THIS ITALIAN LINE OF LUXE LEATHER CARRIERS MARRIES CLASSIC FLORENCE CRAFTSMANSHIP WITH MODERN PATTERNS, TEXTURES, AND SHAPES

BY TIA KIM

While globalization has widened opportunities in manufacturing and industry, certain textiles and commodities are still connected to a particular city, region, or country. Vodka is innately Russian, Mongolia is famed for its baby soft cashmere, and Belgium’s temperate climate and soil conditions yield superior linen. But for leather, few areas can touch the tradition and prestige of Florence, Italy.

Florence native Tiziano Colasante was born with hide in his veins, growing up on the fabled cobblestone streets and watching master craftspeople at work. He knew before he was tall enough to see over the workbench that he was fated for a career in leather working and design, playing with patterns and shapes while most kids his age capered with toys. In 1994, he founded Propel SRL, a massive factory in Colasante’s hometown dedicated to the creation and production of Italian leather accessories, and last year, he launched ALEF FIRENZE, a line of hand-crafted leather carriers for men and women. The menu of wallets, crossbodies, clutches, messenger bags, and more are crafted using traditional techniques that have been locally passed down from generation to generation, but the use of vivid colors and dramatic silhouettes chase the fancy of the modern globalist.

Here, the brand’s glow effect is rendered in cobalt blue leather (pictured left), offering a glamorous take on the classic handbag, crossbody wallet, and pouch. For an evening clutch, Saffiano leather is tinted bright rose and kissed with the brand’s signature hard-ware. For men, ALEF delivers a delicious line of buttery weekend bags, crisp crossbodies, backpacks, waist pouches, and messenger bags. Shades like candy apple red, olive, and deep burgundy challenge carrier norms, serving a fresh take on quality Italian leather accessories against a sea of black and white.

“ALEF FIRENZE is a symbol of strength, continuity, and stability,” said the founder in a company statement. “ e center from which every thought radiates. e energy in all its nuances that materializes in the collection of bags and accessories for men and women, mixing creativity and craftsmanship.”

PHOTOGRAPHER
Mark Oberlin

STYLIST
Dion “Bleu” Drake

MODEL
Freya,
STATE Mgmt. Los Angeles

MAKEUP
Katie Grigg,
using Veil Cosmetics and Natasha Denona

HAIR
Daniel Paller, using Verb, Ouai and Schwarzkopf

ALEF FIRENZE
alef-firenze.com