Journal
Notes from the Via del Proconsolo atelier.
Articles for those who want to understand how Florentine artisan leather really works. Nothing to sell, no half-measures.
Italian leather tote bag: what an atelier builds, and what gives out first
A tote has no closure and no frame. Where an Italian leather tote gives out first — handle roots, base, corners — and five checks before you buy…
Italian leather crossbody bag: built by hand in Florence
A crossbody hangs from one strap and two anchors. How Florentine artisans build an Italian leather crossbody bag by hand, and five checks that expose a copy…
Florence leather bags: how to recognise the real made-in-Florence
Many 'Italian' bags sold in Florence are imported. How to recognise a real Florence leather bag: grain, stitching, edges, Tuscan tanning, atelier signals…
How long does a bespoke leather jacket take: behind the scenes
The real timeline of a bespoke leather jacket in Florence, week by week. Measurement, hide, cutting, stitching, fittings. Why the honest answer is weeks, not days…
How Florentine leather is made — the Riva way
Real Florentine leather is not a brand. It is a method. The full vegetable tanning process, from raw hide to finished vacchetta, step by step…
The real Florence leather atelier guide
How to find authentic artisans in 2026, and what separates them from the markets. Five tests every visitor can apply before they buy…
Bespoke leather atelier in Florence: how it really works
Bespoke is a word used often. Often wrong. In this piece we try to explain what actually happens when a client walks into the workshop and…
Leather jacket in Florence: how to spot the real one
Florence sells leather on every corner. Markets, shop windows, stalls, real ateliers. For a visitor on holiday, telling a true leather…
Artisan leather vs synthetic: what changes after 10 years
A leather jacket costs three times a synthetic one. The choice seems simple until you look at both garments after ten years. For three…
Frequently asked questions
On the Journal, the atelier, and visiting us in Florence.
Who writes the Riva Firenze Journal?
Marco Riva, third generation of the family, from the atelier on Via del Proconsolo in Florence. Every piece is written from the bench, not from a desk.
How often do you publish?
Twice a month, on the 1st and the 15th. Guides on Florentine leather, the craft, and how to recognise the real thing.
Can I visit the atelier in Florence?
Yes. We are on Via del Proconsolo, a few steps from the Duomo. Walk in, see the work, try a jacket on. No appointment needed.
Do you make leather jackets to measure?
Yes, that is our Bespoke service. Measurements taken in the atelier, leather chosen together, two or three fittings before the jacket is yours.
What makes Florentine leather different?
Tuscan vegetable tanning, done the slow way. It takes colour and patina over the years instead of cracking. That is what we write about, and what we make.