Why is Italian Leather better?

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#33
Maxwell Scott said:
NB. Glad your enjoying the bag platinum_girly
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I have definately been enjoying it, it has turned into my "go to" bag and even after a mad shopping day yesterday with my mother and my 4 year old hyperactive daughter (lol!) the bag got bumped around you would never tell! If fits everything in that i need and i love the smell of the leather (and i NEVER say that!) as unfortunately MOST leather bags arrive smelling of either chemicals or a kind of funky nasty smell (i hate to say it, but usually when they are made in China) but this bag has a nice smell to it, i smell it as soon as i walk into my bedroom where it has pride of place in its dustbag on a stand, lol!
 
#34
indiaink said:
Cool that Bellezza Imports is based in Winona, Minnesota! Is that where you are located, Barbara?
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I summer in Mn and winter in Florida.....I know of the shop and the owners who go to a great deal of expense travelling to Italy to select their inventory. I met them at a trunk show at Sopra Sotto, an Italian living store in Mn. These handbags are real and I believe in a few years Giudi and Barbara Milano will be on par with Cole Hahn(most not made in Italy) or Tumi. So get your bags while they are still affordable! :D
 
#36
Bga, I've seen that brand at TJ Maxx - I agree that the bag you're looking at is a tad bit big; do you have a TJ near you to check out the Nuovedive brand? It's good to know that the brand is considered a good Italian brand.
 
#38
So maybe that is the answer...?[/QUOTE]

Platinum_girly, That was a really informative and great write up. And this whole topic is so fascinating. I"ve always been drawn to the older vintage purses since they seem to have a quality that we don't find anymore. It's good to do our homework on what's happening with leather production and start spending our money with these true old world artisans (even if they are obscure and not mainstream "trendy" brand names), instead of the companys who are selling out at our expense, and letting their quality slide to make more money.
 
#39
BarbaraCourt said:
I have traveled in Italy every year since 2006 and I love the Country, the people, the food, and OMG the leather goods. Like you said there are so many small family companies who are producing beautiful leather handbags. Here are some of my favorites, Giudi, Barbara Milano, Gianni Conti, Nuovedive, Varriale. I also found a small import business that carries some of these lines at www.bellezzaimports.com
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These bags on their site are gorgeous and so well priced and probably better priced than other main stream over priced bags from what I'm seeing. I can never afford some of the premier designer bags that others can buy.
 
#40
Maxwell Scott said:
Hello all,

Just come across this forum and have seen our name mentioned (more interesting though the leather we use). The team at “Maxwell Scott Bags” thought we could offer some advice and help regarding Italian leather or "quality Italian leather".

First of all yes, Italians certainly know how to tan their leather. This is an age old skill handed down from generation to generation. We actually visited about 7 countries, before deciding to manufacture in Italy (it was a very simple choice). We visited many factories with excellent skills and tools, however Italian artisans are the best in the world - hands down. Plus you can't get the resources and support anywhere else in the world.

I have read this thread with interest and I think it’s important to provide some important facts.

1. Not all Italian leather is the same! It took us 3 years to find the tannery we are currently using (not for the want of trying). Italian leather can differ immensely in quality, durability and cost. I know for a fact that we can buy cheaper grades of hide from eastern Europe which would reduce our costs by up to 30%. This leather is tanned in Italy and classed as Italian leather, however it’s just not as good (less durable, scars in hides and poor grain). I'm afraid there are hundreds of retailers online selling these products. The best leathers cost much more and tend to be used by the very best manufacturers (and trust me this is not many). At a minimum, always look for full grain leather (top grain for wallets and purses).

2. A guarantee is everything! - If I was going to buy a quality handmade italian bag for several hundred pounds, I would want a minimum 2 year guarantee (if not longer....) Cheaper bags tend to only offer 1 year guarantees or none at all. If the bag is good, the manufacturer will comfortably offer long guarantees as they know the bag will last!

3. I'm afraid price is a factor! - When purchasing a good sized handmade Italian leather bag, then expect to pay anything over £175 - YES £175 (250$)!! If it’s less than £175 then something has been compromised. I know how much good Italian leather costs and it’s impossible to sell at some of the low prices I see online (unless something has been compromised). Good parts, linings and fittings cost money; good quality leather costs money and finally "true" Italian craftsmanship costs money. However, before you run out to the shops it’s important to bear in mind some important factors: if the brand you have bought has 000's of shops, concessions, magazine advertising etc. - here has this money come from? For example, if we were to sell in shops (and not online) and start huge magazine campaigns, then you would expect to pay anything from 40-60% more for the end product......

4. Where is it really made! - There are many brands that sell online with very large Italian sounding names, but actually manufacture in China with imported Italian leather. Whilst we personally have no problem with this, we think its dishonest to mislead the customer (you would be supprised how many companies do this). This process is simply to avoid large labour costs.

5. Not where was the bag made, but who made the bag! - I'm afraid there are many Italian brands online that manufacture bags using migrant workers (majority from the far east). We have always (and will always) use only Italian artisans - it's not just part of our policy, but part of our ethics too! Plus the skill set and quality is second to none.

6. Italian Leather to Avoid! - When I look at other bags, my firstinspection is always the leather. Very good Italian leather should smell very sweet and woody. It should always be a pleasant smell and keep drawing you back. If there is any hint of chemicals, then this will probably be chrome tanned. Chrome tanning is ok, but vegetable tanning is far superior. If the leather has streaks and tanning lines, then this tends to mean low quality mild marks and blemishes are normal). If you can't see the grain, then this tends to be of lower quality (often means it has been corrected, sanded or polished to hide imperfections). This is a misconception by most people – visible grain shows good quality hides. High gloss coats (not patent) on leather is often used to cover up marks and hide imperfections. Very matt leather can also mean it’s cheap leather - you need a good balance in-between!

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omg! what great info. I never knew about half the things said here. I'm definately going to keep the guarantee in mind when i purchase my next handbag! is maxwell scott the only company that does this type of leather? do they have a shop?
 
#44
I definitely know of a few factories in Florence, Italy that use cowhides from tuscany or southern france due to the controlled pastures. These leathers tend to be full grain and are vegetable tanned all the way through so the color never fades from the leather..

i wonder who these competitors are that you speak of?
 
#45
Italian_Gold said:
I definitely know of a few factories in Florence, Italy that use cowhides from tuscany or southern france due to the controlled pastures. These leathers tend to be full grain and are vegetable tanned all the way through so the color never fades from the leather..

i wonder who these competitors are that you speak of?
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Is Pierotucci one of those "few factories"? Just curious. Thank you.
 
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