Meet The Artisan-Sample Sale 2
For our second Sieme Artisan Sample Sale, we have partnered with Massimo and his family from Johnny’s Leather. A third generation leather manufacturer that specializes in gloves, they have crafted products for some of Europe’s biggest luxury brands.
Read to know more about the Artisan!
While their factory is located outside of Florence in the traditional leather craft valley Santa Croce Sul Arno, Massimo also has a shop in the famous San Lorenzo market district. While traditionally the premiere leather market in the world, in recent years San Lorenzo has been democratized by vendors from all over the world with products from, well, all over the world. The days of San Lorenzo market stocked with only the finest leather goods made in Florence are long gone. Therefore, it can be difficult to know where to go to get truly well made, real leather products as good prices. You have to KNOW where to look.
Hidden behind rows of stalls that line the cobblestone streets, packed with less than desirable bags and jackets, you can find Massimo’s shop. His gloves are tucked away in the back, the best kept secret on the block (besides for a delicious pasticceria a few doors down hehe).
Most days, back when tourism was booming, you could find Massimo or his sister selling at his shop. His father, now retired, sits at the entrance soaking in the sun and action. While they offer an array of leather goods, gloves are their true expertise. From driving gloves to elbow length, silk and fur lined styles in an array of colors, they have quite the selection.
If you have been to Florence you may be familiar with some very famous glove brands like Martelli. While these are beautiful and the highest quality, they are also quite a financial investment. The leather industry in Florence is made up of a vast network of family owned and operated factories (subcontractors) that work for an array of luxury brands. In addition to this production, many of these small factories also have their own products they sell throughout Florence at reduced prices. These are typically the unbranded leather products you see on the streets when you visit Florence and why you can get such amazing quality leather goods at prices you could never find in the U.S. The design may be more simple but the quality is the same!
At Sieme, we work with these factories every day and want to support them directly by helping them connect to audiences and fans around the world! We only partner with makers whose products we personally love and buy. Otherwise, we would design them ourselves. We have been buying leather gloves from Massimo for years and are very excited to now bring them to you, our Sieme family. Happy Shopping!
Don’t miss our next Artisan Sale. Get exclusive first access to shop our sample sales 24 hours before they are open to the public.
