Leather in Rome

II Gancio. Still wear a belt I bought there years ago.

Claudia, thank you! You've always been so helpful with England and now Italy - you are a treasure.

Do you realize that many "Italian" high end products are made by the Chinese in factories and towns they have bought? They import the workers and materials and are allowed to put "MADE IN ITALY" on their product because, technically, that is accurate.

Florence is one of the cities overrun with this problem. Google the internet for more info.

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/04/16/the-chinese-workers-who-assemble-designer-bags-in-tuscany

I LOVE Ibiz on Via dei Chiavari. No worries about getting something made in China as you can watch the lovely lady as she works with the leather in her shop. My purses that I purchased are beautiful after several years of heavy use and her prices are very reasonable.
Another very amazing artisan is Federico Polidori who has been working in leather for years. His shop is on Via del Piè di Mondo. He made a gorgeous guitar strap for my husband and mailed it to us in the states. He has some beautiful bags.

The factories I was referencing are actually in Italy. You need to do your homework and be sure it is made in Italy by Italians.

Kathleen, thank you for your additional recommendations. I've added them to my list and have marked them on the map for exploring with my mom. I love the idea of things like guitar straps as additional gift ideas.

I also noted your previous post on fabric at Bassetti's and plan to stop in there as well. It looks like they are very near our lodging. Thank you!

@Kathleen, from KY, USA: I am a leather bag fanatic. I own several Dooney leather bags where they boast that the leather is from Italy. ( probably from Florence). I have always wanted to purchase a leather hand bag made in Italy. I have signed up for RS Rome tour in spring of 2023. I am glad to know there are vendors who make leather handbags in Rome itself.
The 2 vendors you have recommended: Ibiz on Via dei Chiavari and Frederick Polidori : are they by any chance accessible from the hotels that Rick Steve uses? I am a solo traveler with no language skills. I am not shy to take public transportation though. Thanks for the recommendation.

I am not familiar with the Rick Steves hotels but Ibiz is very close to Campo de’ Fiori and Signor Polidori is close to the Pantheon so both are located in the historic center. I would try Ibiz for the best selection of purses. Signor Polidori has a more limited selection.

Thank you, Kathleen.

Just looked up Frederico Polidori leather shop and Google Maps says "permanently closed". Too bad. Looked like a charming shop.

Thank you deebaxster. Hate to hear this but good to know. I have a feeling many small shops may have closed since the pandemic so always good to double check.