History of the name:

The Italian leather history goes way back to the year 1000 when the Saracens brought the use of leather to Sicily. Through the years, its craftsmanship, has evolved and spread all over the country, and Italy became one of the world's leading players in the production of leatherwear. A merit that still stands today.

In 1282, the Arte dei Cuoiai (Leather Workers Guild) was born. It was one of many professional guilds in Florence (others were present in developed cities like London), secular institutions that protected trade secrets and enforced strict quality standards. This ensured the city's leather industry remained highly competitive on the international stage. To this day, dotted along the banks of the river Arno from Florence to Pisa, esteemed leather artisans continue to operate.
At the beginning of the 20th century, a selection of now leading fashion houses began their commercial lives as leather goods stores, including Prada (1913), Gucci (1921) and Ferragamo (1927).


As it is the case for most inventions in the fashion world, Saffiano leather originated in Italy where it was allegedly for the first time used by Mario Prada (founder and original designer of the fashion label Prada) himself.

Although there is evidence that this type of leather was invented before Mario Prada, he patented and commercialized it, and has used it for many of its most successful high fashion goods, like the bags ever since.

Even though the leather was used exclusively by Prada for decades, once the patent expired, other brands started using Saffiano and Palmellato leather and name as well; and it found its way into the bag, wallet, and belt collections of many labels like Armani, Boss, Bvlgari, Coach, Chanel, Gucci, Hermes, Longchamp, Louis Vuitton, and Michael Kors.

Whether you choose this brand for fashion house, accessories or leather goods, its seductive, luxurious, memorable and melodious Italian name is always reminds a luxury product.

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