If you don’t own a Bolzano handbag, and if it makes you feel better, Bolzano is a newcomer in the American high-fashion scene. Of course, that’s just an excuse for not treating yourself to authentic Italian luxury sooner.
In quiet seriousness, when it comes to “good” purses over the years, it’s been a letters game — C, G, LV and P. Well that continues, and keep your eyes open for the letter “B” boiling over the American market in 2008.
Three of their products got a closer look, and there are a bunch of striking designs in Bolzano’s spring collection.
“Fiore” (Italian for “Flower”) comes in three colors and can fit a small family inside. The red design ($485) is striking with crocodile-embossed lambskin pocket flaps and gold-colored “B” hardware. There’s a matching wallet ($175) and passport holder ($58). It’s a sophisticated design that screams “success” on the wearer.
What the company says: “City Stitch goes soft; this slouchy bag is comfortable and stunning. Sure to turn heads everywhere it goes.”
• 17" L x 11" H x 8" W
• Bright poppy red Italian leather with patent crocodile embossed lambskin pocket flaps
• Gold color signature rings adorn the 22" tubular handles
• Gold color working key & lock hardware embossed with Bolzano insignia on pocket flaps
The “Sienna Hobo” design ($300) is a smaller more-everyday bag. Hobo is a different kind of handbag style. It gives a casual look but works just as well with a business suit or dinner dress.
What the company says: “Retro meets classic style with this enchanting hobo bag. The convenient shape and size makes it an ideal everyday companion.”
• 17" L x 12" H x 5.5" W
• Genuine black cowhide leather
• 15" shoulder strap
• Pre-order only
Finaly the brown “Lucia” ($345) is a very classy design that looks very old-world Italian. The bag is roomy, and the design is clean. It’s very vintage.
What the company says: ” Fabulously functional, the Lucia has an accesible roomy interior that can accommodate the needs of a busy woman.”
• 18" L x 9 "H x 4" W
• 25" handles tubular handles
• Two-way Bo zipper pull / nickel purse feet
• Inside signature jacquard lining with interior zipper and multifunctional slit pockets
• Brown Italian cowhide leather
• Bo ring detail at front
• Antique gold color hardware
Bolzano has some exciting designs, excellent fabric and a ton of potential. In the United States and Canada, they are currently only available in boutique stores, scattered around. They’re also available online. If the company can build its brand, Bolzano bags could be all the rage within a year. The designs seem to appeal to the career woman, but some designs could find their way into the closets of college girls and younger.
Thank you John for the great article. Bolzano handbags are fabulous. I love the Fiore Satchels. Bolzano’s attention to detail is extraordinary and italian leather is soft and supple. The color selection is limited to black, gold, red and brown in the Fiore line, but the colors are deep and rich. These bags are real attention getters.