Handbag Shopping in Florence & Milan @Attavanti


This September we spent a busy and very productive few days over in Italy visiting existing and new Italian leather suppliers for Attavanti, our online store. After flying to Milan we then travelled initially to the shores of Lake Como in a funky little Fiat 500. It’s a tough job but someone’s got to do it.

The beautiful city of Lecco on the southern foot of the lake was used as a base for a few days to travel around Lombardy. Here we were surrounded by the most spectacular scenery in one of the most beautiful places in Italy and the Fiat was so much fun along the narrow winding roads. From here we visited exclusive fashion shops around Lake Como just to get inspired and to find possible new brands that we could sell in the UK. We also took this opportunity to make a quick visit to a supplier in Turin.

For the next leg of the trip we travelled down to Florence, Tuscany. Wanting to see some of the beautiful Italian countryside, we made the mistake of taking the back roads but after 5 hours and only on the outskirts of Bologna, we joined the autostrada in order to make it to hotel before dark. Florence is such a beautiful city but unfortunately it’s a little overrun with tourists (who are we to talk). We opted to go off the beaten track a little to avoid the crowds. The perfect place to sit in one of the many restaurants, order a pizza and a glass of wine and simply watch the world go by, magical.

Whilst we were here we visited the Italian leather manufacturer that produces the beautiful Toscanella vegetable tanned wallets and handbags that we presently sell. It was so good to meet up and watch the products being made. We were fascinated by the many numerous processes needed to complete a bag, from hide to the finished product. Each stage shown to us by craftsmen and women using traditional Tuscan methods. The quality, design and craftsmanship is superb and we will be adding to our range of Toscanella products in due course. Now, time for a bit more sightseeing. Driving back from the factory we stopped at the Piazza del Michelangelo, the perfect spot to enjoy views over the city. We simply couldn’t resist a final look around to soak up the atmosphere in the Piazza del Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza del Signoria and Gardens of Boboli. The sacrifices we make for our customers!!

Back on the road or should I say autostrada again heading North up to our next base, Bergamo, another beautiful city near Milan with historic upper Citta Alta reached by a funicular and more modern lower Citta Bassa. The following day we took the 25 mile drive to Milan and the Fieramilano Exhibition Centre for the MIPEL International Bagshow. Here we had the chance to see a huge range of Italian designers showcasing their handbags, wallets and luggage all under one roof. Names such as Nicoli, Arcadia, Fontanelli and Terrida previewed next seasons designs for Spring Summer 2014. We were spoilt for choice, so many beautiful, luxurious and stylish handbags and accessories.

We have chosen a fabulous selection of handbags and accessories for both this season Autumn Winter and in the future Spring Summer next year. Keep a look out for announcements as new styles and suppliers are added to website. At Attavanti we love to promote the “Made in Italy” brand. For the very best in Italian designer handbags, shoulder bags, leather holdalls, wallets and purses take a look in our store at www.attavanti.com


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