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22
August
2022

Where do I store my bags?

Let’s face it…arranging the many bags that each of us owns has become a difficult task!

Florence Leather Market has decided to give you some little advice to keep your beloved bags in order and always at hand for every look change.

Let’s see some ideas…

WARDROBES and DRAWERS

Of course, the most immediate choice is definitely to check the closet and the actual space inside it.

Once you consider the space, the best location for our bags are definitely the square shelves or drawers to dedicate to them.

Using this space all the bags will be at hand so you can choose the most suitable according to every outfit and mood of the day! If you have a lot of space you can also divide them into drawers according to the seasons or even colors, this will really help you!

ALWAYS AVAILABLE

Another alternative to consider is the use of hooks, suitable for hanging bags, stored behind doors or inside the doors of cabinets.

Also in this way you will have all your bags always available so you can choose the most suitable every day.

There are also circular crutches on the market that can also be used as furniture because, despite the practical use for storing bags, there are some beautiful and design.

As you may have guessed, following these little tips, you can always have the rooms in order, without bags scattered everywhere that bring a lot of chaos!

CLOTH WARDROBES or CONTAINERS

These options that we have seen together are all valid, but only if you have plenty of space available.

Instead, if for you, the available space is not enough, the best choice could be to opt for a fabric wardrobe to be placed in another room (as long as it is dry).

These wardrobes, often, are also equipped with bags that allow you to better organize the spaces inside.

In this way, the bags will not be in contact with any other object and closing them in protective bags are also repaired from temperature changes.

A practical alternative can be to use rigid plastic boxes, where to store inside the bags and then place them on shelves or cabinets.

This choice is definitely the least aesthetic and classy, but it is really very functional and practical.

In this article we have given you some alternative, applicable to multiple houses, on where to store your favorite bags!

We advise you not to miss the other publications…always take a look at the blog to stay updated and do not miss any useful advice!

28
June
2022

FINISHING and RETANNING

As we have already seen in the previous article of our blog, the artisanal processing of leather requires a lot of attention and care and therefore we rely on many steps of processing.

We focused on the first two processes that leather must face, that of preparation and tanning.

After these two steps we move on to retanning and other intermediate operations until we arrive at the finishing.

The leather tanned up to here, as we read in the previous article, is not yet usable to produce articles.

The leather must be subjected to further chemical and mechanical treatments:

Pressing: thanks to this mechanical operation, most of the water that is present in tanned leather is eliminated. It is, in fact, a pressing that is carried out by crushing the leather between two cylinders.
Shaving of the leather: with this important operation the whole surface of the leather acquires a uniform thickness.
Retanning, dyeing and fattening of leather: all these operations are aimed at giving the first aesthetic characteristics to the leather, since it is attributed the chosen color, flexibility and softness.
Drying of leather: as we have already explained in the previous article of our blog, there are various drying techniques and the choice between these depends not only on economic factors but also on the type of article that you want to get.
Staking of leather: this operation restores to the leather the softness that is lost after drying operations.

LEATHER PRODUCTION PROCESS: FINISHING

Finishing is the final operation, but also the most complex of the processes.

This is the set of all the operations carried out on dry leather. The aim of finishing is to improve the appearance and characteristics of the leather so as to enhance all the beauty and natural quality. This procedure eliminates all defects, both existing and workmanship, in order to guarantee the perfect aesthetic quality.

The finishing also consists in the application of chemical substances that form a sort of “film” on the surface, which must have different characteristics depending on the aesthetic result that you want to achieve.

The finishing of leather can be mechanical or chemical… let’s see in more detail:

Mechanical finishing of leather

Mechanical finishing of leather can be done for:

“Polishing” of the surface thanks to the use of a velvet wheel
“Ironing and plating” for a flat, smooth surface
“Pressing” with a relief plate (if it is intended to impress sign)
“Bottalatura” by quickly rotating a dry bottale so as to obtain a moved surface.

The chemical finishing of the leather: it consists in covering the surface of the skin with a kind of film and varnish thanks to the use of rollers, glazers and sprays.

The ironing of the leather

The ironing of the leather: essential step to obtain a shiny leather

The leathers that, at this point, have received one or more applications of “protective films”, are ironed hot or with variable pressures in order to create a homogeneous and smooth surface both by sight and touch. The plates used to iron the leather can be heated for electrical systems or steam.

All the processing steps listed refer to a path that changes depending on the result you want to obtain. Although starting from the same point for all the processing of different articles, some leathers need to carry out more or less treatments than others.

This is, therefore, because some leathers, although starting from the same starting line, depending on the different paths of tanning, retanning and finishing, in the end are clearly different from each other and with different final prices.

Many of the operations that are part of the processing are optional, so the choice of the realization is made based on a matter of cost and the final result that you want to get for that particular article.

At Florence Leather Market we devote care and attention to every operation of the processing of our items, to ensure our customers a unique product that represents the Made in Italy quality in every detail!

7
June
2022

FROM HISTORICAL GUIDE TO FLORENTINE CRAFTSMANSHIP: LEATHER GOODS

THE ARTS IN FLORENCE: WHAT ARE THE ORIGINS?

Florentine leather goods

The artisanal tradition of leather manufacturing was born in Florence almost a thousand years ago and it is still famous all over the world.

Leather processing has always had a consistent impact on the political and economic life of the city of Florence.

THE ARTS IN FLORENCE: WHAT ARE THE ORIGINS?

In the middle of 1100 began to form the first guilds of artisan who were then called Arts, among the minor Arts those that had more relevance were the Art of the Beccai, dedicated to slaughterhouses and the Art of the Cuoiai and Galigai dedicated to tanning and producing leather.

SOME CURIOSITIES…

The word “Art” derived from the Latin “Ars” which meant “physical and mental ability to build something”. This word gives an idea of what the Florentine masters did: ability to create, shape and adapt, all skills that were and still are indispensable to be a Florentine craftsman.

The famous Italian saying “Impara l’arte e mettila da parte” refers to the importance of knowing and learning a trade and then treasure it.

Both Arts were naturally in close contact with each other.

The Art of the Beccai sold leather and the Cuoiai worked leather for their creations. Located both upstream and downstream of the Ponte Vecchio where the skins were soaked in the Arno, their location became a problem later…

HISTORY OF POLITICS AND CREATION

In the sixties of 1500, the political power of Florence was in the hands of the Medici family.

A few years after the regency, Grand Duke Cosimo I De Medici decided to build with his trusty architect Giorgio Vasari the famous Vasari corridor, right near the Ponte Vecchio.

THE LEATHER ARTISAN WERE DRIVEN OUT FROM PONTE VECCHIO

The royal family, horrified by the smell of processing meat and leather in the whole area of the Ponte Vecchio, decided to move the Art of the Cuoiai and Beccai, near Piazza Santa Croce, occupying two streets that today have taken the name of Via delle Conce and Via dei Conciatori.

The place of the Cuoiai was taken instead by luxury jewelers and goldsmiths who are still in Ponte Vecchio and nearby areas.

CONTEMPORARY ARTISAN

In Florence the craft was taught in the workshops, where the master artisan taught the youngest all the techniques and secrets of leather processing, which have been handed/passed down from generation to generation.

This tradition is still alive today. Florence and its artisans are known and esteemed for the craftsmanship of the leather and the quality of the products.

Walking through the city, our attention is immediately captured by the artisan shops that make all the streets smell of leather.

The shop windows abound with items but surely at FLORENCE LEATHER MARKET, one of the oldest markets in Tuscany, you will find the best models regarding bags and accessories in REAL LEATHER!

CRAFTSMANSHIP, QUALITY AND STYLE

Florence Leather Market carries on the Florentine tradition, you will find a vast selection of genuine leather items, the result of the best Made in Italy craftsmanship: genuine leather bags suitable for all occasions, leather travel bags, messenger bags, clutches, handbags and shoulder bags, and luxury genuine leather accessories to complete your style.

At Florence Leather Market you can find the right accessory for you and the true Made in Italy quality!

Visit our e-commerce and follow us on our social media!

14
May
2022

3 tips to take care of your leather bag

A quality leather bag is the product of centuries-old tradition performed by skilled artisans: so treat it right. No, you don’t have to baby your leather, but you may need to brush up on proper leather bag care. Your top 3 concerns ought to be cleaning, how to condition, and how to store your leather bag. Here are a few tips we’ve learned along the way:

LEATHER BAG CARE IN 3 STEPS

SUPPLIES:

– Soft, clean cloth

– Leather cleaner

– Leather conditioner

– Parchment paper or bubble wrap

– Dust bag (or pillowcase)

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR LEATHER BAG

Be sure you’re cleaning your leather bag with clean hands. Leather bags are susceptible to absorbing grease and oil.

Do a quick cleaning every other day, briskly sweeping your leather messenger bag, business bag or backpack with a soft, dry, or slightly damp cloth. (Do not use too much water; leather takes time to dry.)

Once or twice a year, do a more thorough cleaning to remove dirt buildup. Wipe down your leather bag with a cleaner made specifically for leather. Apply in a circular motion, and wipe off with a slightly damp cloth to avoid clogging the pores of the leather.

HOW TO CONDITION YOUR LEATHER BAG

Leather conditioner is like a moisturiser for your leather bag. Without it, the leather will dry out over time.

To prevent flaking and wrinkling, apply leather conditioner to a soft cloth and gently rub over entire bag.

Depending on the dryness or humidity in your climate, apply conditioner at least twice a year, up to once a month or so, to keep your leather bag soft and supple.

STORING YOUR LEATHER BAG

Stuff your leather handbag with bubble wrap or parchment paper (but not newspaper, as it will smear) to restore and hold its shape.

Place your stuffed leather bag in its original dust bag, and then store in its original box, along with silica gel packets to avoid dampness.

Air your leather bag once every two weeks to prevent mould growth.

CAUTION

Take care to not let water absorb into the leather. If your handbag or jacket gets very wet, wipe off excess moisture as soon as possible. Do not dry the leather with a hairdryer; let it air dry, and then apply a leather conditioner.

Do not use cleaning products that contain alcohol, as these will dry out and possibly discolour your leather purse or bag.

MORE TIPS

Our leather bag care recommendations apply whether you’re working with a leather handbag, leather purse, or leather jacket. As long as your cleaner and conditioner are formulated for real leather, you’re all set.

You don’t need to baby your leather bag but be aware that heavy exposure to the elements will age the leather dramatically. Adjust your leather care and cleaning habits accordingly.

If you want to receive more information about your leather, follow our blog and our social media.

28
April
2022

The three best backpack for men 2022

Backpacks have always been for the everyman. And every man. Menswear heads in their selvedge jeans and Saint James fisherman hats need one. Streetwear heads want one, ideally scrawled with the banners of Supreme or Palace. And everyone else wants one, because they’re practical, and they’re functional, and, often, can take a beating. Thanks to the rise of smart-casual dress though, the humble backpack has found an even greater level of versatility.

Just look at the recent menswear shows if you need convincing. So, for this spring summer 2022 we are ready to present some cult pieces of the Florence Leather Market collection.

Let’s start

The Florence Leather Market backpacks are used to give a touch of class and colour to your look. These accessories are our indispensable friends, they follow us everywhere and contain the most important things of our daily life.

Therefore, like friends, make a right selection of who you want to have next to! Check out our website to choose one of the many fantastic backpack designs featured on our dynamic guide.

Sorbonne

When a standard backpack won’t cut it? Florence Leather Market’s Sorbonne bag-backpack, made from slouchy leather and cut asymmetrically to create a draped silhouette, is about as far from classic as you can get. This model is in genuine leather made in Italy, to be more precise in Florence.

It is made in soft calf leather. The strap has a zip and can be divided into two straps to compose the two handles of the backpack. In terms of styling, you can use this backpack as a sharp accessory for work. Pair one with tailoring, or in a more casual setting, with straight leg trousers, a sweater, and sneakers.

Michael

This resolutely modern backpack is for those daring few looking for an edgier attitude. The luxurious details create elegance adding a perfect finishing touch to any contemporary wardrobe. Ideal for the office or for a casual weekend getaway. The external zipped pocket gives you easy access to essentials like keys and tickets. It combines a roomy interior with the design details you’d expect from superior Florence Leather Market craftsmanship.

Charlie

The backpack for those who love casual style combined with vintage: Charlie.

Charlie is a shoulder bag made of refined calfskin leather and crafted in Italy.

An elegant model with contemporary lines, for the person who likes to stand out from the rest with a practical, versatile and comfortable solution.

The Charlie accessory has two external pockets, three spacious zips and a zipped back pocket big enough to hold a tablet. This backpack is designed to be carried either by hand, thanks to its comfortable handle, or over the shoulder with its comfortable and adjustable shoulder straps.

See, the right backpack should be more than just another place to store your stuff. It can be an outfit-making accessory, a mobile office, an ad hoc weekender, a TSA-ready carry-on, or all four—at the same time. So, you need to choose the right one for you. By choosing one of the many models of backpacks that can be found in our online collection, you will be sure that you have purchased a fashion accessory with the best value for money.

Uncategorized

Where do I store my bags?

WARDROBES and DRAWERS

ALWAYS AVAILABLE

CLOTH WARDROBES or CONTAINERS