The Crisis in Italian Leather Handbag Manufacturing: Why Your Shopping Choices Matter
Hi there,
I’ve been thinking a lot about the beautiful leather handbags we love and wanted to share some important news. Tuscany, where many of these bags are made, is going through a tough time, and while these problems are systemic to the wider fashion industry, the way we all shop can make a big difference.
What is going on?
Italy is renowned for its luxurious leather handbags, crafted with incredible skill and care. However, the industry is facing a serious slowdown. From January 2023 , exports of Italian leather handbags have stalled, resulting in many factories going into crisis mode, laying off workers and or closing all together. If you follow us on social media, you may already know that one of our most important handbag factories closed this past June which is why we have been forced to pivot and haven’t been able to release as many new styles.
Why Is This Happening?
Changing Consumer Habits: People are spending more on experiences rather than physical goods, which means fewer buyers for luxury handbags.
Price Hikes: Luxury goods have become more expensive, making them less accessible. I think it is safe to say we have all caught on to the fact that many of these price increases don’t correspond to any real increase in quality or creativity.
Post-Pandemic Overproduction: After the pandemic, many brands ramped up production. Now, warehouses are full, and suppliers are left in the lurch.
Big Brands’ Strategy Shifts: Many mega luxury brands are cutting back on outsourcing and bringing more production in-house, leaving smaller suppliers struggling. These suppliers are often family owned independent factories who have been working for these brands for decades. In some first person accounts, I have heard of factories who worked for a brand for 10 years receiving news of their discontinued partnership through an order form with a measly 60 pieces on it and no other communication.
Marco Carraresi, who runs Yobel, a leather goods company near Florence, had to temporarily lay off half his workers because a major brand canceled orders. This story is all too common in Tuscany, a region renowned for its skilled artisans and high-quality leather goods.
The situation is more than just a business problem. It’s about preserving a cultural heritage that’s been around for centuries. The way things are going, some of these unique skills and traditions are at risk of disappearing.
The Luxury Industry Under Scrutiny
Recent investigations have revealed troubling practices among some of the biggest luxury brands. An Italian probe into labor exploitation has entangled companies like Armani and LVMH. Factories manufacturing for Dior and Armani were found to be operating without regard for health and safety or labor standards, with illegal and undocumented workers toiling in poor conditions.
This scandal exposes the myth of mega luxury “artisanal craftsmanship”. High-end brands often present themselves as paragons of quality and responsibility, but the reality can be quite different. The luxury industry’s practices highlight the importance of supporting truly ethical and sustainable brands.
Why Should You Care?
You might wonder why this matters to you, especially if you just want a stylish handbag. Here’s the deal:
Supporting Artisans: The bags we adore are crafted by incredibly skilled artisans. Supporting independent brands means helping these talented people keep doing what they love.
Quality Over Quantity: Independent brands often focus on creativity, functionality and durability. Each piece is unique and made to last. You may have noticed we don’t come out with a full collection every few months! While I am building our way up there, new designs take time and resources to perfect and producing for the sake of ALWAYS having something new leads to warehouses full of unsold inventory.
Sustainable Fashion: Artisan-made products are typically more sustainable. They use high-quality materials and methods that are kinder to our planet, just like us!
Your Shopping Choices Matter
Supporting independent brands helps keep the tradition of Italian craftsmanship alive. Take Sieme for example! My dream is to grow so that we can fully support our own artisanal family owned factory just with our production.
Looking Ahead
The future is uncertain, with a slow year expected ahead. One of our main manufacturers has closed which has meant I have had to pivot and get creative…. don’t worry, new bags are coming :)! In the meantime, your support is crucial. By choosing to shop from smaller, independent brands, you’re helping to sustain a vital industry and the artisans behind it.
Conclusion
Next time you’re on the hunt for a beautiful handbag, think about where it’s coming from and who made it. By supporting artisan-made, independent brands, you’re not just getting a gorgeous, high-quality product; you’re also helping to keep a centuries-old tradition alive.
With love from Florence
Cassandra Kane
Designer and Founder
