In the quality garment and fashion accessory market, Italian craftsmanship is synonymous with quality. Italy is home to such highly touted brands as Gucci and Giovanni Navarre. Its leather schools and factories have set the standard for efficient production and innovative design. It’s no surprise, then, that fashion-savvy consumers have taken notice.

For many women, an Italian leather handbag is just as much a status symbol as it is a functional carryall. When slung stylishly over a lady’s shoulder, the bag screams sophistication and attention to detail. But that’s not discount the practical aspects of leather handbags; synthetic materials are no substitute for leather’s impressive durability.