Top 15 Most Famous Italian Handbag Brands

Laelia Yang May 06, 2021 | 03:05

Italy, the country known for its food, attractions and most importantly their large variety of high-end designer brands. Keep reading to not only see the brands worn by some of the most influential people in the world but also find out about some of the highest quality Italian leather handbags, and finally the Italian crafted handbags that come at an affordable price.

Top 15 Of The Most Famous Italian Handbag Brands. Photo: KnowInsiders

What are the first things that come to mind when you think about Italy? Perhaps pizza, pasta, gelato, The Lizzie McGuire Movie, and other clichés. However, one thing that always comes to mind (that isn’t a cliché but a matter of fact) is the craftsmanship you find in this stunning European country. Whether it’s in the shoes, clothing, jewelry, or handbags, you know that when you see “Made in Italy” on the label, it’s of top-notch quality.

So as fans of well-crafted pieces, here at KnowInsiders, we’ve already made it our mission to share our favorite Italian brands.

Sure, some well-known brands made this list (hello, Gucci and Prada), but there are other brands that you might have not heard of that will surely take over your mind and closet. That being said, keep scrolling to discover the 15 must-know Italian brands for handbags.

List Famous Italian Handbag Brands

1. Gucci

2. Dolce & Gabbana

3. Furla

4. Armani

5. Fendi

6. Bottega Veneta

7. Il Bisonte

8. ATP Atelier

9. Orciani

10. Gianni Chiarini

11. Prada

12. Miu Miu

13. Prada

14. Valentino Garavani

15. Coccinelle

1. Gucci

Photo: pinterest

The name speaks for itself. Gucci has stunned the world with there ability to continually innovate the fashion market. Alessandro Michele leads Gucci with unique designs and almost ridiculous prints. If you are looking for the jaw-dropping luxury, Gucci is the handbag designer for you.

A classic, made 100% with leather and has the renowned Gucci pattern wrapped all the way around the handbag.

This famous bag company launched an incredibly successful digital marketing campaign in 2016, which earned the Gucci company a social media value of over $60 million and 30% increase in revenues.

2. Dolce & Gabbana

Photo: monalisalikes

Dolce & Gabbana is among the most well-known handbag brands made in Italy. This famous fashion house was established in 1985 by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana and is headquartered in Milan, Italy. This global Italian leather bags brand was estimated to have had a consolidated sales revenue of around $ 1.3 billion in 2017 and employed more than 4,000 employees globally with a network of over 320 stores around the world. This Italian handbag brand; D&G has various subsidiaries operating in New York, Hong Kong, Sao Paulo, Tokyo, and Shanghai to cater to the international markets.

3. Furla

Photo: itbag

Furla is a renowned leather handbag manufacturing company with an international presence as one of the best Italian leather bags brands in the world. This top 10 Italian handbag brand was founded in 1927 by the Furlanetto family of Italy and has its headquarters in Bologna, Italy. This leading Italian bags brand has five subsidiaries operating in France, the USA, China, Korea, and Japan. This top Italian leather bag brands more than 400 stores across the world and possesses a distribution network that spans over a thousand departmental multi-brand point-of-sale stores all over the globe. Furla has become one of the top handbag brands made in Italy in no time.

4. Armani

Photo: gq

Compared to other brands in the same revenue and tax bracket, Armani is still relatively a baby. Established in 1975 by Giorgio Armani, this brand has its headquarters in Milan and over 200 stores internationally. When looking for what to buy in Italy, Armani is one of the first things that come to mind as they also manufacture clothing. Armani bags can come with a whole new look in terms of a complete outfit.

5. Fendi

Photo: fashionista

Established in 1925 as a partnership between Edoardo and Adele Fendi, this brand cuts it to the top of the list of most desired Italian bags. Made from genuine leather, these bags are the meaning of ‘timeless.’ Fendi regularly features in top brand lists and magazines in and out of Italy. Their baguette collection which was popular in the 1990’s and early 200’s shot Fendi into stardom, where they stay to this day.

6. Bottega Veneta

Photo: realstyle

Founded in Vicenza in 1966, Bottega Veneta has gained a reputation for its impeccable Italian leather craftsmanship and sophisticated luxury. Known for its fine, minimal pieces the brand uses luxurious leather in its accessories. It is particularly famous for its signature intrecciato technique; the renowned weave covers some of Bottega Veneta’s most famous designs including the Knot bag, the Cabat case and most recently the BV Luna bag. Hugely popular with front-row regulars, the brand is a must for those who wish to invest in luxury leather and in some of the most coveted ‘It’ bags of the moment.

7. Il Bisonte

Photo: wwd

Those looking to invest in luxury that bears the Made in Italy label should be sure to seek out Il Bisonte. The leather brand started out in a small shop in the heart of Florence in 1969 and today it is world-famous for its exceptional accessories. Quality is at the heart of Il Bisonte. The brand has worked for 45 years with the same suppliers, both for leather and fittings, and nearly all are Tuscan. This dedication to people and principles ensures the best quality items. Specialising in travel bags and small leather goods, Il Bisonte is a perfect place to invest in Italian souvenirs.

8. ATP Atelier

Photo: theforme

Celebrating leather craftsmanship that has been honed through decades, all ATP Atelier leather goods are made and produced in Tuscany by local craftsmen. Fine leather is a staple material for the brand, and it shuns micro trends in favour of classic designs that will stand the test of time so as to respect both the leather and the planet. From beautiful leather boots to bold coloured bags, the ATP Atelier collections are luxurious yet affordable ‒ and one of the brand’s pieces would make a great souvenir to pick up while in Milan.

9. Orciani

Photo: orciani

Research and study of the best materials, experimentation of new processes, and creative processing of materials are the hallmarks of Orciani’s beautiful iconic handbags.

From every Orciani product transpire the great handmade innovation and a great stylistic and aesthetic research. Anyone who has ever looked closely at an Orciani purse could not help but notice first of all the beauty of the leather, but also the great skill of the workmanship, which emerges from every detail.

10. Gianni Chiarini

Photo: shoebox

Gianni Chiarini is a brand of handbags and other accessories whose essence is to think outside the box, reinventing its rules with energy and vitality.

The brand’s bags capture everybody’s attention and are appreciated all over the world. Gianni Chiarini and GUM Gianni Chiarini Design are the two brands of the house. Two different universes – the first characterized by leather and the other by rubber as the main material used – which share a single production that is entirely “Made in Italy”.

11. Prada

Photo: purseblog

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.

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.

12. Miu Miu

Photo: avvenice

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.

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.

13. Moschino

Photo: fashionette

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.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.

14. Valentino Garavani

Photo: fashionette

Valentino Garavani is the bags and accessories section of the famous Valentino maison. The company was founded in 1957 in Rome, in “via dei Condotti”, as a luxury house and it was officially launched in 1962 with a fashion show at Palazzo Pitti. The maison has an exclusive taste and it offers bespoke clothing, but in 1978 it takes its first steps in ready-to-wear products.

In 1998, Garavani and his partner Giammetti sell the company to the Italian Hdp (Gianni Agnelli), then Valentino moves to Marzotto SpA and, finally, to the Qatari company Mayhoola for Investments. This movement does not affect the Italian character of Valentino which has its headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Italy.

Valentino Garavani bags embody a natural elegance and their price range is approximately between 1000 and 3000 euros. An important and unmistakable detail is the elegant V logo; favorite materials are nappa and leathers, woven natural fibers and printed canvas.

Valentino’s luxury is never ostentatious, it is true art for a refined woman.

15. Coccinelle

Photo: moodiedavittreport

This brand is specialized in leather goods and small accessories founded by Giacomo Mazzieri in 1978. Born in the province of Parma, Coccinelle achieved some success from the 1990s until the early 2000s. In 2006, with the move to Mariella Burani, an upgrade of the brand began, which was acquired by the Korean E-Land, while remaining Italian for materials, production processes and lifestyle. The ladybug is a symbol of luck, nature and above all of femininity, a transition from adolescence to adulthood. Its accessories have, in fact, a fresh and carefree personality with a casual-chic style and essential and balanced designs.

Coccinelle proposes itself as an “accessible luxury” brand and it uses the finest materials such as suede and variously worked leathers, natural materials such as jute and canvas. Its prices start at around 100 euros and can go up to over 450 euros.