DESIGN STORIES

MADE IN ITALY

This fall, we welcomed a new factory into the FRĒDA Family. Located in Fucecchio, Florence, Italy, they’re home to the finest leather craftsmanship in the world and many big players in the industry rely on season to season. We’re so grateful that they’ve brought us into their community and cannot wait to share the beautiful handbags we’ve created with them.

Our Product Development Lead, Melody Dorward visited the factory earlier this year and shared a few moments from her trip with us.

TELL US ABOUT OUR NEW FACTORY.

They are truly the best of the best. A small, but mighty factory with some of the most skilled craftspeople in the world. Located in the renowned leather district of Fucecchio, Florence, Italy, they’re well known for their broad knowledge of fine leathers, meticulous care and superior quality. It has been a fashion staple of the handbag community for 30 years and we are so grateful to be part of their community!

HOW DID WE COME TO WORK WITH THEM?

If you haven’t noticed…we’re growing! Part of that growth means expanding our factories so we can be more innovative, test new categories and ultimately cater better to what we think our customers want.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT WITH WORKING WITH THEM?

I’m most excited about working with this factory because of the love and passion they pour into their work. They are eager to try new things and problem-solve with us–so it’s exciting to take on a new project knowing that we all want to create the best, most beautiful products possible.

WHAT WERE YOUR TRIP HIGHLIGHTS?

I really enjoy the in-between moments–like being picked up from the train by the factory owner and hearing about his twin’s first day of school or how he worked in the factory with his father who then passed the business to him. I soak up all of these little moments and it creates a special partnership with our factory teams.