Exotic leathers are a timeless luxury. They are rarer with unique qualities unlike any other leather and therefore more expensive in comparison. We pride ourselves in providing top-quality exotic leathers from ethical and sustainable sources. All exotic leather from Tornabuoni is regulated and certified by the organisation CITES, the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species.

Python snakeskin is one of our top-sellers. The leather offers some of the most interesting grain patterns and the colors are all painted by hand; not one piece is ever the same. This type of leather is also extremely durable as well as lightweight. Many people ask if the scales eventually fall off but this, surprisingly, is not the case. Python snakeskin ages beautifully and will only get softer with more use. Some of our most popular styles include the Hadley, Giada, and Alessandra Python Handbags.

Ostrich leather has a very distinctive texture, characterized by dot-like markings, or rather, the pores from where at one time there were feathers coming out. The more markings there are, the more prestigious the leather. This type of leather is not only durable but also soft and supple due to the leather’s natural oils. Some of our most popular styles include the Hadley, Henrietta, and Kenzie Handbags.

Crocodile leather is one of the most valuable leathers you can buy. As with all exotic leather, the scarcity of it plays a significant role in determining the value. Breeding crocodiles is not an easy task and it also requires a significant period of time to raise these reptiles. The most widely used portion of crocodile leather comes from the belly of the reptile. This portion of the hide is a bit softer and therefore more pliable for handbag designs. The rougher and more textured back section of the reptile is also very interesting but more difficult to work with. Some of our most popular exotic styles include the Hadley, Henrietta, Bridget, and Kenzie Handbags.educate our customers about leather and we hope to see you soon at our store!

It is highly recommended to purchase your leather products in Tuscany, as the majority of leather production in all of Italy is produced in this area. When shopping for leather in Florence, the best way to start your search is to decide on the quality of leather which you prefer. There is a wide range of leather choices throughout Florence, from very cheap to very expensive. Price and quality go hand in hand. This doesn’t mean that you need to spend an exorbitant amount of money but it’s important to understand that an inexpensive leather piece is most likely not a high quality one and therefore will not last a very long time. Over time, a low quality leather piece does not age nicely, it will lose its color, it will often crack and eventually fall apart. Low quality leather may look nice at the start, but when it comes down to it, you must ask yourself if it is really worth your money? A low quality leather item worn regularly will maybe last a year, if you’re lucky.

So, how do you recognize high quality leather? For starters, leather should smell like leather. If there is a different smell other than that of leather, it was most likely treated with cheap quality chemicals or it isn’t real leather. Leather should also be soft to the touch. If it feels stiff and does not bend easily when touched, then it is probably made from plastic or other inferior products trying to pose as real leather. Next, take a look at the stitching and other aesthetic aspects besides the actual leather. If the item does not demonstrate articulate attention to detail, the making of the leather is most likely lacking quality craftsman during the tanning and manufacturing of the item. Lastly, as mentioned previously, the cost of the leather item speaks volumes in regards to the quality. Price and quality go hand in hand. Low cost also means low quality.

If you are interested in acquiring a nice leather item while visiting Florence, it is a worthy investment to purchase high quality leather as they are long lasting and can weather through the seasons for many years, if not a lifetime. At Tornabuoni, you will find that we are committed to not only high quality leather craftsmanship but also committed to offering reasonable prices. In addition, we offer a three-year warranty on all of our leather products. We are always happy to educate our customers about leather and we hope to see you soon at our store!