The Timeless Elegance of Ghibli: The Art of  Woven Leather in Florence

In the heart of Tuscany, where centuries of craftsmanship meet timeless design, Ghibli has quietly become a global icon of handcrafted luxury. Known for its impeccable leather woven bags, Ghibli embodies the soul of Florentine craftsmanship—timeless, refined, and unmistakably Italian. At Via Neapolis, we are proud to feature these exceptional pieces. Each Ghibli handbag represents the very essence of true Made in Italy luxury. Every handbag is proudly backed by a 100% Made in Italy Certification—proof that every step, from leather selection to stitching, occurs entirely within Italy using only Italian materials.

The Ghibli Legacy: Craftsmanship Rooted in Florence

The soul of Ghibli

Founded in 1968 by Piero Manzi and Maura Cioni, Ghibli was born from a deep passion for fine leather and artisanal technique. Over the decades, the brand grew from a family-run workshop to an internationally recognized name in luxury woven handbags. By the 1980s, Ghibli began specializing in exotic leathers such as python, placing itself among the elite artisans in the Tuscany leather district—a region renowned for producing leather used by the world's most prestigious fashion houses. In 2000, Ghibli expanded its facility to include a dedicated color development department, refining shades and finishes in-house for unmatched depth and exclusivity. In 2018, the brand celebrated its 50th anniversary, now led by the third generation of the Manzi family, still committed to the same values: craftsmanship, heritage, and genuine Made in Italy quality. 

What Makes Ghibli Leather Woven Bags So Exceptional?

Ghibli’s most iconic pieces are its woven leather handbags, handmade using a meticulous technique passed down through generations. While many brands imitate the look, Ghibli’s pieces are woven entirely by hand—not embossed or faux-patterned. This is true textile artistry using full-grain Italian leather. 

The Production Process: A Masterclass in Precision

Each Ghibli woven bag takes two months to complete—here’s why:

• Leather Strip Cutting: Only premium full-grain leather is used. Artisans cut uniform, thin strips. Each bag is handmade using the traditional "Tubulare weaving" technique, perfected by Ghibli’s artisans over 50 years. Leather strips are folded into tubes, creating a seamless, double-sided pattern that looks identical inside and out. This method boosts durability and removes the need for lining.
• Manual Weaving: This phase is the heart of the process. The leather strips are painstakingly interlaced by hand, requiring weeks of focused work. No machinery is involved—only human hands adjusting tension and symmetry at every stage.
• Construction & Assembly: Once the weave is complete, the bag is shaped, stitched, and structured.
• Finishing Touches: The hardware is installed and finally, each bag is polished, and conditioned. Every detail is inspected and refined to perfection.

The result? A bag that feels sculptural yet soft, elegant yet functional. A leather woven bag from Ghibli is not just a fashion accessory—it’s a wearable piece of Italian heritage.

The Ghibli Workshop: Where Innovation Meets Tradition

Inside Ghibli’s expanded Florence facility, artisans work in harmony—combining age-old techniques with a modern eye for design. There is a dedicated color lab where new shades are born and perfected, ensuring each season’s palette feels both fresh and refined. The workshop’s proximity to Italy’s finest tanneries means only the highest quality leathers are used. Leathers are sourced from the same suppliers as world-renowned luxury brands. Despite Ghibli’s global acclaim, the atmosphere remains deeply familial. Generations of artisans work side-by-side, honoring the brand’s roots while pushing forward with purpose and pride.

One of the most popular models from our line of woven bags.

Why Woven Leather Bags Are Back in the Fashion Spotlight

In a world of fast fashion and bold logos, the quiet luxury of woven leather is making a powerful return. Discerning buyers are seeking craftsmanship over clout—and Ghibli answers that call with unmatched authenticity. From woven totes to crossbody and shoulder bags, the natural depth and texture of Ghibli’s handwoven pieces elevate any outfit. No logos. No gimmicks. Just craftsmanship.

Final Thoughts

Each Ghibli bag is a testament to the enduring beauty of craftsmanship. In a world of fast fashion and fleeting trends, it’s a quiet luxury to carry a piece that took months to create—by hands that have inherited centuries of skill.

Where to Buy Authentic Ghibli Bags

At Via Neapolis, we are honored to connect our customers to these artisans, their stories, and their extraordinary work. We work directly with the Ghibli factory and other Italian artisans to offer an exclusive selection of handwoven leather handbags, without the markups associated with major luxury labels.

Explore the Ghibli Woven Leather Collection