In the fashion world, Italians are known for their love of bright colors, loud prints, and unique textures, which applies to accessories as well as clothing. When it comes to Italian handbag designers, they are often praised for their artsy designs alongside fine craftsmanship. There are currently many Italian fashion houses, both classic and modern, that produce the ultimate luxury arm candy.
Gucci
This prestigious label is one of the oldest Italian fashion brands. It was founded in 1921 by Guccio Gucci and has become a market leader in the premium handbag industry.
Popular Styles
Gucci handbags are timeless yet eccentric. Extremely popular amongst younger consumers, they're renowned for their iconic green and red stripe, G monogram, and intricate details. For example, the Mini Sylvie Top Handle Leather Shoulder Bag is a little treat in the form of a bag. As well as the main body being classic black in hue, the envelope flap features the popular Gucci stripe. It may cost around $2,350, but it's seriously chic.
Giorgio Armani
When you hear the name Giorgio Armani, you can't help but think of toned-down, effortlessly cool fashions that ooze Italian class. Whether it's the Giorgio Armani main label or their diffusion label Emporio Armani, the Armani collection of leather goods are just as slick as they are innovative.
Popular Styles
Giorgio Armani handbags are available in a multitude of shapes and are refined and simplistic in aesthetic. Sometimes they mix unusual textures and fabrics to create conventional designs with a contemporary twist. For example, this Leather and Linen Shopper Bag is a feminine reinterpretation of a shopper bag for about $2,600.
Fendi
Fendi is another historic Italian fashion house. Established in 1925 by husband and wife Adele and Edoardo Fendi, it originated as a fur and leather goods shop in Rome. Now run by LVMH (Louis Vuitton and Moët Hennessy), Fendi handbags define ageless Italian style.
Popular Styles
As Fendi is recognized as one of the global authorities on fur, their handbags often contain fur detailing. They can also feature Fendi's distinctive double-F monogram. For instance, the Mini Tresor Shearling Bucket Bag has both elements! For about $1,900, this stunner can take you from day to night in a fashion heartbeat.
Prada
Founded in 1913 by Mario Prada, this iconic Italian brand accelerated into the fashion sphere when it was confirmed as an official supplier to the Italian royal household in 1919. Prada was then inherited by Mario's granddaughter Miuccia who injected personality and modernity into their designer handbag collections.
Popular Styles
Saffiano leather is a common feature of Prada accessories, along with a textured printed cross-hatch pattern that is just as hard-wearing as it is aesthetically pleasing. Understated branding and minimalist designs reign supreme, like with the Galleria Saffiano Leather Tote for around $2,400.
Miu Miu
Miuccia Prada founded Miu Miu (pronounced "mew-mew") and positioned the brand as Prada's younger, more energetic little sister. Never short of color and fun, Miu Miu's handbag collection is exuberant yet incredibly stylish for loud-and-proud characters.
Popular Styles
The power and popularity of Miu Miu handbags lie within the details. Styles often include chains, sequins, fur, gold, and splashes of color to allow the wearer to make an impact. For example, their Miu Lady Bag is complete sass in handbag form. It features matelasse folds, white supple leather, and an oversized crystal-encrusted buckle. Glitzy and glamorous, it will instantly dress up any outfit for about $2,350.
Nico Giani
Designer Niccolo Giannini received the 2017 Who Is On Next? Award presented by Altoroma in collaboration with Vogue Italia. His luxe handbag label features geometric leather designs, which are inspired by interiors of the 1950s and 1960s.
Popular Styles
Nico Giani bags are renowned for their bold styles and rainbow hues. For instance, their Leather Basket Bag is practical yet elegantly chic. It comes in both a pale pink and blue colorway for a very affordable price of around $300.
Moschino
This high fashion luxury Italian label was founded in 1983 by Franco Moschino (pronounced "mos-KEY-no"). Unlike traditional Italian fashion brands, Moschino handbags are inspired by pop art, cultural influences, comic books, and cuddly toys, amongst other individualistic notions.
Popular Styles
In the late 1990s, Moschino clothing and accessories became popular in the clubbing scene and continue to be a part of the street-level culture. For instance, this LOVE Moschino Graffiti Print Tote brings an artistic feel to your latest arm candy. Costing a reasonable $225, if you wear this beauty, you're guaranteed to turn heads for all the right reasons.
Bottega Veneta
Established in 1966 by Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro, this luxury Italian fashion brand translates roughly to "Venetian Workshop." Bottega Veneta specializes in premium leather goods and accessories for both men and women, and its best known for its "intrecciato" leather. This is manufactured using an intricate, hand-woven technique that cross-hatches to develop a textured checkerboard pattern.
Popular Styles
Bottega Veneta handbags have a subtle approach to luxury branding. Their signature feature is the intrecciato pattern in styles such as the Small Fringed Leather Tote. Available for around $3,200, this gorgeous handbag is a great everyday staple. As well as being roomy enough to fit in all your daily essentials, it makes a serious style statement.
Shopping for Italian Designers
Italian designers produce beautiful handbags due to their consistent, high-quality craftsmanship and artistic designs. Simply shop around to find what works for you in terms of your personal style and budget.
