History of the name:
The Italian leather tradition dates back as early as the first millennium, when Saracens introduced the craft to Sicily. Over centuries, the art of leatherworking evolved and spread throughout the country, positioning Italy as one of the global leaders in fine leather craftsmanship — a status it continues to hold today.
In 1282, the Arte dei Cuoiai (Leather Workers Guild) was established in Florence. Like many medieval guilds across Europe, it safeguarded trade knowledge and ensured high quality standards, helping Florence become a hub of international leather excellence. Even now, master artisans still work along the River Arno between Florence and Pisa.
In the early 20th century, several houses that later became renowned luxury brands began as leather goods stores — among them Prada (founded 1913), Gucci (1921), and Ferragamo (1927).
When it comes to textured leathers such as Palmellato (sometimes discussed alongside Saffiano), historical accounts vary. While some sources mention that Mario Prada made important use of Palmellato in his collections and helped bring it visibility in the luxury sector, other research suggests that similar embossed leathers existed in Italy prior to Prada’s commercial adoption of the technique. What is clear is that Prada played a significant role in popularizing this style of leather in the fashion world.
As patents and exclusivity periods ended, the Palmellato and Saffiano styles gradually spread into the collections of various international fashion labels. Today, many well-known houses — ranging from Italian luxury names to global fashion brands — have incorporated Palmellato-inspired leathers into their bags, wallets, and accessories.
Regardless of which house employs it, the name Palmellato carries with it an association with Italian artistry — evoking elegance, sophistication, and timeless appeal.