What’s in Production today at Pierotucci?

Each handbag goes through 4 phases before it can be checked at quality control, and packed up for storage in the warehouse.

First the leather, lining and in this case the canvas accents needs to be cut.  Secondly, all cut pieces of leather need to be sealed, pressed, punched with holes and sanded down.  Third on the list is the accessories for each bag need to be counted out, this includes the zips, the straps, the snaps and handles.  The last step is the assembly of the bag – starting from the inside out – each bag is composed by putting together first the lining, then the leather casing and finally all accessories and name plates.

In this photo you can see Marina working on the outer panels of the our Toscanella canvas and Italian leather tote with removable shoulder straps.

When a description is all you got to go on

A photo is certainly what will catch your eye faster than a wordy or detailed title, but if you are going to buy you need to read in between the illusions in the title and the hype in the description.  A good product description is absolutely a must !  Of course there are those who will play with innuendos and double meanings in a description in order to hood you but then once you get your package – rip open the box and pull it out . . .  there is always that tell tale slump of the shoulders, turn at the mouth and general sense of disappointment because you “thought” you read one thing, the picture seemed to show you what you were reading yet the final product just doesn’t match up.

We were recently pulled into this drama while flipping through runway photos of the new FW 2013 lines of several top designers when we found a bag that we just adored.  Particularly appealing was the use of contrasting colors and the design was reminiscent of Bottega Veneta, Cosci (now defunct)  and Pierotucci.  We downloaded the photo to use in a blog post – similar to this one.  But then today – another photo (different angle) of the same product opened our eyes to the fundamental difference . . . and this is where a detailed ACCURATE description makes all the difference.

The second photo labeled the bag as a braided leather effect.  First off, braided leather? Is English their first language? When I checked out the Webster definition

Braided = Interlace three or more strands of (hair or other flexible material) to form a length

. . . and

Weave:   interlacing long threads passing in one direction with others at a right angle to them.  When I was 9, I would braid my hair and it in no way resembled this Givenchy pocket clutch.

Close up of the embossed leather – effect weave.

The second thing was the use of the word “effect.”

Have a look at the photo and the truth comes out.  From the point of view of the above image it appears as if there are actually two different pieces being put together.

But alas, with the wonders of modern photgraphy AND with these up close images on the web sites I was actually able to see that the word effect was just another way of saying – embossed!  It was a printed weave effect on the bag, not even a true weave.  This purchase would have 100% resulted in one very unhappy shopper.

Looking at the detail you can even see that the paint job was a little haphazard – only making you really wonder how long the color would last with continual use of the bag.

From the photo I would have thought that the final product was closer to a Cosci leather handbag.  If you lool at the photo of the designer handbag below you can actually see the two different pieces.

Last year Toscanella Italian leather accessories came to the market with a weave using three different colors  in a weave to create a unique one of a kind image.  There are four different color patterns, using a terracotta chamios intertwined with 2 of the seven main colors of vegetable tanned leather.  Now this is a true weave and one where the colors will truly stand up to the test of time.

Close up view of the Toscanella three color weave.

One small error for Tuscany becomes one lasting memory for fashion

Only the innovative nature of the Italians can turn inexperience and a huge miscalculation into a fashion statement. And only those Italians from Tuscany knew how to make it a statement that would last through the test of time.

Wool has been a constant, thriving economic force in Italy as far back as the Etruscans, Romans and the Medici Family. It is a well known fact that the banking houses in Florence built their wealth on the wool industry. The Casentino Valley, where the Arno river starts its trek to Florence, was perhaps one of the largest suppliers of high quality woolen products in Tuscany.

In the late 1800’s they sought to further commercialize their natural resource, and a “mantelline per cavalcature” was introduced to the Florentine market. This was basically a thick, water resistant blanket used to cover, keep warm and protect work animals that hauled large loads.

Traditionally, this cover was made in a deep red – but due to an error when they mixed the chemicals to soften the wool, the color came out a vivid orange. Like most trends, it was a twist of fate that turned this rough cloth with its unique color, fashionable.

The “panno Casentino” was admired by illustrious names such as Baron Ricasoli and the opera composers Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini. The result was that this brightly colored felted wool was fashioned into a double breasted jacket complete with a fox fur collar which became a very Italian symbol of wealth and prestige of the upper echelon.

A reputation that is still widely recognized in Italy today.

Close up of the panno Casentino with Italian leather accents

Not everything that blooms in Tuscany is a

sunflower. . . and I am here to tell you that

though many like to combine these two things as if it were the only flower that ever bloomed in all of Tuscany (yes they do bloom and it’s for a very short period in July and some part of August.) Sunflowers are by no means the only flower in all of Tuscany.  You can also find orchids, iris, fired zucchini flowers (yum, but off the subject) and ….

my all time favorite wild flower – possibly because Fall is my favorite time of the year –  the yellow ox eye daisies.  These beauties sprout up along side the road and fields of grain. They are bright and colorful.  The shade of yellow is every so slightly towards the orange side, giving it one of those classic fall colors.  And they are resistant. If you pick them and pop them in a vase, they will last …. for what seems like forever.

So when Pierotucci talks about the 7 classic colors of Tuscany which make up the Pierotucci collection of Toscanella Italian leather handbags and accessories one might think that the yellow hue refers to those bobbing sunflowers but I perfer to see it as the classic yellow heliopsis (aka black eyed susan), which resembles the sun and has yellow petals (that darken towards the tip) with darker centers or eye.  When you look at any of the Toscanella Italian leather tote bags or handbags you can see how this warm yellow is reminiscent of the black eyed susan’s.  In fact, this vegetable tanned yellow colored leather shows darker and lighter hues depending on the lighting.  And when combined with the terracotta colored edging its clear there is a call back to this lovely wild flower.

This shade of yellow is as versatile as a classic black or dark brown.  Surely, it’s not to be considered a neutral color but this color matches well with so many of those standard Fall colors (shades of brown, biege, orange, dark green and black). Just think of adding a pair of Porselli ballet flats or a canvas and Italian leather belt to those othersie droll fall colors and see what happens.

It is exactly the perfect color for accessorizing.  Combine this color with some neutral  Fall colors and you have not only a splash of color – but a personality statement.  A bold color that has forever represented excellence  - simply think of a gold medal!

It’s also a color which has also traditionally conveys the idea of warmth and cheerfulness . . . which are exactly what one is looking to say when those fall temps start to shift.

In otherwords, I am here to say that though sunflowers are spectacular AND meticulously cultivated in Tuscany it is perhaps the wild beauty of a yellow daisy that truly captures the rustic elegance of the Toscanella Italian leather handbags.

Top Models Aren’t Just People…

They’re handbags. The perfect Italian leather handbag. There is a lot of work that goes into this so called “dream bag” from conception to each and every one of the final touches. So where to start when conceptualizing a new handbag or new collection for that matter, you ask? Well, I’ll tell you.

At Pierotucci we spend time, first, trying to understand what it is the client wants, that’s you. Pretty basic, right? But this kind of knowledge can take extensive research and exploring. Once we have and idea, it’s not long before we put or designers to work, sketching new designs that are sure to catch your eye. Whether it’s one or fifty new handbags we want to create, a pattern is cut so a model bag can be created for each and every new design that has been sketched. This is the best way to understand how easy or difficult the bag will be to construct, if there are any potential flaws, how and it helps us understand how we can improve the design, by possibly adjusting the height or doubling the stitching in a particular spot, for example, so the handbag is not only gorgerous but sturdy.

Take a look at how the magic happens in our factory. I, personally, love these photos because you can imagine just how much work has gone into a finished bag and see what it looked like at the beginning stages.

Back to School and the heat is on here in Florence Italy!

It was a rude awakening when I got off the flight at the Florence Airport and the 30°C temps slammed me in the face at 10:45 at night!  No luck if I thought arriving at night would help lessen the blow.  So, not only is the vacation over but I feel like we are roasting (just sprinkle some Italian rosemary on me and add a few potatoes!)

Our production department is still relaxing on some exotic beach somewhere (at least I hope for them but here in sales we are reveving up for a End of Summer Sale where we will be featuring our Italian leather handbags for lots of back to school and back to work special deals!

One of my favorite Italian leather bags for back to school . . . ah those were there days . . . includes this Toscanella leather briefcase in a rich dark brown.  This handcrafted leather bag has 2 compartments and several organizing pockets.  The rolled leather top handle is easy and comfortable when the bag is loaded, it is also sturdy with with double stitched reinforcement on the metal buckles.  Even though this bag is made from a vegetable dyed vacchetta leather you will find it surprising light weight – compared to, for example,  the Campomaggi washed leather briefcases.

I especially like the unique zipper pull on the front pocket which doesn’t disturb the overall clean lines in the bag and is easy to open and close and hides the stark contrast of the metal zip to the luxury leather detailing.

 

 

What’s cooking today at Pierotucci Leather Factory in Tuscany Italy?

Daniela is working our first line of quality control on one of our Italian leather hobo bags made from a mix of vegetable tanned vachetta leather and a sturdy suede like canvas in shades of taupe. The mix between canvas and leather, offers a lightweight yet artisanal alternative to an all Italian leather handbag.

As this Canvas and Leather hobo bag  from our Toscanella line, goes through each phase of production it is carefully examined to catch any stray threads or double stitching.  Before passing on to the next phase each piece will be inspected and all extra threads will be meticulously cut or pulled out so that the final product will have a smooth flow.  In fact, if you examine a top quality Italian leather handbag you will not be able to tell where the first stitch initiated, because an expert seamstress will be able to hide it well!

Art, shopping, and Italy, a trio of life’s unbeatable pleasures

Art, shopping, and Italy, a trio of life’s unbeatable pleasures. So why not combine them all and see what you get? I’ll give you a hint…intrecciata. Intrecciata in Italian, literally meaning twisted or intertwined, is the art or technique of weaving leather. You can get a true feel for Tuscany and this Italian art form with Toscanella’s beautifully hand woven collection of men and women’s Italian leather wallets and accessories. From the men’s billfold wallet to the women’s clutch wallet this woven handwork is spectacular in look and design, giving you the perfect idea of what Italy is all about.

Reminiscent of Bottega Veneta in style, these Italian leather wallets come in four perfectly matched color combinations including a rich seven color lining, staying true to the original colors of the Toscanella collection. Each color in the collection is thoughtfully chosen to represent the vibrant earthy tones found throughout the rolling hills of Tuscany. Whether it’s the bright saffron yellow or deep olive green you get a true feeling for the Italian countryside. With such intricate detailing on the face and backside, be sure not to miss the subtle, yet thoughtful features and use of color on the inside.
Besides the unique color schemes, all of which share a terracotta colored leather woven throughout, you can also choose from three different models of wallets and accessories including a leather coin purse and key holder with the same exquisite leather work.

I, myself, favor the clutch wallet which perfectly showcases the detailed woven work and with zip around style it makes it impossible to misplace anything. Plus, it’s big enough to double as a small clutch in the evening time, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love and item that can serve more than one purpose?

Toscanella Zip Around Clutch Wallet in an ivory basket weave

Toscanella’s leather weave collection is the true definition of what an Italian artisan product should be. Made completely by hand with hours of hard work and precision, they use nothing but the best and highest quality leather, Italian leather of course! In addition to being brilliantly made they are also a part of Toscanella’s collection of limited edition pieces. So, if you’re searching for an impeccably made Italian leather wallet, look no farther than Toscanella’s Intrecciata Collection.

Toscanella Leather Weave wallets and accessories

This article was originally posted on our favorite guest blogger’s site last week:  Lipstick and Leopard Print.  Please visit her frequently!

Today we are featuring: Toscanella Leather Weave Wallet

Hand woven, Italian leather wallet, what’s there not to like? This genuine Italian leather zip around clutch style wallet makes everything easy to organize and best of all even easier to find. Featuring a dozen credit card slots, a pocket with zipper, two open compartments and two additional pockets this is an ideal “mini purse” to help organize your valuables, credit cards, ID docs and so much more. Not to mention, there’s a matching key holder and coin purse you can pair with this lovely Limited Edition leather weave (or “Intrecciata” if you’re feeling the Italian rub off on you), all of which is handcrafted in Italy using vegetable oil tanned leather created exclusively for the Toscanella line from Pierotucci. This combination below shows an olive green colored base with accents in saffron yellow and terracotta suede with the signature seven color lining.

Click here to see more colors and other styles

Features

Zip around closure
One zip pocket
2 open pockets in center
2 open internal slit pockets
12 credit card slots
Cotton lining
Gift Box

Mini bags are all about being practical and hands off

Mini bags normally have two very distinct characteristics (aside from the obvious…size) they have a long crossbody strap which is adjustable and many times removable and they are being see all at every Fashion Week we peek into.  Other than being a fashion statement, these designer petite bags make a women’s life a little bit easier with a bag just a little smaller than 20 cm x 20 cm, the headaches of what to take and what not to take is cut not in half – but to a quarter of its normal size.  We can get a credit card holder – complete with a photo ID and a few big bills , our favorite lipstick, eyeshadow and liner,  our iPhone and a bottle of our favorite scent so we can tantalize those men around us at all hours of the day (and night).

Just in time for Spring, Mini Bag from Cosci in Patent Leather

Bright Colors from Patrizia Pepe

Campomaggi with a distinct feel to it

Toscanella, Genuine Leather from Italy in a Mini Bag