Made In Italy Tour: Florence Leathermaking

I am officially back from summer break, where I spent a few days roaming the streets of Florence. As a lover of Renaissance-era art, this was far from my first time visiting, but this trip allowed me to dive into an aspect of the city I hadn't fully explored before: its world-renowned leather craftsmanship.

The city is famous for its leather goods, boasting a mixture of genuine, family-run workshops crafting exceptional jackets, shoes, bags, and accessories alongside local market vendors pitching what they claim to be authentic wares. The history of Florentine leather production dates back to the Middle Ages, a time when the city’s geography provided the ideal environment for the critical process of tanning. The Santa Croce quarter quickly emerged as the bustling hub for the trade, relying heavily on its proximity to the Arno River. Even today, the legacy of that era lives on in Santa Croce, with countless leather shops lining the district—including the boutique where I found my newest wardrobe staple.

Quality and durability were the supreme concerns of these early artisans, and those standards remain the defining hallmark of Florentine leatherwork today. During the Renaissance, the craft expanded far beyond basic apparel into everyday goods. Fast forward to the present, and Florence remains an epicenter for high-end fashion. Iconic luxury houses have deep roots here; Gucci was founded in the city and now proudly hosts its own museum and café in the historic Piazza della Signoria.

While I hadn't planned on buying much on this trip, I was drawn in by a jacket display shortly after leaving the Uffizi Gallery. That single spark led to an unexpected but welcome afternoon of wandering from shop to shop, guided by the rich scent of leather and admiring the distinct craftsmanship of each maker. While nearly every store featured a piece I loved, one specific design stayed on my mind. I returned the following day to Astropel to pick up a gorgeous, short brown leather trench coat—one I fully plan on wearing to exhaustion this fall.

What I enjoyed most about the day was the magic of letting my senses guide me and learning how to spot true quality simply by touching the garments. It was a priceless experience that completely changed how I appreciate leatherwork. Florence will definitely see me again soon to snag another timeless piece. Until next time, Firenze...