Description
Set amidst the rolling Chianti hills between Siena and Florence, Borgo Poneta is an ancient rural village surrounded by olive groves and panoramic views of San Gimignano. Carefully restored in classic Tuscan style with an eco-conscious spirit, the historic farmhouses, barns, and granaries now host charming apartments, a museum of rural life, and inviting spaces for relaxation—including a stunning infinity pool immersed in nature.
This timeless setting becomes the backdrop for a unique five-day leather design experience, dedicated to the art of Italian craftsmanship.
👜 Course Overview
During this immersive week, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of how to design and develop high-quality leather products, such as handbags and shoes. Whether you’re an aspiring designer or a curious creative, this course equips you with the practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and creative inspiration to bring your ideas to life.
What you’ll learn:
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The fundamentals of leather product design, from concept to creation
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Differences between various types of bags and shoes, their functions, and how form follows function
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How to choose appropriate materials, from leathers to fabrics, and understand their quality and application
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The key components and accessories used in leather goods manufacturing
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How to sketch and design your own models, using step-by-step tutorials to unlock your creativity
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How to transform your idea into a final project, selecting the right materials, colors, and finishes
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The process of making your own custom-designed handbag, in collaboration with local artisan workshops
🎯 Course Goals
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Master leather product sketching and design
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Understand what defines a true “Made in Italy” product
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Learn how to assess the value and pricing of artisanal items
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Explore the various materials used in leather goods and their proper use
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Gain experience in developing and presenting a design project
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Visit a high-end leather workshop and discover the production behind luxury goods
📅 Course Duration & Pricing
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5-day course: 3-hour sessions per day (indoors and outdoors)
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Small group setting: 2 to 10 participants
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Price: €1425 per person
🏡 What’s Included
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Accommodation at Borgo Poneta
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Tastings of local wines and products
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Exclusive visit to a luxury leather workshop
Your Instructor – Serena Crociato
Serena Crociato is a fashion and accessory designer with extensive experience in both creative design and fashion marketing. She has taught accessory design at Polimoda Florence (2009–2011) and at FUA – Florence University of the Arts (2018), sharing her deep knowledge and passion for Italian craftsmanship.
Her career began in fashion design, where she developed multiple collections for national and international brands. Her work often included the original design of metal components and custom accessories, combining elegance with innovation.
With over 10 years of experience in fashion marketing, Serena has worked alongside sales directors, scouted trends as a cool hunter, and shared insights as a fashion blogger. Her well-rounded expertise brings together design, communication, and an in-depth understanding of the industry.
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Made in Italy Leather Goods: Why Italians Do It Better
This course is designed to reveal what makes Italian leather products truly unique in the world. Through a mix of theory and real-world insights, you’ll understand how centuries of craftsmanship have shaped superior production processes and set Italy apart from other countries.
Italy holds a long-standing tradition of excellence in leather tanning, footwear, and leather goods manufacturing. During the course, you’ll learn how to recognize the quality of a leather product, determine its real value, and spot the difference between an authentic Made in Italy luxury item and a counterfeit.
You’ll discover how to design a handbag or shoe based on its functionality — foreseeing potential weaknesses and ensuring long-lasting usability and elegance.
Original vs. Fake – How to Tell the Difference
If you’ve ever purchased a branded bag from a street vendor and didn’t notice the difference from the boutique version, you may have overlooked the small details that define quality and durability. This course will train your eye to recognize those differences — details that make or break a truly valuable product.
Authentic Italian leather goods are also inherently sustainable. Their durability, paired with the natural, carefully selected raw materials, makes them a responsible and long-lasting choice. A true Made in Italy bag won’t fade or bleed, and a 100% leather shoe can help regulate body temperature while providing superior comfort.
Both bags and shoes often carry a special marking — a product cryptogram — that identifies the materials used and where the product was made. You’ll learn to recognize and interpret these labels, gaining a deeper understanding of authenticity and transparency in Italian craftsmanship.
From Idea to Icon – How an Italian Leather Bag is Born
Learn how Italian handbags and shoes are designed and crafted — from initial sketch to finished product. Discover why creating a high-quality Made in Italy item takes time, care, and true craftsmanship.
Each piece is made by hand, and the designer must consider every detail: aesthetics, construction, functionality, and durability. This is the essence of Italian creativity — drawing from generations of knowledge, refined over time and passed down from teacher to student.
Timeless Rules Passed Down Through Generations
To create exceptional leather goods, you must understand the traditional rules that have shaped Italian craftsmanship. Many small artisans in Italy are family-run businesses, handed down through generations — a legacy that holds artistic, historical, and cultural value.
This course will guide you through these traditions and give you the tools to appreciate, design, and one day even create your own Italian leather product — the real way.