Florence is not only the cradle of the Renaissance; it is also the Italian capital of luxury leather goods. In this city, history and style have been blending for centuries, and still today, major fashion brands choose this very area to produce leather accessories that define the concept of elegance.
But why Florence? The answer lies in a heritage of craftsmanship that is unique in the world — a tradition that has evolved over time while remaining true to its roots.
The history of leather in Florence began in the 13th century. At that time, leatherworking was governed by one of the city’s oldest guilds: the Arte dei Cuoiai e dei Galigai. Workshops thrived in the Santa Croce area, where the waters of the Arno River were used for tanning hides.
Even back then, quality and durability were top priorities: every item had to last over time and display a subtle elegance. This attention to detail and aesthetics would, centuries later, become the foundation of Florentine leather fashion.
In the 15th century, Florence experienced its peak cultural flourishing. Leather became more than just a useful material: it was a surface to decorate, shape, and sculpt. Cases, gloves, handbags, and bookbindings with hand-decorated leather were created. Each piece was unique, designed for nobles, patrons, travelers, and merchants
Florentine craftsmanship thus began to stand out for its aesthetic taste and its ability to combine form and function, just as high fashion does today.
Throughout the 20th century, Florence became a key hub of Made in Italy. With the rise of luxury leather goods, more and more international brands chose to produce in the Florentine area.
This is especially evident in the Scandicci area, which has become an industrial district of excellence where the skilled hands of artisans collaborate with the most important fashion houses.
Founded in Florence in 1921, Gucci is probably the most iconic name associated with the city. Today, it continues to invest in the area with Gucci ArtLab, a state-of-the-art center dedicated to luxury leather goods and footwear. Here, tradition and innovation go hand in hand.
Ferragamo also has its roots in the Tuscan capital. The brand, known for its timeless elegance, continues to produce leather accessories and shoes while respecting the local artisanal tradition, all the while focusing on innovation and sustainability.
Valentino
The Roman brand produces some of its bags and accessories in the Florentine district, relying on highly specialized workshops
Bottega Veneta
Famous for its ‘intrecciato’ weaving technique, the brand collaborates with Tuscan workshops to create its leather collections, with a particular focus on material excellence and perfection in detail.
Brands like Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Cartier, Céline, Prada, and Givenchy produce in Tuscany through partner workshops or direct facilities, recognizing Florentine craftsmanship as an indispensable added value
Florence is not only a production center but also a training hub. The Scuola del Cuoio, located within the Santa Croce complex, continues to train artisans from all over the world. Alongside this are fashion institutes like Polimoda and Istituto Marangoni, which prepare future designers to work with the finest materials and the most refined techniques.
Buying a bag or a pair of shoes made in Florence doesn’t just mean owning a beautiful object: it means carrying with you a story made of skilled hands, inherited tradition, precise stylistic choices, and a deep respect for quality.
In a world dominated by fast, global production, Florence stands as a stronghold of conscious luxury and authentic craftsmanship. Each piece tells a story of the connection between fashion, culture, and beauty that only this city can offer.
Florence is much more than a city of art: it’s a universe where fashion is born by hand, where every alley holds stories of style, savoir-faire, and creativity. If you want to discover up close the secrets of leather craftsmanship, visit historic workshops, explore the iconic places of Made in Italy, and live an authentic experience in the heart of the leather fashion capital…
Join our Fashion Tour in Florence.
Accompanied by local experts, you will meet artisans, visit production areas of iconic brands, and discover everything behind a luxury accessory ‘made in Florence
Book your personalized tour now and experience Florentine fashion as the main character.
Floe – Florence Local Experts
Via Laura, 38 – 50121 Florence (IT)
