We were lucky enough to get a personal tour of Scuola Del Cuoio for only 14 euros. We learned the details of the craftsmanship that goes into the making leather goods. This family run business has been making a name for itself since the early 1930s. We were given a demonstration of how to personalized leather with gilding made of 22 kt. gold. You can bring in your leather bag and get it customized with your initials or other details.
The man doing the gliding was previously a student at the leather school. He was offered a job and has now been employed there for the past ten years.
The hand made gold gliding process we were told is a dying practice due to new technology, but Scuola del Cuoio is a firm believer in one of a kinda, personalized, hand made, quality leather goods so they still use this practice.
One of the sisters in the family does custom leather bags with beautiful stitching. We saw her hard at work. These bags can take up to two days to one week to make depending on the design chosen.
These are just some of the beautiful bags she has made that were showcased and for sale at the workshop. A lot of people send in specific orders in order to customize their bag exactly how they want it down to the shape, size, type of leather, color, and stitching design details then have it specially delivered to them. It is quite easy to get one of these bags even if you are not in Florence, but it will be pricey--four hundred dollars and up.
There are many types of leather, the most commonly used ones are made from cows and pigs.
There are some rare leathers that cost more.. Some of them are alligator, anaconda, python, ostrich, snake, and fish skin. Yes, fish skin! You can see the difference in these types of leather because they have more of a pattern instead of the smooth leather you normally see. After this trip to the leather workshop I am definitely getting my next leather bag here because the quality is just outstanding. I have already planned out my next bag that is going to be made out of alligator skin, now I just have to find the money for it... A girl can dream, can't she?
Emily Clark
Emily Clark
This video showcases the beautiful work area of the leather shop. At the end of each hallway there is an original fresco, painted during the 13th century. Laura explained that each room off the main corridor used to be a monk’s cell.
Laura and her younger sister, Francesca Gori, each have their own line of fine leather bags. Laura describes her style as classic and elegant, while Francesca’s work is more bohemian and artistic.
“She inherited our father’s talent,” said Laura.
Watching these women at work, I was immediately allured by their lifestyle. They spend each day perfecting the craft they are most passionate about, and in the company of their closest family. What could be better?
Of course, the factory is no small business. The successive mayors of Florence have commissioned Scuola del Cuoio to create guest books, albums, and writing pads with the coat of arms of the city to be displayed during official ceremonies. Their list of celebrity clients includes Gwyneth Paltrow and Steven Spielberg.
Laura also took us down into the classroom, where students learn the craft of leather making. The classroom, Laura explained, used to be the stables where the monks kept their horses and other livestock. Now it is a beautiful workspace with brick walls and large arch windows that look out into the courtyard.
A fashion designer myself, I fell in love with Scuola del Cuoio. I can think of no better place to learn the art of leather making than in this centuries-old monastery, from women who have dedicated their entire lives to mastering the trade.
Kelcie McCurdy
Kelcie McCurdy
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