in order to give a durable and environmentally friendly material with a high quality appearance. 

For more information on the subject of tanning and its history, click here

Method and tools

Among the various types of tanning methods, vegetable tanning is the most classic and traditional one for giving the leather special characteristics such as comfort, look and versatility.

The raw materials used can be found in the form of plant extracts, fruit, wood and powders to make items that are easy to recycle thanks to the sustainable ethos behind them. 

Vegetable-tanned leather gives the accessory a unique, warm colouring that resurfaces with use and changes over time for the better. 

What are tannins?

Tannins are agents used in the tanning process, obtained in nature from flowers and tree bark. They can be found, as already mentioned, in liquid and powder form to give a touch of uniqueness to the product.

The mechanism that binds the material to the leather is totally different from chrome tanning, because in vegetable tanning the main collagen follows a hydrogen mechanism.

Processing can be subdivided into two production processes, one wet and the other dry: the first processing includes water phases, while the second includes drying and finishing phases.

The water-processing process is a work handed down by tradition when the leather was found in the river to moisten it and prepare it for polishing, depilation, liming and decalcination, fleshing and pickling. 

After that, the tanning process begins with a certain period of time inside the drum to grease it with any dyes, then dry the leather and finish it. 

Once dried, the leather only needs a few final finishing touches to soften and stretch, then it can be immediately used to make finished products.

Florence Leather Market uses the best tanning mechanisms to guarantee the product an artisanal, healthy, living and ecological appearance. 



21
May
2021

All types of buckles on the market

Each self-respecting belt consists of a metal part, usually called a buckle. This element serves to keep the two ends of the belts close and  firm, (Do you like belts? Read here!)

But when the buckle was born?

When the first buckle was born it is not really known, but the first belts saw the light during the Bronze Age, in the European geographical area.  

The belt was immediately used as an accessory that had to be worn according to the fashions of the moment, just for this was used by both men and women. Until today when the belt with the buckle is used not only for functionality but also to give a modern and original look.

Let’s look at some common types of buckles these days.

  • The buckle is rounded. The rounded buckle or even ring, usually gives the outfits a casual look. These buckles are made in the shape of a circle or oval. The belts that have this element usually run right inside the ring and the closure is produced by the tension. 
  • The cassette and plate buckle. As a rule, plaque buckles are carefully decorated with designs made by hand or by machine. The cassette buckles instead are characterized by a subspecies of small metal box, which allows you to fasten your belt without the aid of holes. 
  • The rounded oval buckle. This type of belt buckle, gives the outfits a special and original touch. The belt closure works according to tension, so there is no need to use any holes.
  • The rectangular buckle with rounded edges. Usually this particular shape can be found in the formal belts, used on ceremonial or office dresses. This does not prevent you to use it even on more casual outfits to make a refined and classy casual look. 

What materials are used to produce buckles?

The buckles can be made of different materials such as: copper, steel, aluminum, brass or silver. The material used produces satin or shiny buckles

Depending on the compounds used for the production of buckles, the latter will have different characteristics, both in terms of strength and durability. 

To assemble the buckle to the belt there are several techniques such as: by clamp, by sewing, by screw or stopper. 

The buckle element is then attached to the part of the belt through sewing techniques or with the use of a clamp. Otherwise the buckle can be secured to the belt with one or more screws.


In Florence Leather Market you can find many belts for both men and women, characterized by different types of buckles, to be worn with different outfits, from the most formal to the most casual and sporty, (take a look at this).

14
May
2021

What dyes are used in leather goods and why?

The dyeing of leather and tannery, represents an Italian excellence handed down over time as craftsmanship and subsequently refined as industrial production.

Materials Used

The dyeing of leathers involves the use of a wide range of colors that take the name of “lacquers” divided into natural dyes and artificial dyes. 

Inside the natural section there are a number of woods from trees that, when assembled with metal oxides, give shape to different shades of color

For example, the red-brown camping wood, if left to rest, takes on the shade of light yellow, while if assembled with a copper sulfate the tone it acquires takes on the traits of blue and purple. 

Among natural dyes there are elements extracted from plants which, combined with salts, give shape to different colors. Let’s take for example the sumac plant. 

This plant assembled with aluminum salt produces a lacquer with a bottle green tone, or with iron salt it creates a black lacquer and with lead salt the color that will come out will be hazelnut. The examples are as numerous as the elements used in dyeing.

Artificial or synthetic colorants have now almost completely replaced the use of natural colorants, for a factor of optimization of time and intensity of colors. They are divided into “acid dyes” and “basic dyes“.

Acids are used for production and chrome tanning, deriving from sodium chloride. Basics, on the other hand, are formed from simple salts and are used for vegetable tanning such as drum dyeing.

Processing

There are several processes to dye the leather and carry out tanning, about which you can read more: here

Among the most frequent operations used as leather coloring is the Dyeing in Bottle, which involves the immersion of the leather in a barrel of color, to make the leather acquire an aged and shiny tone. 

The brushing method is more challenging because it is done by hand, with longer processing times, where the dyer places the leather on a board, passing a brush over it absorbed with color.

Machine dyeing with color spray guns, involves a machine that rotates on itself spraying a dye on hides automatically. Industrial method used to amortize time.

How is Florence Leather Market different?

Florence Leather Market selects first of all the best materials available and opts for a handmade, artisan workmanship.

Where it is not possible for a question of time, it always tries to offer its customers comfort, durability and quality for its products. 

If you want to read more about Made in Italy and the company reality of Florence Leather Market, read here.