Welcome to Borse In Pelle®, your number one source for luxurious Italian leather bags, purses, and handbags. We are dedicated to bringing you the highest quality leather goods, crafted using traditional techniques by master artisans in Italy.
Our Story
Borse In Pelle® was founded in 1975 by husband and wife duo Marco and Sofia Rossi in the city of Florence, Italy. As young newlyweds, Marco and Sofia shared a deep appreciation for fine Italian leather and superior craftsmanship. During their honeymoon travels across Italy, they were inspired by the rich heritage of leatherworking found in small shops and family-run bottegas.
When they returned home to Florence, Marco and Sofia began designing and handcrafting their own collection of leather bags and accessories. Using only the finest Italian leathers and hardware, they infused each piece with Old World charm and impeccable attention to detail.
As word spread of their exceptional designs, the couple soon opened a small retail storefront in Florence’s historic city center. Customers flocked to get their hands on Marco and Sofia’s exquisitely crafted leather totes, handbags, wallets, and more. Over the next few decades, the Borse In Pelle® brand flourished and gained acclaim both in Italy and worldwide for luxurious leather goods that prove both fashionable and timeless.
Product Values
At Borse In Pelle®, we believe in creating leather accessories that reflect enduring quality and represent the rich heritage of Italian leathercraft. We are committed to upholding the following values in all our products:
- Fine Italian Leather – We only use premium Italian leathers including full-grain, top-grain, and supple suede. Our leathers are sourced sustainably from the finest tanneries in Tuscany and Veneto.
- Superior Craftsmanship – Our artisans employ meticulous techniques passed down through generations. All products are made completely by hand for impeccable quality.
- Timeless Style – Our designs are inspired by heritage Italian fashion, infused with modern elegance for bags that will transcend trends.
- Functional Design – We craft each bag with careful attention to detail, ensuring all pieces are as beautiful as they are durable and practical.
- Ethical Production – We partner with small, family-run factories and tanneries that uphold fair labor practices and environmental responsibility.
Our Workshop
Borse In Pelle® operates a small workshop located in Florence’s Oltrarno district, just steps from the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge. Within this historic setting, our skilled team of master artisans produces every handbag, wallet, and accessory sold in our shop and online.
Using traditional techniques, our leather goods pass through the hands of many specialists:
- Cutters expertly cut pattern pieces from fine Italian hides
- Skivers meticulously pare leather to desired thicknesses
- Seamstresses perfectly align pieces and stitch fine details
- Embossers press decorative designs into leather using antique tools
- Dedicated quality control specialists inspect every product multiple times
By keeping our production in Florence under one roof, we are able to maintain our rigorous standards for unparalleled quality and craftsmanship. Our intimate workshop environment fosters mentorship between our artisans and allows traditions to be preserved.
We are proud to still operate out of our historic Oltrarno district location, where Marco and Sofia first began crafting leather goods almost 50 years ago. Visitors who find themselves in Florence are always welcome to visit our flagship retail store and observe our workshop firsthand.
Our Materials & Process
At Borse In Pelle®, we are dedicated to sustainability in every aspect of our production. We source the finest Italian leathers from trusted, environmentally responsible tanneries and strictly avoid leather from big game or endangered animals.
Depending on the desired look and feel, our artisans select from three types of leather:
- Full Grain Italian Leather – The highest quality, made from the outermost layer of hide. Full of natural grains and markings that add character. Softens beautifully over time.
- Italian Top Grain Leather – Split from the layer beneath the surface of the hide for uniform smoothness and fewer natural markings. A supple and lightweight leather.
- Italian Suede Leather – Split from the inner fibrous part of the hide for an ultra-soft napped finish. Lovely draped silhouettes.
We use only chemical-free finishes to develop the beautiful patinas on our leathers. Our handbags are carefully dyed using natural pigments for rich enduring colors.
Our artisans employ a range of traditional techniques during the production process:
- Cutting – Patterns are expertly cut to minimize waste
- Skiving – Leather is pared by hand to reduce thickness in key areas, improving drape and flexibility
- Edge Painting – Raw leather edges are meticulously painted to match the finish
- Stitching – Hand-sewn details reinforce stress points and create decorative accents
- Polishing & Burnishing – Hand rubbing creates subtle sheens, depth, and luster
This careful craftsmanship results in heirloom quality leather goods that only improve with age. With proper care, our bags will become treasured items passed between generations.
Our Commitment to Customers
Since our founding days, the priority at Borse In Pelle® has always been complete satisfaction and delight for our customers. We stand behind the quality of our products and are honored to be part of preserving the heritage of fine Italian leathercraft.
We aim to make the luxury of owning an Italian leather bag accessible to bag lovers worldwide. Our online shop ships complimentary worldwide and we offer seasonal sales and promotions.
Borse In Pelle® is proudly family-owned, and we treat our customers like family. Our friendly multilingual team is always available to offer personalized advice and assist with orders. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
When you purchase from Borse In Pelle®, you are supporting generations of Italian leather artisans. Your new handbag will be an heirloom reminder of the unparalleled elegance of genuine Italian craftsmanship.
We sincerely thank you for choosing Borse In Pelle® and hope you will join us in preserving the rich heritage of leathergoods made in Italy.
