Gianni Chiarini

Gianni Chiarini grew up around Florence's leather trade — his father worked as a leather supplier in the city's tanning district, a traditional reference point for Tuscany's hide and tanning industry. Chiarini started his own workshop in Florence in the 1990s, initially producing bags for other labels, before deciding in 2000 to design and sign his first collection under his own name. That decision marked the shift from contract manufacturer to branded house, and the label built its identity around structured, mid-priced leather bags — including the Marcella model — made in and around Florence rather than outsourced production. The company describes itself as 'Made in Florence' before 'Made in Italy,' emphasizing its roots in the specific Tuscan tanning district over the broader national label. In 2017 Chiarini sold a 70% stake in the business to the investment fund 21 Invest, controlled by Alessandro Benetton, while remaining involved with the brand. The company marked its 25th anniversary in 2025, reporting revenue above 34 million euros for 2024 and marking the milestone with a limited-edition capsule bag collection. The house remains positioned as an accessible entry point into Florentine leather craftsmanship, sold through department stores and multibrand boutiques rather than its own flagship network.