Florence is known as and considered to be the leather capital of the world. With that comes a huge plethora of different leather bags and purses. The relationship between leather bags and Florence goes back centuries. 

What better place to investigate the importance of purses than the city of Florence? Purses are often an accessory people tend to examine last when it comes to self-expression. Most of us forget or don’t pay attention to the story a good, unique bag can tell. 

While studying in Florence, we had some pretty fashionable professors. Fabiana Vannucci, a product development professor at Kent State’s campus in Florence, stood out to us the most when it came to her sense of style. 

“I switch bags every two or three days depending on my outfit,” Vannucci said. 

She appreciates the practicality of a bag and how it ties her outfits together. When in class, I often notice how her bag reflects a lesson we are learning or how she’s feeling. 

In Florence, the bag culture differs in many ways from the United States. In the states, the purse culture is made up of flashy designer brands. These brands include Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and others that typically symbolize a higher social status and class. 

In Florence however, the real elegance comes from subtle, luxurious purses from leather shops and family run companies. The authentic leather and coloring are what get you street credit here, the way designer brands do in the States. 

Here, people are more likely to compliment your plum-colored leather tote instead of the classic Louis Vuitton patterned tote bag. Vannucci is an example of this. She prefers brands that are one-of-a-kind rather than those that many others have. 

“I don’t like big brands,” Vannucci said. “I want to shop at emerging brands.” Some of the authentic brands well known around Florence are Florencia, Katain Boutique, Adam Leather Factory and Claudio Lacovelli Leather Factory. 

Rachel Adams, Junior Fashion Merchandising student at Kent State  who is studying abroad in Florence as well bought a few bags from Adams Leather Factory. “ I like Adam’s other factory because it is a family-owned brand that has been in Florence for decades.” Said Adams. “Their bags are all custom-made and they are all very unique. It’s authentic, real leather and they are made to last. The craftsmanship is above any other production I’ve ever had.” 

Adams leather factory is also known for their personalization of bags. With the purchase of a bag or wallet, you can get a custom engraving with your initials on the bag. “I also really like it because they have personalization options.” Adams said. “You can do the engraving of your initials, and I think that that’s really personable and something that’s different from all other leather factories and separates them from other brands.”

 Playing around with new designers and trends with bags are also highly appreciated in Florence.

Purchasing from smaller businesses as opposed to larger name-brands will help you to achieve your own personal style, that will keep you from looking like everyone else. Standing out and individuality is what Florence fashion is all about.