Did you know that the Italian Good Luck Symbol the Corno . . . .

Since 3500 BC the corno (animal horns) were hung at the entrance way of caves and dwellings.  They represented power and fertility, both of which were integral parts of survival for early man.  It is with these humble beginnings the Italian fascination with this symbol and their tendency to associate the corno, in all its curves and a brilliant shade of red, as one equivalent to good luck.

This is where the Pierotucci designers came up with the name #FORTUNATA for their versatile leather  handbag collection – and the symbol attached to each and every Italian leather handbag.  This little dangling charm is commonly used throughout Italy to fend off evil, bad luck and omens.

What better charm to have gracing your handbag than one that is trusted to bring you the best of luck and save you from those unexpected events of life.

Step by Step, a work of art in progress

Sometimes it looks all too easy, a couple of stitches here, a couple of snipes there and you have it: a work of art like none other. But the reality is that the creation of any work of art requires a skill, just like that of our the craftsmen and women who work at Pierotucci Italian Leather Factory. They have been trained by a master craftsman who has been working at Pierotucci for over 40 years. Passing down a skill, a trade, an art that was once passed down to him in a similar way. Below is a little collage of some of the steps in creating one of the newest additions to our the FORTUNATA Italian Leather Handbag Collection, the patchwork model.  At work is Marco attaching the lining for the side pockets of the tote bag, then you have Renza cleaning out lose threads after the side zip was put into place, and in the end you can see Marco working on attaching the rolled handles.  Each and everyone of these steps takes place right here at the Pierotucci Factory, which is open to the public for tours of our leather factory.
Each phase of production of an Italian leather handbag requires skill and attention.

What’s cooking this Friday @Pierotucci ?

Preparations are being made for the newest line of FORTUNATA leather handbags. A new collection of designer leather arrived and we are now sorting and combining linings, canvas cross body straps and top handles.

Below you can see Marco, our master craftsman embossing the numbered patches that go on the right hand corner of the bags indicating the total number of bags in the series and individualizing each with the number that bag represents in the series.

Fortunata leather handbags will have you seeing red

For more than one reason February is associated with red and hearts – Pierotucci is embracing the challenge to show you something red every day.  Just a little reminder to Go Red for Women and take care of your heart.

FORTUNATA Italian leather handbags: Featuring a designer leather tote bag with embossed alligator print.

Comodo. Spazio. Fantastico. Comfortable. Roomy. Fantastic.
Three words that sum up this designer tote bag from Pierotucci. The beauty of the bag is that it will never bore you!

COLOR: We are constantly producing new color combinations with the most enticing types of designer Italian leather – be it embossed, nubuck, top calf or suede you are sure to find the perfect combination for your personality.  One of the steadfast characteristics of the FORTUNATA designer tote bag is the absolute unique combination of leather, lining and the removable / adjustable canvas shoulder strap.  Once the leather is finished – we produce no more of that combination . . . ever !

DESIGN: With 4 different carrying options – this bag can accompany you through every part of the day – folding, compacting, enlarging and changing with all your different carrying needs.  This collection of Italian leather handbags will convert from a top handle tote bag with rolled leather handles, to a cross body bag  - in two versions SM & LG – to a super sized clutch bag.  What’s more – each and every change is done with an easy flip of the wrist.  No complicated folds, zips, hooks or snaps!

GURANTEED ONE OF A KIND: No one will ever have a bag just like yours! This Italian leather handbag is part of a number series which assures you of a totally unique – one of a kind handmade leather handbag. Made from the remanents of major designer fashion handbags, these bags utilize the best of the best to create … well in a word … perfection.  Have a look at the FORTUNATA patch on the bottom right hand corner – that tells you exactly which model you are toting of the series. In addition with this numbering system you can be assured that no one else will have a bag exactly like yours. What more can you ask for?!

LUCKY: Fortunata means lucky in Italian. In fact, the “corno” or as it is known in English, the red hot chilli pepper, is supposed to ward off evil and assure the owner of the best of luck in all they do.  What better charm to add to a bag that can only be sure to add to your karma.  Pierotucci has created their own version of this traditional Italian symbol  – and  added one to this Italian leather handbag.  Keep it close and use it everyday – and just watch as the FORTUNATA brightens up your day.

Become aware, check out the site http://www.goredforwomen.org to learn more about heart disease and symptoms of a heart attack.

What do Proenza and Pierotucci leather handbags have in common for 2013?

Just take a look and among the emerging fashion trends for 2013 you will see the intricate piece work or perhaps better known as patchwork. A classic design used frequently with geometrical shapes to form larger designs in repeating or variations of colors. Many will know of it as a creative way to recuperate scraps of material, simply think of the art of patchwork quilts. However not all designs are geometric in form – have a look at what Proenza has been showing on the catwalks.  It’s clear from Vouge to Proenza to Givenchy, patchwork is in the air.

Shapes and prints mixed together for Proenza and Vogue to create a visual effect of blending colors.  Whereas Givenchy uses stark contrasts and solid colors to accent the patchwork effect.  2013 is sure to highlight this age old craft and bring it to new heights.

The designer leather handbag FORTUNATA was certainly a forerunner for the Pierotucci collection exploring options on how to recuperate smaller pieces of precious leathers, embossed leather, printed leathers and top quality leather leftovers.  The quartered pattern for the Fortunata handbag lent itself to re-utilizing smaller pieces by creating unique – one of a kind handbags / tote bags with personalized lining.  The front and back panel of each handbag is divided into 4 sections which allows the cutter to utilize pieces from various productions to produce a total new design.

End result – the scraps kept getting smaller, so the Pierotucci design staff went back to the drawing board and created a pattern for the front and back panels of this one of a kind Italian leather handbag to come up with the miniature patchwork version.  This manual intensive pattern is created right in the Pierotucci leather factory where each square is hand cut then matched up to create a totally unique and never seen before (and to be seen again) patchwork panel for the front and back of these limited edition handbags.

Once production is finished for the FORTUNATA leather handbag with the larger panel, the left over leather pieces are organized by color and pattern. The master craftsman then proceeds to cut smaller squares and stores them until he reaches the necessary quantity  Each panel is made of 6 across and 7 down with a mix of up to 21 different types of leathers. The patchwork design on each panel is unique and repeated front and back – but not repeated for another bag thus the FORTUANTA label on the front will always reflect that this is the first and only bag in production of this type.  This work is intensive manual labor but there is no way you can create so much beauty without a bit of effort!

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane. No, It’s a Pony!

This season, everywhere I look, I see pony hair. From high end fashion designers like Fendi to smaller boutiques and up and coming designer. Not to mention every kind of accessory imaginable from shoes to handbags, even belts, ALL in pony hair.

Before I have you running for the high hills, let me just set the record straight. Pony hair is not hair from a pony. I know, I know, what a stupid name then, right? Pony hair is the general term for hair that hasn’t been removed from the hide, most commonly calf or cow. What we’re most used to seeing is the underside of the leather but with pony hair, as it implies, is the hair side of the hide.

More commonly known as haircalf, this type of leather is often referred to by the fashion industry as pony hair, most likely because it sounds more exotic. Whether it is or isn’t more exotic sounding is up to you but it certainly is more expensive than other types of leather. Because the leather has to be treated and go through a process called chrome tanning in order to bring a radiant shine to the hair and the hair itself almost always needs cutting makes for a higher pricepoint. And of course, like any other leather it will go through a dyeing procedure.

Pony hair has become increasingly popular in the fashion world, especially when it comes to accessorizing. It’s not just a trend that luxury brands are setting forth either. Even the ever so popular skater brand Vans produces pony skin shoes. And not just for women. It’s definitely a growing style that can be recognized for both men and women. And like I said earlier, you can find almost any acessory in pony hair.

Now remember, pony hair is not to be confused with pony skin. In fact, pony skin IS skin from a pony. So do not be fooled. The next time you’re out and about shopping you can ask and be sure of the difference of what you’re trying on or buying.

Time Travel back to the 60′s To Find

Do you ever wish you could flash back straight into the madness of a different decade or time era all together? I definitely do. For so many reasons too, like the history, the food, and especially the fashion. Sometimes when I dress myself I find my outfit has a slight flare from a another decade. Some days more noticable than others. I live in a city (Florence) that has an abundance of vintage shops and often hosts an amazing event called Vinatge Selection. Needeless to say, with so many readily available options to indulge in, vintage is always on the mind. I’ve been feeling a strong pull towards the 60′s lately. A time of social revolution and war that makes me think of peace signs, flower power, and hallucinogenics.

These bags are what make me think of the Flower Power Days. These leather handbags are wild and colorful but not just any old color. The colors strung together are very reminiscent of the fabulously free, anything goes lifestyle the 60′s stood for. I’m particularly fond of the one on the far left, with a white background allowing the flowers to pop and cream colored background.

 

Which one is your favorite?

Want some Italian Fortunata today? We’ve got some to spare!

Today has got to be your lucky day – we are unveiling 7 new FORTUNATA styles on our blog and FB page before they even hit the shelves in the store!  Here are 4 of them in a sneak peek direct from the production line.  They are in bright colors, full of fantasy designs.  In fact, we are quite sure that these have got to be the best collection of FORTUNATA designer leather handbags ever…

What do you think?  Each handbag has a special coordinated lining, canvas shoulder strap and Italian lucky charm.  AND each bag is one of a kind, since it is part of a numbered series, you will find only one like it in our collection of handbags.

An Italian Countdown to Christmas

No matter where you are in the world, the holidays are right around the corner. Whether you’re a nut for Christmas cheer or a down right scrooge, it’s time to start thinking about gift giving. Just a little over a month, 34 days to be exact, before Santa slides down our chimneys with a sack full of presents. So get a move on it and make this year’s season more memorable than the last!

Wishing you a very Happy Holidays from Pierotucci

Italian Designer Bling from Florence Italy

So one of my favorite new additions to the Fortuanta designer handbag collection is shiny on the outside and wild on the inside, is limited to 5  pieces and goes with absolutely nothing in my closet!  Well maybe there would be this vintage inspired brown Italian  leather jacket . . . what do you think?

But then who said handbags have to “go” with something.  I mean, have you ever just looked at a bag and said . . . YES, that would be so much fun!  In my case, this would be the bag.  Out on the shelves this week, I will be curious to see just how long it takes before we sell the last one.

Just get a look at this wild lining !

And it is totally one of a kind – see how it is numbered.