How is Italian leather made and what makes it so special?
If you’re fond of leather products or have an interest in leather goods, you’ve likely come across the term “Italian leather.” So, what exactly is Italian leather? How is Italian leather made? Is it the best quality of leather? Well, in this article, we are about to explore these questions. Why do people and big fashion brands always boast about Italian leather?
Table of Contents
What is Italian leather?
The answer to this question is straightforward. When leather comes from Italy, it’s called Italian leather. But just like many other unprotected terms used in the leather industry, “Italian leather” doesn’t say much about the quality of the leather itself. It simply means it’s from Italy.
Just like the term “genuine leather” simply means the product contains real leather, “Italian leather” only indicates where the leather is from. However, it doesn’t provide any information about the quality of the real leather used.
Italian leather goods and their History
The history of Italian leather dates back to ancient Rome. During the period of the Roman Empire, Italy emerged as the center for leather production due to its abundance of animals and skilled craftsmen.
Italian artisans developed advanced techniques and produced high-quality leather products such as handbags, horse saddles, leather armor, shoes, clothing, and more.
The leather industry continued to flourish, and Italian cities like Venice, Florence, and Milan became synonymous with the production of high-quality leather goods.
Craftsmen created new designs that captivated the high-class clientele, and by the 20th century, many world-renowned brands like Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Prada emerged, known for their high-end luxury leather products. To this day, Italy remains the most sought-after destination for consumers and a global leader in high-quality leather goods.
How is Italian leather made?
The production process of Italian leather is similar to leather production elsewhere in the world, but the difference lies in the craftsmanship and creative designs. Italy has a rich heritage of the finest craftsmen.
As discussed earlier in this article, Italian artisans developed new designs and techniques not only in leather production but also in crafting finished goods. These techniques and skills have been passed down through generations of artisans, making Italian leather even more sought-after by consumers and turning it into a status symbol.
Italy is home to a mix of design studios, tanneries, and leather shops. They combine traditional methods with modern techniques, creating a seamless blend of tradition and innovation.
Some more facts about Italian leather
As we have discussed in the article, Italian leather products are admired by customers worldwide and export figures tell the same story. In 2020, Italian leather exports totaled around €7.5 billion, according to data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT). The exported goods include finished products as well as leather hides.
Big Italian brands hold a huge share and dominate the market worldwide. According to a report by Bain & Company, the global luxury goods and leather market for these fashion brands was estimated to be worth over €250 billion in 2019.
Conclusion
No doubt, Italy enjoys its rich heritage and reputation in the leather market, but it’s not the sole producer of high-quality leather goods in the world. Other countries like India, China, and Pakistan also manufacture very good quality leather products. For instance, in India, there is a unique grain found in the cattle hide and it can only be found in Indian cattle. People use the term “Italian leather” more like a brand name, and while Italy has indeed contributed to the world with many luxurious brands and fine artisanship, high-quality leather goods can also be found in other countries. Though it’s my personal opinion and can vary from person to person.
I hope I did a good job explaining how is Italian leather made and why is it so special. For more information on leather products, you can check our other articles or you can contact us. LeatherBlues is known as one of the best stores for real leather products. Explore our amazing collection of leather garments and services.
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