Leather shopping in Rome/Florence
 

Hi Fodorites,

Can anyone give me any tips on leather shopping in Florence? We're headed there tomorrow after we leave Rome. I just stumbled across a boutique called Saraya near the Pantheon and it looked good but I'm reluctant to buy the first I see. I am after a leather jacket and a new handbag. I did buy some bags in Florence a few years ago but I'd love to know if anyone has any favourite places they could share!

Thanks,
RT

Aside from the usual Italian brand names known globally, suggest you try Umberto's (114 Via de' Guicciardini) and Jennifer Tattanelli (Piazza de' Pitti, 31) on the other side of the Arno. Across the street from Umberto is an inexpensive leather shop where we found some really cute bags for about 100 euro each. Can't remember the name.

Another possibility in the heart of town is Maliparmi at Via del Parione, 11. Moderately priced. Of the big names, Ferragamo's flagship store and museum are worth a visit even if you're not buying.

Thanks WeisserTee! Will check those out.

I'm guessing that you already know of or have been to The Leather School (Scuola del Cuoio) at Santa Croce. They aren't inexpensive, but you can be sure that everything there is made by skilled craftspeople and of the highest quality.

Actually I haven't tuscanlifeedit so will check it out. Thanks!

RT2015, you should definitely check it out. Even if you don't buy there, the Santa Croce complex is lovely and worth a visit.

Tuscanlifeedit alas I missed out on the Leather School as I only now realised it's closed on weekends. We arrived at lunchtime and spent all afternoon walking to get our bearings but I should have headed straight for the school. We leave Monday morning unfortunately. But thank you for the recommendation!

Two quotes from a leather salesman in Florence when I was there years ago on why the leather goods can be expensive.

"This is Italy. We have to get leather. We have chicken, mosquito but no cow."

And

" You buy Fiat and thwppt next year you need new car. You buy Mercedes and car goes 10, 15 year or more."