Italian Leather Handbags: The Designers Still Making in Italy

Made in Italy still means something for leather. These are designer handbags made in Italian workshops, led by Savette, whose bags are made by hand outside Florence. Read Where Are Savette Bags Made? Inside the Florence Workshop for the workshop story, and browse all designer handbags at Coveti.

What to look for

Good Italian leather bags have even stitching, painted and smoothed edges, a lining that is finished as carefully as the outside, and hardware that feels heavy. Ask about the tannery: certification from the Leather Working Group is a strong sign.

The edit

• Savette Symmetry Pochette in Smoke Suede
• Savette Symmetry Pochette in Sepia Suede
• Savette Florence 25 in Coffee Smooth Leather
• Savette Tondo 22 in Taupe Smooth Leather
• Savette Anello Tote in Mink Milled Leather
• Dolce & Gabbana Rafia crochet shoulder bag
• Brunello Cucinelli Sparkling textured leather pouch bag in Bark
• Gianvito Rossi Sienna Bucket Bag
• Amina Muaddi Paloma Clutch in Black Satin with Jet Crystals and Gun Metal Hardware
• Dolce & Gabbana Mini My Sicily handbag in plongé calfskin
• Brunello Cucinelli Shearling explorer small belted bag in Brown
• Gianvito Rossi Sienna Bucket Bag
• Amina Muaddi Ami Mini Crystal Shoulder Bag in Silver Satin and White Crystals

Caring for Italian leather

Keep leather away from water, oils and chemicals, and dab any marks gently. Store bags upright in their dust bags, stuffed to hold the shape.

How we chose

We included bags whose product pages state Italian manufacture, so you know where the bag was made, not only where the leather came from. A bag can use Italian leather and still be made elsewhere, so always check the country of manufacture.

Why Florence matters

Tuscany, and the area around Florence in particular, has been a centre of leather work for centuries, with tanneries and family workshops that supply many luxury houses. Savette’s bags come from one of these family workshops.

Frequently asked questions

Which designer bags are made in Italy?

Savette makes every bag by hand outside Florence. Many luxury houses also produce leather goods in Italy; check the product page for the country of manufacture.

Is Italian leather better?

Italian tanneries and workshops have a long tradition, and the best of them produce exceptional leather, but quality depends on the specific tannery and maker.

How can I tell a bag is made in Italy?

Look for a Made in Italy stamp inside the bag and the country of manufacture on the product page.

What is the difference between Italian leather and made in Italy?

Italian leather describes where the hide was tanned. Made in Italy describes where the bag was cut, stitched and finished.