Braccialini

In 1954, Roberto and Carla Braccialini established a leather workshop. After Roberto's death, Carla continued the business, the brand becoming known for its original bags. The claim "fantasy bags" was adopted beside the Braccialini logo. The first bag was introduced in 1986 in a square patchwork pattern, a design that is still used in the bags today. Tua by Braccialini was launched in 1990 targeted to a younger crowd. Three years later the first Braccialini store opened up in Florence. Later, more boutiques were opened in Milan, Tokyo, Treviso, Riccione, and Shanghai. The bags began to be distributed around the Far East. The brand was now expanding at a fast pace, opening up boutiques all over the world. The line began to expand into eyewear and umbrellas, with a fragrance launching soon. In 2009, Carla was nominated "Cavaliere del Lavoro," recognizing distinguished entrepreneurs. 

The spring/summer 2011 collection is inspired by the landscapes of Africa and Asia and the silk and spice roads. The collection consists of four major themes: Oriental Aurora, Golden Sands, Far Off Lands, and Between Sea and Sky. Each bag of the collection is creative and imaginative, fitting the themes well. 

The Cartoline ("postcards" in Italian) line features women all over the world, captured in their respective homelands and traditional garb. Each bag is dedicated to a certain location, acting as a sort of postcard for the place represented (hence the name of the line). These bags belong to the Tua by Braccialini line.

The Temi range was launched in 2002 by Carla. The bags are entirely handmade with high quality workmanship. Three new bags are introduced each season within the line; once introduced, these bags are always available either in store or by special order. The Temi bags also influence the other goods for sale, inspiring patterns on other bag silhouettes. Wallets and keychains are also made to match the bags. 

In addition to handbags, Braccialini also offers small leather goods, such as keychains, wallets, and belts.

Images from shop.braccialini.com

Currently Braccialini only has one United States store, which is located in New York City's Soho area at 438 West Broadway. However, there are locations all over the world, with numerous boutiques in Italy. The bags are also available in the online shop.

You can explore Braccialini on their website.

I found out about Braccialini after walking into the Soho store the other day and talking with the lovely employee Rebecca. I was instantly captivated by the items available; they're so creative, imaginative, and truly one-of-a-kind. I'll have to go back and buy myself a keychain sometime!

xoxo