The Life Cycle of a Leather Bag: From Hide to Heirloom

Posted by JOE FLOTO

A fine leather bag is more than just an accessory — it’s a story in motion. From the moment a hide is selected to the day your bag develops its first patina, every stage of the process tells part of that story. At Floto, we believe that great leather bags aren’t simply made — they’re crafted to evolve, growing more beautiful with every journey they take.

The Unique Aroma of Floto Italian Vegetable Tanned Leather

Posted by JOE FLOTO

When your Floto bag is brand new, it often carries a distinctive scent that combines a sharp, chemical-like note reminiscent of a Sharpie marker with a sweet, earthy undertone. This initial aroma is a natural characteristic of the tanning process and is not indicative of low quality.

The Different Types of Leather Explained: Full-Grain, Top-Grain, Split and More

Posted by JOE FLOTO

Floto full grain vegetable tanned leather hides in a stack on a pallet

When you’re shopping for a leather bag or accessory, you’ll see all kinds of terms — full-grain, top-grain, split, genuine. They sound similar, but the differences are huge. Knowing what each means helps you understand quality — and why some leather goods last a lifetime while others don’t.

Vegetable-Tanned Leather vs. Vegan Leather: What’s the Difference?

Posted by JOE FLOTO

Recently, a customer left a negative review on a Floto bag, claiming it was made from “vegan leather” and therefore not genuine. I was surprised when I read this — could she have confused vegetable-tanned leather with vegan leather? Or was it something more deliberate, like a misleading review from a competitor?

 

The Truth About “Genuine Leather” – What It Really Means

Posted by JOE FLOTO

A few years ago, we began receiving some questions about products labeled “Genuine Leather.” Customers wanted to know: Is it real? Is it high quality? One even left a harsh review after discovering his wallet was stamped with those words.

The Floto Chianti Saddle Bag: Equestrian Chic Meets Urban Sophistication

Posted by ALISON PANDEV

Floto Chianti Saddle Bag
Crafted with precision and care, the Chianti Saddle is a testament to the artisanal expertise of Italy. It features rich, full-grain Italian calfskin leather sourced from the renowned Tuscan tanneries.

The Floto Roma Travel Bag: A Marvel of Italian Craftsmanship

Posted by ALISON PANDEV

Floto Roma Travel Bag
In a world dominated by mass-produced goods, the Roma Travel Bag stands as a symbol of enduring quality and artisanship. With the Roma by your side, your travels are not just trips; they are a celebration of sophistication and heritage.

The Floto Roma Cabin Bag: Where Italian Craftsmanship Meets Timeless Elegance

Posted by ALISON PANDEV

The Floto Roma Cabin Bag: Where Italian Craftsmanship Meets Timeless Elegance
The Roma isn't just luggage; it's a statement of your discerning taste and appreciation for the finer things in life. It accompanies you on your adventures, reflecting your sense of style and love for authentic craftsmanship.

The Floto Venezia Duffle Bag: A Masterpiece of Italian Craftsmanship

Posted by ALISON PANDEV

Floto Venezia Duffle Bag
The Venezia Duffle is not merely a vessel for your belongings; it's an extension of your identity. The bag's classic design, with its subtly curved silhouette and precisely stitched seams, seamlessly bridges the gap between the traditional and the contemporary.

Hand Stain Tannery Tour

Posted by JOE FLOTO

Floto Hand Stained Full Grain Leather Tannery Tour
Working with real hand stained vegetable tanned leather is a complete addiction. Come take a tannery tour and find out how our famous hand stained leather is made.

Floto – the Older the Better

Posted by JOE FLOTO

Floto Parma Duffle Bag in Paris
Joe Floto’s Parma Duffle has been a trusted travel companion for the past 5 years – making countless trips to Italy and Europe. As the bags designer and tester, Joe has put his Parma through the wringer.

3 Classic Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Posted by ALISON PANDEV

Leather Women's Bags
Mother’s day is a special day to demonstrate appreciation for all of the love a Mother gives throughout the year. This Mother’s Day, get your mother something that shows her how much you appreciate her efforts and demonstrates her how much you love her. Selecting a gift for someone so special is not an easy task.