Florentine leather history: how to fall in love with Misuri

Misuri takes Florentine leather history to a new level with its handcrafted goods

When it comes to handcrafted Italian leather goods, Florentine leather history leads the way in terms of craftsmanship and expertise. In fact, not everyone knows that Florence has an actual "leather district" in Piazza Santa Croce, with artisans who possess workmanship and skills that have been passed down to them through the centuries, dating all the way back to the Middle Ages.

Today, the artisans at Misuri carry on this tradition, keeping Florentine leather manufacturing true to its historical roots while also evolving to create one-of-a-kind items for today's discerning shopper.

The tradition of Florentine art guilds

The history of leather in Florence goes back to the early 1200s, when the various "Arti" were formed. These trade guilds, which were in place from the 1200s to the 1600s, functioned much like workers' unions for craftspeople in various trades ranging from cloth merchants to wool production and butchery. Florentine leather history has its beginnings here, when the "Arte dei Cuoiai e Galigai"—the leather-workers guild, one of the 14 minor art guilds—was formed. Misuri has chosen to remain faithful to these ancient methods of Florentine leather manufacturing, bringing timeless craftsmanship into the modern world.

The uniqueness of handcrafted items

So, what sets leatherworking in Florence apart from that of the rest of the world? In addition to its centuries-long history of skill and expertise passed down from generation to generation, leather worked in Florence has certain characteristics that distinguish it as unique.

At Misuri, for example, you'll find the tradition of entirely handcrafted items. While this may seem obvious, it is something that shouldn't be underestimated in today's world of fast fashion, where clothing and accessories aren't made to last.

One of the most important aspects of Florentine leather manufacturing, which comes down directly in Florentine leather history, is that of the unique handcrafted nature of each and every bag, wallet, belt, or pair of gloves. No two are ever exactly the same, because they were made entirely by hand, and therefore they are one-of-a-kind.

The elegance of gold gilding

Another of the important traditions that Misuri is keeping alive today is the exquisite technique of gold gilding. This method of imprinting items with real 22-carat gold leaf to add a bit of luxury and brilliance to the leather is practiced successfully only by the most skilled leather artisans. Gold gilding made its appearance in Florentine leather history all the way back in the 1400s. It's incredible to think that Misuri is keeping a tradition alive that has continued in Florence for over 600 years.

Gold gilding uses brass tooling stamps that press the details into the leather through a heating process. This is a precision technique that is done by hand. If you purchase an item at Misuri, you can have it personalized in gold gilding with your initials. This is just one of the many distinctive features that make Florentine leather manufacturing unrivaled in its field.

Misuri: Florence leather at its finest

There is simply nothing like Italian handcrafted leather goods worked personally by expert Florentine artisans. Misuri has been making the finest bags, accessories and jackets for its clientele since 1906, in the most historic leatherworking district of Florence, Piazza Santa Croce. Owning a handcrafted Misuri item is an investment in a timeless masterpiece that will last for generations to come.