roberta

Just got back from Florence. Found incredible shop to purchase leather jackets, belts and bags.Owner friendly, speaks English well and will work with you on price.<BR>Name of store is Athos located on Borgo Apostoli)same street as Torre Guelfa Hotel) one block from Ponte Vecchio. Anyone else ever been there too?

tuscany

I'm heading over soon..do you remember approximate prices? I'm hopefully going to buy a woman's leather jacket - not the zipper kind, but more like a suit jacket...

Seamus

There are numerous leather vendors in Florence ranging from high cost pay-for-the-label types to mom and pop tailor shops. Shop around, as there are some less than honest establishments. As a rule, if you encounter "special price for you but only if you but right now" you should look elsewhere.<BR> I found a place off the beaten track that was incredibly responsive - got a custom made coat for only slightly more than an off the rack. They offered all sorts of choices - when I was selecting the leather, they all but said "go to the pasture and choose the animal"<BR>Enjoy!

zz-top

I've been to a couple places in the Santa Croce square --- one I can remember is Luciano's. As you face the church (Santa Croce), it'll be on your left. Luciano is best for small leather items --- the belts, wallets, wastebaskets, gloves all kinds of stuff they make from leather.<BR><BR>AND of course, there's always the Leather School that's attached to the back of Santa Croce church (go to back, turn right, down hallway, think there's a sign).<BR><BR>But do like to hear about places that I haven't yet tried.<BR>Roberta: Tell us more about prices &amp; items that you bought.

Erica B

Hi Roberta,<BR><BR>I shopped at Athos and became well-acquainted with owner (Davide). Shop was great and he was a real cutie - a total riot too!

zz-top

OH, and also forgot to mention my favorite leather shop for purses &amp; shoes --- excellent quality &amp; great styles, is "Pelletteria Cuoieria Fiorentina". They have a store in Siena, Lucca &amp; San Gimignano (been to all 3). And during a recent trip, I learned they have an OUTLET store just outside of Florence. Didn't have chance to check out the Outlet store!<BR><BR>If somebody's planning a road trip along the A1 autostrada (Firenze-Roma), here's the location --- from the brochure that I picked up, they look to be right off the highway.<BR><BR>Pelletteria Cuoieria Fiorentina<BR>Reggello Firenze Via dei ciliegi 25<BR>Uscita A1 Incisa Valdarno<BR>www.cuoieriafiorentina.it

stacy

i've been in athos leather factory too,<BR>i purchase a great leather jacket, the quality is excellent, and everybody is really friendly and honest, definetely the place to buy...

Bloodhound

I smell a nasty here.<BR><BR>Let this message sink.

roberta

You are right, David is hot but that was not why I bought my jacket there. I shopped around and I thought the leather was exquisite and the price very fair. I bought a short jacket ( in black) but he had all sizes in many styles. Best of all he shortened the sleeves for me overnight at no charge. He also does custom work. I know this because when I was there I met a distributor for Fendi who was actually selling David the same leather that he sold to Fendi. That is when I knew I was getting a quality jacket. I guess I was there at a perfect time.

zz-top

Roberta / Erica:<BR><BR>ooooooo --- a cute guy AND a good buy. I can't wait 'til I can get back to Italy &amp; go visit David @ Athos. It's such a pleasure being able to go to small stores &amp; experience true customer service.

tuscany

Are we being set up here? I'm trying to figure out if these are "real" endorsements or employees of the store? You regulars....do you smell anything fishy here???

pam

Get your rod and lures out.<BR>LOL

zz-top

I don't know about the others, but I AM VERY REAL (despite the anon post) --- and have been to the leather stores that I've described (with exception of the Outlet version). I do not work for or am related to any of these companies. And only seeking to share info as I HAPPEN TO LIKE LEATHER GOODS!<BR><BR>And maybe I'm being naive, but I'd like to think the others are doing likewise.<BR>GEEESH --- what cynics!<BR><BR>

Erica B

FYI, I am definitely NOT an employee of the store - just a happy customer who got a great deal on quality leather goods from a reputable, entertaining(and attractive) shopkeeper!

Andy

Roberta---another good place is a shop called ANNA -it's across from the Pitti Palace in FLorence--have reqady to wear and will also do custom things--had a gorgeous Red Leather jacket and skirt made there years ago and they are still in business--soft soft leather-

diane

I wrote a long reply and it got erased. So to be brief... Casini Firenzi across the Ponte Vecchio. I will tell the most amazing story of kindness to anyone who e mails me. just too tired to write it all out again now. But this is the real thing... wonderful kind Italians... oh I forgot they have a web site... I think it is casinifirenze.it We bought 3 custom coats from them which were wonderful. Write for more on this story... Diane

TTT

Any more input from the leather lovers?

Shelly

I never did see anything on the prices you guys are paying for these great items?

Boobiebutt

It doesn't matter the prices.... cuz Davide is so "hot". Hee hee, I know him too. Im just surprised how extended his reputation is....