Where to find Italian leather products in Florence?

there are plenty of places to look for leather in Florence and it isn't too hard to find the Chinese brands. What I have done in the past is LOOK at the outdoor markets (San Lorenzo, Santa Croce, Mercato Nuovo) and then ask them to TAKE me to their main store if I see something or prices I like. Somebody suggested that to me years ago and I've stayed with it. Somehow seeing some place other than a canopied stand made me feel better about what I bought. To that end - the shoes, the coat, the jacket have all lasted me about 10 years now and still look classy. And by all means, the price they tell you is NOT the final price - don't be afraid to walk away. When you walk by later they'll remember you and will have a price that is easier on the pocketbook. Offer to pay in cash, if you can. Credit cards charge the shop a huge percentage for each transaction.
Somebody correct me if I'm wrong but I think by law they have to tell you and clearly mark it on the item if it was made outside of Italy.

Friends who I was with last year purchased jackets and purses at Massimo Leather near the Central Market. They're pleased with what they got, so you might consider looking there. Massimo's has a stand in the San Lorenzo market and a shop nearby at Borgo la Noce 13, and they also have a website. I don't recall seeing shoes, but they did have the other 3 items you mention.

Even some designer brands will have their products made up elsewhere. Italian leather is shipped to China, India etc for manufacture then returned to Italy for finishing off ie addition of buckles etc and a made in Italy label.

Of course they can also be made just outside Florence (Prato) in Chinese owned and Chinese staffed sweatshops.

Ferla is great for wallets, purses. Ferragamo another great brand for shoes/boots. And of course Massimo that's already mentioned. Ask if its made in Italy and then ask them to show you proof that its made it Italy!

We purchased 3 jackets from Massimo and they were absolutely beautiful. We wanted a pair of boots and he sent us to his favorite shop.

The Santa Croce leather school has beautiful leather goods - mainly purses, wallets, belts and other small leather items as well as a selection of jackets. For jackets however, I recommend Janni Derma on Via de Benci. Yanni and his wife are absolutely lovely people and their jackets are exquisite. Definitely not the cheapest jackets in Florence, but as is true everywhere you get what you pay for - and his leather is absolutely beautiful.

There is a wonderful little book by Louise Fili, The Civilized Shopper's Guide to Florence. The book has all sorts of shops and places to eat listed. It is divided into neighborhoods with maps for you to walk about the neighborhood and visit the shops - locally owned that have been in business for generations.

We went to Taddei that makes hand-crafted leather boxes that were exquisite. We went to another place where my husband bought a custom made leather belt. I never knew there could be so many variations on a belt buckle. He chose all his elements and we returned a couple hours later to pick up the belt.
As I thumb through the book to write this reply, I came across a shop that makes gorgeous leather gloves.
In other words, you can be sure that the items are made in Florence in these shops.

Chun,

Just looked for the book you mentioned and its way over my price range! Any chance you'd share the info on the leather shops - where they are? Thank you!

Gosh, the book must be out of print. I only paid $12.95 in 2008.
Here's the info on leather goods:
Infinity, Borgo SS. Apostoli 18R, infinityfirenze.com, tel 055 2398405 - I think this is where we bought the belt. Not sure anymore.

Francesco Ds Firenze, via Santo Spirito 62R, tel 055 212428

Mondo Albion, via Nazionale 121R, www.mondoalbion.it, tel 055 282451

Stefano Bemer, Borgo San Frediano 143R, www.stefanobemer.it, tel 055 222558

Taddei, via Santa Margherita 11, tel 055 2398960 - this is where we bought the leather box

gloves: Madova, via de'Guicciardini 1R, www.madova.com tel 05502396526

Enjoy your shopping.

I will "second" the Santa Croce leather school at that church. I have purchased two purses and several small items such as wallets and bookmarks.

I had my name and my initials in gold leaf put on the purses. This was done for free. In fact, I had forgotten about this service on my second trip to the shop. We had left Florence but were going to return later on the same trip. I took the purse and my receipt back to the shop and there was no problem about getting the name put on the purse.

I did look at other shops and in the markets. In the shops, the prices were much higher. In the markets, I knew the shop owners were willing to bargain but I wasn't comfortable doing that because I didn't know the original value from which to bargain.

Have fun!