It is well-known that Italian brands are definitely worth the extra premium price. Part of their leather products’ success can be attributed to the know-how passed down from generation to generation by the leather artisans. This is particularly pertinent to the practice of vegetable tanning, where the specific mixture of tannins used in the process has a decisive influence on the leather's physical properties, such as color and texture. The master tanner adjusts his blends to the desired finish, often relying on the wealth of information passed on to him by his ancestors. Another characteristic of the Italian leather production process is that each step is highly specialized. 
Vegetable tanning is a long and complex process that can take up to 60 days. The division of labor allows factories to focus on certain aspects of the process, such as the application of finishing treatments, thus increasing efficiency and expertise: each of these affects the price and quality of the leather. While Italian leather artisans rely heavily on their heritage, they are simultaneously eager to innovate and improve upon existing techniques. Much of it depends on a resolution to embrace the latest technological developments. 80% of tanning machinery is produced in Italy, allowing the country's tanneries to keep pace with technological developments. In addition, constantly changing legislative requirements ensure that companies are forward-looking and that the quality of leather remains high. Just as Parmigiano Reggiano is made to exacting specifications, so are Italian leatherworking laws. From an environmental perspective, the Italian tanning industry is also leading the industry's sustainability plan, but more on that later. In contemporary times, the true Italian association of vegetable-tanned leather has played a vital role in maintaining the Tuscan vegetable-tanned tradition. The organization's 20 tanneries share a philosophy that values age-old expertise, craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility. 
Italian leather
Currently, Italy is one of the most important world leaders in fashion, especially in clothing, shoes, and leather bags. Italian tanning industry, enjoying a highly developed industry, has global brands in factories with the best modern equipment, innovative designs, and high quality. Italy is one of the highest-paying countries in the world. According to research by the Italian Leather Industry Association, 15% of leather products in the world and 60% of leather products in Europe belong to Italy. The industry sees itself as a world leader in quality design, the production of nature-compatible products, and a high level of innovation. In many countries around the world, products made in Italy are synonymous with high quality. 50% of rawhide products are used in shoes and slippers. 20% is used in leather products and 19% in the furniture industry. The rest is used in the clothing industry. In 2014, the Italian tanning industry had 1,250 companies, 18,000 workers, and a turnover of 5 billion euros, of which 4 billion was exported to 121 countries. China leads with 26%. Due to the prosperity and high productivity of the industry, Italy was forced to import skins and untanned skins from abroad. Italian leather is made from cowhide leather, one of the strongest leathers. Some of the oldest and most effective techniques are used when questioning how to transform this cowhide into superb Italian leather. 
Natural tanning methods using plant-based ingredients keep the leather soft, durable, and long-lasting. The texture of Italian leather is so different from other types of leather that it is easily recognized by those familiar with leather. One of the most important details to take into account when buying leather in Italy is the quality of the leather itself. Leather is made from animal hides, consisting of a series of organic layers that are mechanically separated during curing and tanning. The resulting types of leather are divided into several different quality categories. Italian leather is derived from animal skins and treated in a special way that Italians have used for quite some time. Their particular way of handling leather is very popular in the leather industry as they create stunning end products. Full-grain leather is sanded, polished and tanned to soften its texture. However, genuine leather is a type of leather that comes in all natural forms. It contains blemishes and scars that have not been removed to maintain the retro vibe. Italian leather is associated with Italy and Italians. Since the birth of the leather industry, Italians have used special methods to tan and polish genuine leather. Therefore, leather tanned in Italy is often referred to as Italian leather. Full-grain leather is treated to become a softer, more pliable leather. Products made with Italian leather are usually watches and jackets with super soft straps for added comfort. Besides the production and export of leather, Italy occupies the most important rank in the production of machinery and equipment for the leather industry, from tanning to shoes and bags. 
Italian leather brands
In the leather industry, well-known global brands are active in Italy. When we think of Italian fashion, we think of "sophistication", "elegance" and "classic". Italy is home to the world's top designers as well as fabric and leather factories, which is why Italian clothing has a complex global reputation and the way Italians dress appeals to all audiences. Ancient estates and fashion-related industries, as well as a long-standing family business, have given Italy a lot to say in fashion and clothing. It should be noted that there are not only Dolce and Gabbana, Prada, Giorgio Armani, Versace and Gucci in the Italian fashion and clothing industry, but also many well-known brands, although less known as the aforementioned marks.
- Stefano Ricci: In 1972, the "Stefano Ricci" company started producing hand-embroidered ties in Italy, followed by suits, men's shirts, etc. Stefano Ricci Luxury Mall is the best place to buy Italian men's clothing. All headwear is handmade. Mr. Goldsmith, maker of these bracelets and other accessories for men, uses gemstones to create bracelets, as well as leather handbags, belts, shoes, purses and various bags for men.
- Versace: is an Italian clothing and fashion company founded in 1978 by Gianni Versace. The first Versace boutique opened in Reggio Calabria in 2000. Today, the Versace brand is considered one of the greatest fashion houses in the world. The Versace brand is an Italian fashion house and a brand that quickly gained a high reputation after opening its first store. Today, it's a world-renowned brand in clothing, cologne, footwear and more.
To put it simply, Italian leather is a product made in Italy. Italian people boast many of the best tanneries in the world, which often specialize in a particular style of leather production called vegetable tanning. By combining the highest quality grains of leather with a complex but beneficial tanning method (vegetable tanning), Italian artisans are able to produce a special type of leather. The renowned premium leather from Italy is vegetable-tanned full grain leather. When removed from the outermost layer of animal skin - the most durable part of leather - full-grain leather has an unchanged grain structure and is therefore very durable. However, it should be warned that the term "Italian leather" is not protected and therefore cannot guarantee a certain level of quality to the consumer. This sentence only announces where the material was made. Cheaper, lower-quality leather is also produced throughout Italy. "Italian leather" is indeed an all-encompassing geographical term, but sellers will often use it in their marketing materials to benefit from the prestige associated with it. There are identifying signs of high-quality Italian leather goods, but more on that later. Let's first explore Italy's historical relationship with leather. Premium Italian leather (full grain vegetable tanned variety) has a range of unique characteristics. First, it has a strong earthy, woody aroma – something you might already associate with leather. It tends to be greasier than leather from other countries, mainly due to certain finishing treatments applied. In terms of physical properties, high-quality Italian leather typically exhibits warm tones that increase over time. Because leather is permeable, it gradually absorbs different elements - like water and dirt - when it comes into contact with them. Over time, fine Italian leather goods often develop a unique sheen: this is the desired outcome in the minds of many leather connoisseurs. From a structural point of view, Italian leather is known to be flexible and resistant. 
Italian leather products
At first, it is not easy to detect the authenticity of Italian-labelled leather products because it looks a lot like genuine leather aesthetically. The different qualities of the materials mainly cause the difference. The leather is elastic, soft, and has a strong, warm smell. In fact, genuine Italian leather is more durable than other similar materials. Genuine Italian leather is a better investment than other materials due to its additional durability. Choosing a product made in Tuscany can be one of the best solutions. The most important aspect you need to consider in identifying this material yourself is the distinct smell of leather. Genuine Italian leather has a distinct, distinct smell, very strong smell. If you have two items in your hand, one in real leather and the other in imitation leather, smell it, and you will immediately notice the difference. Different materials have (at best) no naphtha smell or feel. While real Italian leather is a durable material (and even gets better with years of use), faux leathers and faux leathers lack this property. Indeed, plastic fibers are very different from real Italian leather fibers. 
Other genuine Italian leather testing methods, such as those used by Infinity Firenze (Santa Croce sull'Arno tanneries), include:
- Use of lighters. Genuine leather, because its chemical treatment does not react to fire and the fibers are not modified by the fire produced by lighters.
- Drop water on the surface. Pour a small waterdrop on the leather product and let it sit for about 30 seconds. Genuine leather absorbs moisture (and cannot be damaged) without changing its fiber structure.
Be aware, however, that some leather items, such as jackets may have been waterproofed at the tannery. In this case, the water is not absorbed, but the smell of the dermis is still recognizable. Italian leather is considered the finest and most sought after for its high quality, beauty, and durability. It is important not to confuse an Italian-designed sofa with one that uses Italian leather, one of the finest leathers you can find on a sofa/sofa. The unique natural mark of Italian leather complements timeless contemporary furniture that combines design, comfort, and luxury. When cared for with professional cleaners and protectants, high-quality Italian leather provides your table with a highly durable material that will last a long time. While you can pay more for traditional methods, labor-intensive craftsmanship, and the namesake, the real reason Italian leather is very expensive is that it's better than the rest of the world. Italian leather was designed and will continue to be made to withstand everyday use. Whether it's full-grain, top-grain, or lower-grade secondary leather, nothing can peel off if it's not glued (or glued) with scrap leather. Unlike most branded products, however, Italian leather offers a quality that backs up its top placement. Italian leather is so expensive because it is better. The tanning process takes longer to ensure quality and durability. Italian leather has some water resistance, but too much water can wet the leather - due to the material's permeability - and as the leather dries, it becomes stiff and hard, losing that wonderful soft texture. If the leather does not dry fast enough, it may even start to rot. The short answer is; frankly, the Italians are the best and most skilled leather artisans. No other country in the world can keep up with the quality, which is mainly due to the very skilled craftsmen, high-quality leather, and the manufacturing process of the dyes used in the products.
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