Discover Saint Laurent’s latest milestone as it inaugurates a sprawling leather goods atelier in Scandicci, Tuscany. Spanning an impressive 28,700 square meters on the outskirts of Florence, this workshop signifies a significant leap in the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation. With a focus on producing prototypes for leather accessories, bespoke items, and product samples, this atelier solidifies leather goods as a pivotal category, contributing over 70% to Saint Laurent’s overall revenue.
Francesca Bellettini, Saint Laurent’s CEO and Kering’s deputy managing director in charge of brand expansion, emphasized the strategic importance of the atelier during the opening ceremony on December 15. «Bringing together the development of both accessories and leather goods, the atelier will be an environment for sharing expertise, generating ideas, and encouraging experimentation,» highlighted Bellettini.
Beyond conventional production, the atelier exclusively handles specialized and complex projects, showcasing the highest level of technical expertise. In addition to housing «Saint Laurent’s many different R&D projects,» the workshop places significant emphasis on materials and components innovation. Notably, the site includes a school dedicated to training new generations of artisans, offering special courses for leather goods specialists.
Saint Laurent’s commitment to excellence extends to after-sale support, making the atelier a designated center for repairs. The facility will provide repair and refresh services for European customers, simultaneously training the staff of its worldwide repair centers to maintain a consistent standard of quality and service globally.
The brand envisions the new atelier as a hub for skilled artisans and specialists, with plans to employ «over 500 artisans and specialist technicians.» While the majority of Saint Laurent’s leather goods output, nearly 95% of the total, will continue to be manufactured by other workshops and specialist contractors in Tuscany, the new atelier stands as a symbol of the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship and innovation.
Situated in the historic Palazzo delle Finanze, a former public building renovated by Italy’s state-controlled investment bank Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), the facility represents a total investment exceeding €30 million. Saint Laurent signed a contract in 2020 to rent the regenerated building, a move set to reshape the landscape of luxury leather goods manufacturing.
