The Crisis in Italian Leather Handbag Manufacturing: Why Your Shopping Choices Matter
Discover the challenges facing Tuscany's leather artisans. Learn how changing consumer habits, post-pandemic overproduction, and shifts in luxury brand strategies are impacting this centuries-old industry. Support sustainable, independent brands and help preserve a rich cultural heritage.
The Journey of the Sera Bag: From Upcycled Leather to Wearable Art
Behind the scenes of a handcrafted leather evening bag: The Sera Bag. Made from upcycled leather, it embodies ethical and sustainable fashion, perfect for eco-conscious fashionistas. Shop now, as quantities are low, and own a piece of wearable art that supports sustainability and Italian craftsmanship.
Behind the Scenes, How the Luna bag is made
Behind the scenes, the making of our handwoven Luna Bag In upcycled leather; a fusion of luxury and meticulous craftsmanship. Versatile and convertible up to 5 ways, read how the Luna bag was crafted by artisans in Tuscany from rescued luxury leather off-cuts that would otherwise go to landfill. Available in limited quantities, this crescent shaped bag embodies Sieme's vision of timeless elegance and environmental responsibility. With very limited quantities, discover the new Luna bag before she sells out!
The Sera Bag: A Journey from Concept to My SUSTAINABLE WEDDING STYLE
Join me as I share the captivating story of the Sera Evening Bag—a sustainable labor of love that holds a special place in my heart. Discover how this exquisite handbag became an integral part of my wedding weekend, from the awe-inspiring civil ceremony at Palazzo Vecchio to the vibrant welcome party at Palazzo San Niccolo and the unforgettable celebration at Castello Palagio. Embrace sustainable fashion, explore the timeless charm of Tuscany, and experience the magic of the Sera Bag. Read more on my website, We Are Sieme.
Happy World Wildlife Day!
It’s World Wildlife Day, a day for us to consider the other living animals we share this earth with. On this day, we wanted to get into the hard question of REAL LEATHER and sustainable fashion.
SIEME ARTISANAL GIFT GUIDE
Holiday season is right around the corner and we know you want to shop the best ethical and sustainable products for the ones you love. Our third Sieme Gift Guide features all female-founded brands where your support will make all of the difference. Happy shopping and remember, shop local and shop artisan!
one year of resources saved with sieme
This time last year I officially launched our first handbag collection! Take a look to see how much virgin leather, salt and water we have saved in the process of creating luxury, made-in-Italy leather accessories.
Ferragosto - The INFAMOUS Italian SUMMER Holiday
What is Ferragosto? Sieme’s complete explanation to what it is, how Italians celebrate the holiday, and what to expect if you plan on traveling to Italy during this time!
Plastic-Free July with Sieme
Want to participate in the Plastic-Free July campaign but don’t know where to start? These are 5 easy plastic free swaps we love that helps reduce plastic intake and live a little more sustainably
Welcome to our Leather Recycling Center!
This week we opened Zerolab, the first leather recycling center and design incubator in Italy! Our vision at Zerolab is a big part of growing Sieme and keeping even more leather out of landfills. Take a look!
Behind THE SCENES
As we move through our first production, I am providing a behind-the-scenes in depth look at what “made-in-Italy” truly means. From the intricate reinforcements inside our bags, to the expertise of our sewers, I expose the skill, passion and creative energy that goes into crafting Sieme bags. Check out our process, because when you understand how, where and by whom your products are made, they become even more precious.
SIEME X ASPRI & the fashion of the future
At Sieme our mission is to design out material waste within our local community in Tuscany. Because this region of Italy is one of the largest manufacturers of luxury goods worldwide, that equals A LOT of material waste. As we get ready to launch our handbag collection, 100% crafted from leather waste, we want to highlight our main partner, the ASPRI Association who is helping us build ways to keep leather waste out of landfills
We’re Making big moves! …WHat’s NEXT FOR SIEME
You may have wondered, what’s next for Sieme? Almost two years ago, we set out to design away all the leather waste created during local handbag production in Tuscany. While the Pandemic had us shift gears initially, we are back to that lofty goal with some exciting updates. Read ahead to get the full scoop!
The cool new but also ancient trend in Italian Wine you haven’t heard about
When you finally take that tour of your chosen Tuscan Winery, you may be surprised to find giant terracotta pots filled with wine nestled in between the typical steel and oak barrels. These giant pots are called Amphora in Italy and they are actually an extremely old method of winemaking that is quickly making a huge comeback! Because they are a natural material, and very porous, these Amphora allow a lot of oxygen to age the wine, however they do not add ANY additional flavoring. The end result is a beautifully aged wine that is extremely pure and fruit forward, a true wine love’s dream!
#LAVITA SIEME - Wine TASTING In a 700-year-old CELLAR
Cantina de Ricci, in the heart of Montepulciano is a 700-year-old cathedral like wine cellar that you just have to see to believe! The vault is so famous amongst wine lovers it has even earned the nickname “The Cathedral of Wine” This week on #lavitasieme, we take you over 120 feet underneath the Tuscan town of Montepulciano to taste some of the best red wines in the D’orcia Valley handcrafted by a local family, passionate about their vines and eager to honor the history they represent. Join us for a fantastic tour!
Meet The Artisan-Sample Sale 2
For our second Sieme Artisan Sample sale, we have partnered with a family operated glove manufacturer who have been producing Italian leather gloves for major European luxury brands for decades! in the San Lorenzo market, hidden behind rows of stalls that line the cobblestone streets, packed with less than desirable bags and jackets, you can find Massimo’s shop. His gloves are tucked away in the back, the best kept secret on the block.
#lavitasieme - A DAY IN MONTEPULCIANO
One of our absolute favorite towns in Tuscany, Montepulciano is nestled into the southern Val D’Orcia region, the area famously highlighted in movies spanning from Under the Tuscan Sun to Gladiator! For this series of La Vita Sieme, we take you on a whirlwind day trip through this medieval town believed to date back to the 6th century A.D.! From delicious wine, to handmade pici pasta, gorgeous sunset views and picturesque piazzas, you won’t want to miss our virtual trip or the perfect itinerary we’ve crafted to add to your “visit Tuscany” bucket list!
ARTISAN SERIES - 7 secrets to crafting the best fresh italian pasta
Welcome to our Sieme Artisan Series where we highlight amazing local artisans working throughout Tuscany in search of the answer to our forever question “what makes a true artisan”. We sat down with Ileana from the Dolce Vita Experience, a classically trained Italian chef whose passion is fresh made pasta. You can catch the full experience on our IGTV and Facebook page where we talk about everything from best tips for Italian cooking, to finding our Dolce Vita. But hey, we know you’re busy so we are breaking down some of the most authentic tips of the trade right here. Click to discover 7 of Ileana’s best kept trade secrets to creating the best artisanal fresh made pasta!
HAPPY GOLDEN HOLIDAYS FROM FIRENZE
I always say that Florence is its best at golden hour, that magical hour when the sun is setting and the light casts a golden glow on the city. But Florence REALLY shows off during the Holidays. It is as if all the colors of Tuscany are super charged by the golden glow of our holiday lights. This year, the lights will be even bigger and brighter than years past. When asked why the city of Florence was spending money for decorations and light shows when almost no tourists or even locals were in the streets, the mayor replied, “because we need the light more than ever right now” We need to show that we have faith through this darkness, faith that this period will end, and Florence will be Florence again.”
Artisan Holiday Gift Guide
Discover our favorite local Florentine artisans and their most coveted creations and experiences. Everyone on our list has easy and accessible international shipping so you can bring a little “La Bella Vita” to your loved ones this holiday season, wherever you are.