A FASHION TREND SP/S 2012 PRINT ON THE NEXT LEVEL

One of the color themes for the upcoming season 2012  is the vintage garden floral print from the fashion forecast in textile.

Textile print is not common to see  on the outside of the leather goods. Most of the time the print is created and seen only on the inside lining.   In this case, when there is a printed or floral lining the leather is usually done on solid colors specially earth tones such as brown, black, white, ivory, red, blue, green and in some cases when we are talking about fast fashion,  the manufactures use synthetic leather or plastic to make the production easier and less expensive.

For 2012, designers have taken their inspiration to the next level. They want to offer more options to the clients. A lot of romantic floral textile will be seen on the fashion runway for next season.  Companies are risking by creating prints all over.

Campo Dei Fiori Wallet

Print over leather is not an easy task to do since the skins are treated differently.  It is a process that has to be done before the skin is ready to use for the construction of the leather goods.  Why is it not common to see printed leather?

One process is digital print on leather and only recently has it been getting more popular by  manufactures and designers.  They are using this technology on shoes, leather garments, accessories and bags.

There are different processes, such as screen printing which is an old technique and digital printing fairly new on the market.   A lot of designers have found the use of digital printer more convenient than the screen printer.  Designers find that digital printing is faster and more desirable since it leaves the leather soft and supple not altering its original state  and  is more durable as opposed to screen printing which has  a longer process  using dye sublimation print and changes the feel of the leather.

Campo dei Fiori Organizer

Pierotucci uses the new digital printing technique on lamb skin for its Campo dei Fiore collection.  This designer handbag collection was inspired by one of the well known squares in Rome  called Campo dei Fiore, translated it literally means Field of Flowers.   The textile vintage floral print reflects the name of the collection with its floral  print in light colors.   The soft and supple lambskin is also sturdy and resistant, making it ideal for small leather accessories that get continuous use such as wallets, organizers and coin purses.  Pierotucci has focused on using models that are stylish, practical and yet very feminine, making this leather goods ideal for slipping in your larger purse, your luggage  or work out bag.  The designers have chosen to finish the handbags, coin purses and wallets with a solid color accent on pocket lips, around the zipper and button closures.  The collection has a selection of sizes and shapes, they are extremely adaptable, lightweight and the design is clear and appealing.

S/S 2011: Furla’s Cash In On Candy and Pierotucci’s Lucky Break

The main theme of S/S 2011 fashion hasn’t been focused on revolutionary shapes, innovative patterns, or revamped interpretations of a past decade’s popular trend. Instead S/S 2011 has been all about bright, bold, in your face colors. Handbag designers worldwide have pulled out the color palettes, and delved into transient world of shade definition. Balenciaga, always known for their courage with colors is a prime example of the variety of tones we have seen this season. They have showcased a sunshine yellow, military green, deep pink, and blue toned lilac. Their F/W 2011 collection also has one of the most eye popping reds I have ever seen. Balenciaga, though known for their daring colors, isn’t the only brand making a wide color splash this season.  Most premier designers have pulled out the stops on colors, and demanded only the best in artisan dying and tanning.

Furla, a well known label in Europe and Asia, has also followed the trend with their new Candy line. Candy consists of classic bag shapes in brighter than life colors. These are the colors you see on those poisonous tropical fogs! The line is also produced in PVC rubber, which helps clarify the low price tag, but adds weight in comparison to classic leather or straw totes. Furla Candy has been making quite a few heads turn, despite the weight issue. I have seen on various fashion themed forums, as well as received calls here in the factory, concerning the stock, color, and availability of Furla Candy bags. They are also famously cheaper than other premier designer bags, which allows the fashion conscious woman to splurge on a trendy bag for the summer. The Candy colors are also present in their classic leather handbags. The brightness becomes vogue in faux croc, reptile, and pebbled calfskin. A passion fruit faux croc tote would turn my head any day! Candy is also represented in the shoe and sunnies category. Candy’s vivid colors are available in heels and flats, and are reminiscent of Jellies, though with the touch of chic that seems to be incorporated in all “Made In Italy” marks.

At Pierotucci, we somehow unknowingly stumbled onto the color scene as well. Our latest and greatest design, Fortunata, is necessarily produced in a plethora of colors due to the large stock of leather we amassed . For the sake of reaching a more trendy market, we took all these different colors and expanded the palette even further. The majority of our color combinations contrast and highlight the variety of brights and undertones of each bag. Instead of playing it safe by comparing bright body colors with neutral accents, we went bright on bright with select bags. We did however take into account that those bold overlapping colors only work for certain people, ergo bright oranges, yellows, and deep reds are also paired with neutral creams, blacks, and beiges. We are also lucky in the sense that our bags hit the color market at the right time, but with an added amount of utility that most seasonal bags lack.

Every handbag has different uses for different owners, but we like to think of Fortunata as the go to bag for everyday chic. Its large enough to be categorized as a tote when worn by the handles, but also has the option of crossbody and folding if your day’s needs don’t require you to carry along as much. I recently helped a college student pick out a navy patent leather with white accents, and I have to say it is one of the chicest Fortunatas we have. It dresses up plain jeans and a blouse with out looking completely out of place. Furla’s Candy and Balenciaga are also fantasic brands for this affect! So if you can’t afford Balenciaga’s price tag, or can’t bear Candy’s weight, then check out Fortunata!

3-way shoulder tote

3-way long crossbody tote

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3-way crossbody fold over tote

 

 

In The Pageant of Distressed Leathers, Campomaggi is Emerging as Queen!

It is hard to imagine that any fan of distressed leather has yet to hear about or see the beautiful creations of Marco Campomaggi.  Many designers of distressed leather don’t quite seem to be able to capture the art of truly aging leather, and producing bags that compliment that style.  Campomaggi, however, has not only seemed to have mastered the art, but as also become a contender in bag design as well.  Pair the two and you’ve got yourself a designer on the rise!

The majority of Campomaggi’s bags have a certain rustic masculine look, and while many women admire his work, they tend to be less inclined to invest in one of his works of art.  Campomaggi is due to change all that with his new 2011 collection.  Many bags in his new collection has a distinct feminine air, which compliments more than contrasts with the antiqued rustic leather.  Campomaggi’s use of woven leather, softer lines, and strategically placed studs has added an element of whimsy that is undeniably attractive.

On our showcase today are four new Campomaggi bags that cover a variety of tastes.  An antiqued camouflage dyed backpack with a rugged edge definitely appeals to the adventurer at heart.  The leather used for this bag is particularly soft, giving it a worn slouchy air.  Big on space, and with  many addition pockets, this backpack is made to be a workhorse.

The camo motif also comes in a more briefcase based style.  This bag is for all those seeking the comfort and utility of a crossbody, shape for a computer or documents, with a unique youthful appearance.

The must stunning in my opinion is our new version of a doctor’s bag.  This distressed leather bag is shaped like an old style doctor’s bag with an opening to match.  The real charm, however, is in the inside.  The lining boasts all the accouterments of a handbag with the zip pocket, cell pocket, and added details. This lovely bag comes in a dark brown or cognac.

Lastly is Campomaggi’s twist of a briefcase satchel.  This bag has all the dimensions of a briefcase, but with all the casual comfort of a satchel.  The large flap can be adjusted for three differently lengths to accommodate whatever you want to carry.  The buckle strap can also be removed to turn the bag into more of a briefcase than a satchel.  The inside is divided by a leather/cloth sip pouch, allowing for valuables to be stashed away, and all other items to be organized as necessary.

You can check these bags out on our Facebook page for more details.  They will go live on our website early next week!  Also stay tuned for a post about Campomaggi’s sister company Caterina Lucchi, the feminine version of distressed leather handbags!

Find Out What Makes Tuscan Leather Great. The Process of Vegetable Tanning

Finding vegetable tanned leather is no easy feet in today’s market.  Many tanneries and leather companies are cutting corners by using chemical tanned leathers.  Chemical tanning also takes much less time than the slow age old process of vegetable tanning, allowing producers to make more product at a quicker rate.  Chemical tanning is also not eco-friendly, and requires many companies to claim high pollution credits when they discard their leftovers.  So I suppose here in itself is the main reason why Italy’s Tuscany region is the leather capital of the world.  It boasts one of the world’s last Vegetable Tanned Consortium.

The consortium was originally made up of 11 tanneries whose mission was to revive the art of vegetable tanning.  The effort snowballed into a Tuscan wide movement.  The original consortium is now affiliated with 23 other vegetable certified tanneries, one of which Pierotucci is proud to be associated with.  These tanneries have a corner on the market for vegetable tanned leather for the singular reason that they are the last tanneries who have searched out experienced artisans, and have helped trained new generations of tanners.

Vegetable tanned leather, aside from being eco-friendly, also creates types of tones rich in color with the all natural smell that leather fans die for.  The leather is also dyed in its entirety, ensuring that every hide’s color will last a lifetime.  No fading or chemical top sprays here!

For more information on the process of vegetable dying, the consortium, tanneries, and all things leather (vegetable dyed of course!) please visit:

http://www.pellealvegetale.it/en/home.htm

Pierotucci New Bag Line Reveal! Presenting Fortunata

In today’s market few consumers are indulging in luxury items. Disposable income has dropped, which has led most financial conscious minds to weed out the wants and focus more on the needs. The Fotunata bag, however, has a healthy mix of both. Fortunata is produced in three different materials: canvas, leather, and precious leather. This allows the price conscious consumer to select the bag more suited to their style and pocketbook. A good well thought out purchase on an item you know you will use for years can be just as gratifying as an impulse splurge, even without buyers remorse! In many ways Fortunata fits the bill for both need and want.

 

canvas strap close up

Also, due to Fortunata’s practical design it fulfills the requirement of buying something useful. The bag can be worn in three different ways: using the canvas strap on the shoulder or crossbody, allowing the top part of the bag to become a flap, attaching the canvas strap to the top toggles allowing the whole bag to hang, or removing the canvas strap and using the leather shoulder handles for an under the arm look. Using the shoulder handles also elongates the bag allowing for items such as computers and document folders.

 

lemon yellow Fortunata with beige contrast

The dual use of the Fortunata bag as a crossbody bag and potential office bag lends more to practicality and less to luxury. The bag also has an outside zip pocket for easy access to smaller items such as: keys, wallet, or cell phone. This is not to say the Fortunata bag doesn’t satiate the need to splurge on our desires. The playful color combinations give each bag a personality that is congruent with its owner. Accessories, practical or luxury, should speak something about their owner’s individuality, therefore the line is also limited in quantity. An individual bag for an individual person! Six is he maximum we have produced of any one Fortunata bag design. Normally, and especially with our leather bags, the use of one color combination is produced up to four times. This makes every Fortunata bag a limited edition item, giving each bag and air of uniqueness. Many color combinations are also produced singularly, meaning only one bag has ever been made. This is especially true for our precious leather Fortunata bags, which are made in crocodile and pony leathers.

 

logo/production number

Fortunata’s theme also ties in with the consumer’s ability to select a bag perfect for him or her. Finding the right kind of material in your preferred color scheme for a price that pleases you is not any easy thing to find these days. Finding something like that truly makes you feel like you’ve lucked out. This is why every Fortunata bag comes with a leather charm. The charm is a little red chili pepper. The chili pepper or “pepperoncino” is one of the most potent symbols of good luck in Southern Italian culture. These little charms are sold just about everywhere, and can be seen in hanging in cars, around necks, and cell phones. The another discerning adornment on the Fortunata bag is the tic-tac-toe logo printed in leather and sewn into the bag’s bottom right corner. The logo serves two purposes, both in accordance with theme of the bag. The tic-tac-toe board is an obvious reference to a game, and every game tends to have a bit of chance and luck to it. Secondly the layout of the board allows us to demonstrate in a creative way the amount of that specific material/color scheme that have we produced. It is displayed like a fraction where the number of the bag is in the top left corner of the game board and the corresponding overall amount is in the bottom right corner. This lets the consumer know that his or her bag is, for example, the 2^nd bag made out of 6. This logo adds the finishing touch to Fortunata bag, and best represents the individuality, uniqueness, and theme of the bag.

p.s. I hope the previous global fortune posts have now been explained!

How Pierotucci Assembles Their Handbags: Factory Direct! Pt. 2 Assembly

After all the pieces of the pattern have been cut and sealed, they are then transferred to our lovely ladies who assemble them. Our craftswomen have been assembling leather bags for their whole working lives, and have an acute understanding of every pattern we use. Reading these patterns are like reading blueprints, everything must be spot on for the bag’s functionality and overall quality.

 The outside accoutrements of the bag are assembled first. The cut and sealed pieces are matched with proper labeling, rivets, and handles. The Toscanella label, for example, is an embossed strip of leather that is hand sown onto the corresponding piece of leather. According to the style of bag additional stitching and rivets are added as decoration. The rivets are inserted by puncturing small holes in the leather, then attaching both sides of the rivet through the hole. The handles are made with long strips of leather that are curved and sewn together with the attached metal connectors. Two slits are cut into both front and back pieces of the bag to allow for the leather handles to be sewn in. Once this has been done a thin foam padding is added to the rough unfinished inside parts of the pieces, and the zippers are sewn according to pattern.

 Now here comes the tricky part. The zippers on both main pieces have to be exactly aligned. Once they have been aligned, one side of the bag can be sewn together. This is done by sewing one end of a main piece to the other. You might reasonably believe that the other corresponding sides could be sewn, thereby “closing” the bag with the nice finished sides showing. This is where the real deviation begins.

 Instead of closing the bag with the finished sides out, we do the opposite. We sew the two main pieces together inside out. So the foam padding and zipper teeth are facing the outside, not the handles. Then the bottom of the bag is attached, again bottom side up to the two main pieces. Now once we have assembled the bag, it is time to assemble the lining.

 The lining is assembled inside in, as one would expect. One side of the lining has the security pocket, while the other has the cell phone holder sown in. The sides are sown together at both ends, with bottom being added last. The lining is then turned inside out and inserted over the inside out bag. As you can imagine, this allows us to sew the lining in each bag in a much more easy and efficient way. Less of those horrible crooked stitches! Once the lining has been sewn in, we carefully proceed to turn the bag so the finished smooth outside is facing out, making the lining the inside. We also have a machine that gently blows hot air onto the leather to help erase any creases created from this process. And there you have it. The exact process told to me by the very artisans who have been crafting these bags for decades!

 So the next time you are out shopping, be it browsing or intended, keep in mind that high quality handmade bags are a labor intensive item. The craftsmanship that goes into straight stitching, well attached rivets, and overall symmetry of the bag is an art form, and our experts here at Pierotucci tend to keep it that way!

Calling All Moms! Want A Bit Of Well Directed Pampering This Year? We Will Help You Drop The Hint Without Being Too Conspicuous!

Pierotucci is honoring Mother’s day by creating a promotion suited to those women to inspire and influence us in the best ways!  For every purchase over 200 euro Pierotucci is throwing in a free gift, value 30 euro. So whether Mom is dying for a new sumptuous leather handbag, or if she fell in love with one of our clearence leather jackets, we are applauding her good taste with a bonus gift, because who doesn’t love the idea of the “cherry on top”?

Not sure if your loved ones have what it takes to browse our site and find the perfect something?  We are also offering a variety of gift sets, created and constructed by our very own design team!  Our gift sets come in a range of styles and prices, so you can fall in love without hurting yourself or your wallet.  Browse our gift set options below.  Find one you absolutely have to have?  Each picture is a link to that specific item on our website, because isn’t papmering supposed to be hassle free?

All inclusive

Our Deluxe Mother’s Day Gift Bag:
Toscanella Leather Handbag, Color COUS
Attached inner bag
Pierotucci Dust Bag for the purse
Matching Toscanella Mini Travel Case, Color COUS
Leather Gloves, Color TABACCO
Italian Silk Scarf, Floral, Color ORANGE
Leather Belt, Color TABACCO
Toscanella Leather Key Chain, Color TOBACCO
Mirror Case, Color VIOLA
Lipstick Case, Color VIOLA
Pierotucci Gift Bag with Bow
PRICE

Essentials

Our Travel Gift Idea for Mother’s Day includes:

Brown Leather Gloves with Camel colored piping,

lined in wool
(these gloves can be exchanged for a pair of Brown Ladies Driving Gloves upon request)

Toscanella Leather Handbag, Color TOBACCO
Italian Silk Scarf with Bag, Hat and Shoe Design , Color BEIGE
Pierotucci Gift Bag with Bow

PRICE

Essentials

Our Italian Purse Kit Gift Mother’s Day Itailan Purse Gift Idea includes:

Leather Gloves,
lined in wool
Color BLACK with Blue accents
(these gloves can be exchanged for a pair of Black, silk lined gloves upon request)

Italian leather coin case with key-ring, Color BEIGE

Italian Silk Scarf with Key Design, Color BLUE
Pierotucci Gift Bag with Bow

PRICE

Essentials

Our Italian Gift Idea for Mothers Day includes:

Leather Gloves,
lined in wool
Color BLACK with Red accents
(these gloves can be exchanged for a pair of Red Ladies Driving Gloves upon request)

Italian Silk Scarf with Key Design, Color RED
Pierotucci Gift Bag with Bow
PRICE

Little somethings

Our Toscanella Gift Idea for Mother’s Day includes:

Toscanella natural leather card holder, Color Cous
Toscanella Italian leather coin case, Color Cous
Pierotucci Gift Box with Bow

PRICE

Don’t Forget! Bag Matching Matters!

Check out our photos below for expert advice on which bags match your new garment!

Collared zip-up Leather Vest with Campomaggi messenger

The texture of the rustic leather of the Campomaggi messenger bag compliments the vintage brown color and well as the “adventure ready” essence of the vest.

Vintage Brown Leather Vest, Campomaggi Washed Leather

Black Suede buttom-up with black toscanella messenger

The less formal black suede vest combines nicely with the canvas leather combo of the messenger bag, giving an over-all “about town” look.

Soft Black Suede Vest, Canvas and Leather Black Messenger

Black Leather Snap-up with Black Royal Highness Briefcase messenger

The black leather vest’s powerful apperance paired with the striking black leather breifcase exudes a sense of authority.

Black Leather Snap-up Vest,  Black Royal Highness Briefcase

Black Leather Jean Style Pants with Black Toscanella Messenger

The jean style of the black leather pant lends an air of informality without detracting from the everyday chic look, while the solid black messenger adds to the effect with it’s laidback air of seriousness.

Black Jean Style Leather Pant, Black Leather Messenger

Beige Leather Skirt with Zip with Brown Toscanella Handbag

The smooth lines of the skirt blend well with the angular shape of the handbag, while both browns allow the wear to play with colors for a vibrant top.

Beige Leather Skirt,   Dark Brown Leather Handbag

Black Leather Zip Pants with Red Buggiani handbag with strap

The mini Buggiani bag, hand held or with strap contrasts perfect with the black leather pant, showing off the brightness of the red and sleekness of the black.

Ladies Black Leather Pant,   Red Buggiani Mini Handbag

The Climate Of A Sale: January and August In Italy

Italian sales take place during the months of January and August, where just about every store plasters the savings to be found within on the shop window. At Pierotucci any month could be sale month! Don’t believe us? Info on our Spring Jacket Sale below!

Traditionally sales in Italy have a determined time period that correlates with consumer buying power and seasonal changes. Most shopppers are strapped for cash after the Holiday season, and tend to travel during the summer. They therefore cannot afford original prices for desired items. The solution? Have a country-wide sale for the months of January and August!

Pierotucci tends to follow the more open approach to the sale climate. We have a sale when there is a sale to be had. So for all those looking for deals, our Spring Jacket Sale is going on now! Savings on out-of-production jackets are anywhere from 100$-700$. A new fine leather blazer for spring and fall, or anticipating the winter cold and winter prices? Pierotucci has the solution to your dilemma.

Suede Shearling Jacket

Our Suede Shearling jacket for men is the perfect complement to fall and winter outfits. Shearling is a soft, natural material which typically features sueded leather, and shorn fur on the underside. Naturally thermostatic, the fibers resist and absorb moisture for year-round comfort.

Nappa Blazer

Our women’s Nappa Blazer is a stylish addition to any wardrobe. It comes in tobacco, black, and white, and is perfect for a top layer over a thick winter sweater, or as a cover for the rare chilly summer day. Nappa lambskin is a high quality leather, and is known for its lightweight and soft appearance. Extremely comfortable, this blazer is resistant and warm, and well as great protection against wind.








Stay Tuned For Our Leather Clothing Line Update To Come Later This Week!

Italian Leather Bags STYLE : Campo dei Fiori

The design on the printed lambskin featured in this line is full of colorful and fragrant flowers which immediately calls to mind a picturesque “square” or piazza near Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy called Campo dei Fiori. In English this literally means a field of flowers. In the Roman dialect, the name of the piazza is written as Campo de’ Fiori.

Once known for being peaceful and undisturbed meadow, this place has transformed over the centuries into a flouishing and fun market. Every morning, except on Sundays, you can find a varying selection of stalls selling all kinds of fruit, seasonal vegetables, traditional cheeses and proscuitto, small household items, and yes …. fresh flowers. Though for a small period of time it was know for the public executions which were held there, it has become quite representative of the fun, clever and passionate personality of the Romans themselves. The square has always remained a focus for commercial and street culture during the day: in fact the surrounding streets are named for antique trades and traditions —Via dei Balestrari (crossbow-makers), Via dei Baullari (coffer-makers), Via dei Cappellari (hat-makers), Via dei Chiavari (key-makers) and Via dei Giubbonari (tailors). And at night, it is filled with pubs and a lively nightlife.
The line of Campo dei Fiori calls attention to the delicate floral pattern on the leather bags, making them a delightful and carefree memory of Italy.

-> Did you know in Italy … that when they want to say good luck they say “in bocca al lupo” ?
In bocca al lupo means in the wolf’s mouth – so when some wishes someone else good luck, the typical Italian response is “crepi il lupo” – or rather – let’s hope that the wolf dies. In otherwords if the wolf dies it implies that the obstical was overcome.