French leather is losing momentum. In the first nine months of 2025, the trade surplus fell from EUR 3.7 billion in 2024 to EUR 3.3 billion this year. The cause lies in the drop in exports (–3% to EUR 13.7 billion), while imports remained stable at EUR 10.4 billion. Exports were penalised by weaker demand from the […]
[sponsored article] In recent years, the software component has become the true beating heart of Bergi machines. Today, the difference is no longer made by mechanics alone, but by the ability to collect and interpret operational data to make every process more efficient, controlled, and traceable. The software evolution of Bergi machinery One of the […]
Lineapelle meets Tokyo by taking part — in an exceptionally proactive way — in the event that shines a spotlight on new proposals from Italian fashion. It is called The NIC (New Italian Cool) Award. Organised by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ICCJ), The NIC Award positions itself as “a point of reference, […]
Jewelry shines brighter than handbags. A new battle between luxury products is looming, mainly due to increases in handbag prices, luxury buyers have turned to jewelry. However, jewelry now has to contend with several headwinds, while the big leather goods brands have geared up. For now, jewelry is winning, as Richemont’s financials tell us, but...
The most recent upgrades, launched in 2024 and completed in 2025, involved replacing the roofing, which has now been prepared to accommodate a photovoltaic system and to enable the recovery of rainwater for use in the production cycle. They also included overhauling the wastewater treatment plant, in collaboration with Italprogetti, through the introduction of a...
There is a place in Boston that seems to belong to the last century, with one difference: a computer on the manager’s desk. It’s Harcourt Bindery, which claims to be the oldest company in the United States that binds books only by hand, and some of the tools used by the craftsmen are as old […]
Lineapelle without borders. Today (13 November) and tomorrow (14 November), Lineapelle spans both West and East, between Europe and the Far East, Antwerp and Tokyo. The initiative reflects the evolving international outlook of the fair, while preparations continue for the next edition of the world’s leading trade show for the leather, fashion and design industries: […]
Luca is nearing 54, with long hair and a beard. He’s owned many motorbikes over the years, favouring enduro and motocross models. Yet he’s had the same leather riding jacket since he was 17. “I can’t decide whether to leave it as an heirloom or have it cremated with me”, he jokes. But behind the...
“An as-yet-unexplored treasure”. That’s how Riccardo Braccialini, owner of PELFIM – Pelletteria Fiorentina Montecristo in Calenzano (Florence), describes Gherardini in this interview. The Florentine brand, celebrating its 140th anniversary this year, has seen its share of highs and lows. After being effectively “frozen” for around two years, it was revived in 2023 following its acquisition...
“Replacing leather with synthetics to reduce prices and be more competitive? That would be the end. We are competitive precisely because we use leather”. This statement comes from Manola D’Agnello of the Golden Wiking shoe factory in Capannori (Lucca), which produces comfort footwear, not only in the luxury sector, but also in much lower price...
The Indian government is simplifying customs regulations in an attempt to alleviate the consequences of US tariffs. This was just one of the latest measures, along with restoring tariff exemptions for imports of raw materials (including leather) used by local manufacturers to produce goods for export. India simplifies customs regulations Indian exporters of clothing, shoes, […]
Lamborghini expands its upholstery department and invests, not only in terms of size (from 1,400 to 2,600 square meters), but also in terms of the number of employees and machinery, which has doubled. Some of the machinery is new and dedicated to leather. This investment was necessary to accommodate a new production line dedicated to […]
We are in Verona, where since Thursday Fieracavalli — the international event dedicated to the equestrian world — has been taking place. The event brings together sport, breeding, rural tourism and culture. A global point of reference for the sector, Fieracavalli has also served as the stage for the launch of the Equilibrio project. The […]
A warehouse holding 200,000 pairs of shoes available to retailers with no minimum order requirement — this is the service that Esgano, a German company selling one million pairs a year, is betting on. The brand is now having to navigate the difficulties of the domestic market. Andreas Steckermeier, who runs the business alongside his...
How to contain costs: instructions. This is what companies need today in a market context where sales are sluggish. Capri Holdings is dealing with costs arising from US tariffs. Hugo Boss seems to have read the instructions correctly: sales down, profits up. Mulberry is suffering from the decline in tourist shopping in the UK but...
Bergi celebrates its 60th anniversary with the third generation at the helm. Founded in 1965 and based in Arzignano (Vicenza), the company designs and manufactures leather processing machinery with its two factories (Arzignano and Gambellara) and around 65 employees, and an average annual turnover of over €10 million. Below is our interview with CEO Mauro...
The suffering of European footwear. The BASF observatory analyzed footwear industry trends, showing how Europe is being penalized in favor of Asia. Sustainability, which a couple of years ago was at the top of companies’ lists of priorities, is today no longer, because everything is based on costs. This is the analysis offered to La...
Investing, internalising, and opening up to new collaborations — even as the crisis continues, unfortunately, to dominate the market. The inauguration last Wednesday, 29 October 2025, in Santa Croce sull’Arno of a new self-showroom by the Solofra-based tannery Vignola Nobile carries a clear message: respond to the needs of brands and react to the market...
Opening single-brand stores to strengthen the brand’s presence — this has long been the strategy of the Famiglietti family, which acquired the footwear label Harris Firenze in 1989. The company is headquartered in Fucecchio, near Florence. The same family also took over the Nuova Osba Italia tannery in 2007, later sold to the Rino Mastrotto...
In the new manifesto of the Portuguese footwear industry, the future of footwear manufacturing takes hold. On one side, a face covered in black, chaos, excess. On the other, a simple and powerful gesture: a woman lifts a shoe as if it were an act of faith. This is where BiShoes4All comes in. Portuguese Shoes […]
