Wow! That will be your first impression as you open the door to Infinity Firenze Leather! Just WOW! I know it was mine! Immediately you feel, no, you know that you are in a very special atelier!
Join me, won’t you, as I visit with co-owner, Aaron Provaroni…
The Atelier
Infinity Firenze Leather is beautifully re-imagined in a renovated 11th century tower (yes, 11th century!) conveniently located close to the Ponte Vecchio in the heart of historical Florence.
As you enter you may notice a modest sign at the entrance:
Think about it! Everything is “Handmade on the Premises”! Everything! Their entire workshop is here (and customers are invited to visit). How many shops can claim that??
As I follow Aaron into the atelier he emphasizes that, not only has the tower been completely transformed into a spectacular space but, the interior and all of the materials chosen are a reflection of their philosophy and the level of workmanship you can expect here:
“We love what we do. And we believe that love can be transmitted in the things we do.”
->>CLICK for VIDEO: Meet Aaron <<-
You will immediately notice that, rather than the usual hodgepodge and clutter that you find in so many shops, Infinity Firenze Leather has tastefully and thoughtfully created elegant displays showcasing their absolutely stunning selections – including beautiful handbags, back packs, belts, and accessories.
Attractively displayed in this appealing setting, the impeccable workmanship and original details are highlighted – each piece truly an individual work of art.
♦ The Story and Philosophy
Infinity Firenze Leather was conceived and co-founded by Eugenio Provaroni, a Tuscan, and Jane Dengler from Boston, who began experimenting with artistic leather in the 1970’s. They chose the name, Infinity, which was symbolic of their philosophy of interconnectedness, harmony, and a respect for nature as well as incorporating their eco-environmental values.
This legacy and tradition has been passed down and is now honored by their son, Aaron.
-> Please wait for the fabulous slideshow…
“True, natural, simple, ‘clean’…” – every detail of the decor and every selection has been thoughtfully created with this philosophy – never compromising – and this is reflected in their choice of suppliers, the materials they choose, and people who work with them. In other words, every aspect of production is held to a very high standard – only the finest!
⇓ Please CLICK and Watch the Videos!
->>VIDEO: Visit the Atelier with Aaron <<-
->>VIDEO: More! Inside Infinity Leather Firenze <<-
->>VIDEO: Aaron Describes Their Philosophy <<-
♦ Made by Infinity for YOU!
More than just a handbag, belt or accessory, you are purchasing and wearing designs made with love and skill and faithful to a proud tradition and philosophy shared from generation to generation…all underscored by a commitment to supporting and investing in their trade and craftsmanship:
“We …believe in the value of commitment and continuous improvement anchored in that of respect for people. For this reason, while using with conviction and happiness tools such as those from Lean Manufacturing, which allow us to reduce waste, increase quality, and improve our life in the company, we prefer, instead of the assembly line model, to work with craftsmen who know and carry on the entire production process.”
– from the Infinity Leather website
Everything in their atelier exudes quality and their 100% commitment to eco-sustainability and sourcing only the finest materials from reputable, highly respected suppliers and demanding only exemplary workmanship.
-> Please wait for the “behind the scenes” slideshow!
In fact, in case buying leather is an issue for you, even how their leather is sourced speaks to their eco-centric philosophy: “vegetable tanned leather from animals intended for the food industry – no toxic substances…”
⇓ PLEASE Click to Watch the Video!
->> VIDEO: Leather Sources… <<-
♦ Hand Made with Love!
Every piece is fabulous! Practical yet unique and distinctive designs with attention to details. Elegant and stylish but classic and timeless. And impeccable quality, made with integrity, made with love! Perfect!
->Please wait for the slideshow of Infinity Leather accessories!
(And I repeat: made on the premises by hand! Not imported, not manufactured in a factory or sweat shop “somewhere” and passed off as “Made in Italy”!)
♦ “Slow Fashion” Philosophy
I found their recent blog post about “slow fashion” extremely compelling! Instead of encouraging the reader to buy and consume more, they encourage buying quality! Not being a slave to fashion (and consumerism) but to quality and making choices that are respectful of eco-environmental concerns. In other words, rather than be a slave to fashion, invest in timeless quality, not mass production! Less is definitely more!
I love this! It so aligns with my own beliefs, and is why I am so dedicated to writing about and supporting artisans like Infinity Leather!
And I LOVE my Infinity “Moschettone Tonda Piccola” Leather handbag!
♦ About the Challenges
A word about leather goods in Florence: It’s well known that Florence has long been famous for its fine leather goods. There was a time when you could be sure that what you were buying was “Made in Italy” but, unfortunately the market has been diluted with cheap goods of questionable origin and often of questionable materials.
In other words, “cheap” is cheap for a reason! It’s NOT made in Italy and it’s certainly not made by local artisans.
SO, if you want the real deal, authentic and superior craftsmanship and materials, where do you go? Be savvy, shop smart! Shop 100% local!
And there’s COVID: Being an artisan is difficult under normal circumstances but COVID presented an unexpected and distressing challenge. Support of artisans was minimal at best during this extraordinarily difficult period and even though Italy is “re-opening”, it is NOT “business as usual”.
Yes, Italy is in a slow recovery but it’s even slower for smaller botteghe and ateliers like Aaron who are now in the position of having to do it all and wear many hats!
And when you come to Italy, isn’t visiting these beautiful shops and meeting artisans something you look forward to? Of course! Artisans in leather, ceramics, fabrics, jewelry, food, clothing…they are all working very hard…and waiting for you to return!
Until you can visit the shop, please visit their beautiful website!
♦ INFINITY LEATHER ♦
Aaron & Sonia
Handmade Leather Atelier in Florence
www.infinityfirenze.com
info@infinityfirenze.com
Borgo SS. Apostoli, 18r
Firenze 50123
+39 055 2398405
Services:
Shop Online
Custom Orders
Internships
♦ You Can Also with Connect with Infinity Leather Firenze on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leather.firenze
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/infinity_firenze_leather/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.cn/company/infinity-leather-artisans
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/infinityfirenze/
♦ ♦ ♦
I ♥ LOVE ♥ Learning with Locals!
And when you’re ready to take your next (0r first) visit to Italy, along with my Friends of Victoria, we can’t wait to help you design and plan your perfect dolce vita experience!
♦ ♦ ♦
