Florence: Tuscany’s capital, an inspiring travel destination, and every purse lover’s dream. Home to some of the world’s greatest masterpieces, this historic city has a well-deserved reputation for art, craftsmanship, and design unmatched by so many others.
You only need to spend a day exploring this medieval metropolis to see some of the world’s most remarkable architectural and decorative works, all of which serve to remind us of how we, as humans, possess the unique ability to shape our world in a way that fits our ever-changing needs and desires. Likewise, before ever stepping foot into any museum we can see how each carefully-placed stone reflects back to us, the higher points of human innovation, while somehow simultaneously pushing us to develop a deeper intercultural understanding of our own creative capabilities.
Whether it be the Duomo, the statue of David, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria, every structure tells the story of an “awakening.”— a unique period in time marked by great socio-cultural, political, and philosophical changes. Every grand creation of Florence has withstood the test of time and continues to stand firmly in place despite thousands of years of ongoing transformation. However, none appear to be more unyielding than the illustrious Ponte Vecchio.
Dating as far back as the 10th century, this historic structure has served as the main gathering place for Old-World merchants and modern master craftsmen alike. It has survived massive floods, fires, and devastating world wars, making it a true mecca for artisans and designers of all kinds.
One quick stroll across the platform presents you with an array of warmly-lit storefronts and glittering jewelry displays that captivate the masses, yet just a few meters away from all that dazzling opulence is what I regard as the true hidden gem of Florence — Parri’s. A more humble shop with a window display of leather goods so magnificent that it is sure to stop any handbag lover dead in their tracks.
The brand was started by Giordano Parri in 1954 and is described as producing leather goods that are “the perfect mix of quality, uniqueness, and excellence;” a bold yet truthful proclamation that I was able to confirm after my first experience in this quaint little shop in early 2019. I remember upon entering the shop I was immediately taken back by how even the atmosphere seemed to ooze that special type of Florentine style and elegance. After only a few moments of loitering, I found myself being whisked out of the back door and into a hidden upstairs parlor by the equally-stylish shopkeeper.
I can’t tell you what my immediate reaction was when I arrived upstairs. All I know is that I was overwhelmed by the complete sensory experience I was having: The sight of dozens of contemporary styles that paid homage to popular “It Bags;” The feel of their textured exotic skins contrasted by the smooth mahogany of the shelves they rested in. The smell of hot coffee being offered to me. The sound of rhythmic tone changes overheard during the brief exchange my husband and shopkeeper had in their native language. (I like to imagine he said: “Give my dear queen whatever she wants!”, but I could be wrong…) And lastly, the feeling of being surrounded by true luxury. Not a flashy attention-seeking type of luxury, but luxury in regards to quality. A richness that only comes from time spent perfecting the smallest details. Every angle had been considered, every stitch had been accounted for.
This small local brand made me understand what purse culture is all about. Parri’s extensively creative made-to-measure process took me from a mere appreciator and turned me into a full-blown aficionado. As such, I spent what felt like hours picking out my very first collection piece. I studied the colors, analyzed weight, and ruminated on the different structures until I had created the perfect purse. A beautiful dark turquoise tote with all the fixings: sturdy exotic leather, a vibrant dye job, and sterling silver hardware.
Much like the more famous creations of the Renaissance I admired that day, Parri’s bespoke pieces could speak and to me they said, “We will stand the test of time. We are here to stay.”
Of course, anything of such quality doesn’t come without a price; Check out our guide to international VAT taxes to find out how you can save the most on these luxurious leather goods.
I have no problems with bags being “inspired” by Hermes, BV, Fendi — however there is a difference between an inspiration and a knockoff. Although these bags look nice, I agree that they cut a little too close to the bone in terms of being high-end knockoffs. Time to develop their own vision and reflect that in their products. Jennifer Tattanelli (also in Florence) does this quite well — you can see the (old) BV influence but they are clearly not making BV knockoffs.
What the heck? This website is full of knock-offs, like Fendi and Hermes. Why is PurseBlog promoting this?
I do agree that many of their design styles have obviously traceable roots; however, I personally feel that it doesn’t take away from the quality, durability, and craftsmanship displayed by this 60-year old brand. I definitely understand that such selections may not be everyone’s cup of tea but I personally don’t regard anything crafted from real, and rather luxurious, materials to be a fake. Consequently, I have found the usefulness and love I have for my Parri’s handbag to be equal to that of all my other well-known name brand pieces. I have especially found myself turning to my Parri’s bag for situations when I wouldn’t want to risk either physical or “relational” damage as a result of carrying around my more recognizable high-end bags – such as a long haul flight carry on or during this crazy time of COVID when many people are facing very real economic constraints and I am pushed to think deeper about my own displays of conspicuous consumption. Yet again, I totally understand that this may not be everyone’s preference but I thought I would offer it up to my fellow purse lovers who may still want something of remarkable quality but may experience instances when they like to keep their more prized possessions at home. 🙂
I’m sure they’re beautiful bags but almost every design looks inspired by a bag from a much more famous house–Fendi, Hermes, BV, etc.
I feel like this article needed the “paid partnership”banner from instagram. Most of the bags are total knock offs. Very disappointed to see this being promoted.
It comes down to what drives you. Are you driven by true luxury of the bespoke kind or do you need to wear a label? Recently there was some hoop de do about Hugh Grant being a bit cranky when an interviewer ask him “who he was wearing” while on the red carpet. He was taken aback because obviously he wears bespoke suits made by his tailor. A bespoke suit made by English Saville Row tailors is what old money wears. Their relationship with their tailor is sacred. Same for their bespoke cobbler. So he really didn’t understand the question. The real money doesn’t want to be a walking billboard for some designer. They know quality and they don’t need to advertise it to the world.
They are not a knock off brand. It seems to me, they create what is requested. But not all of their bags resemble bags from other brands, I do have a Birken Bag, actually two, which I love (favorite in my collection). Quality is what matters to me. I do have a Parri Bag, I did not buy a handbag that resembled another brands bag. Their quality is not up for discussion. Just gorgeous!