Saint Laurent opens a new production center for accessories and leather goods.
The ‘Atelier Maroquinerie’, dedicated to the development and production of these areas, is located in the municipality of Scandicci, near Florence, the French luxury brand announced on Friday. Buildings are to be renovated and green areas created on the site of the ‘Palazzo delle Finanze’, which was originally built to house ministry offices. In an area of 28,700 square meters, more than 500 craftsmen and technicians will work on various aspects of the production of the brand’s accessories and leather goods.
In addition to processes such as improving material quality, production efficiency and sustainability, new processing techniques are also being tested in the atelier, says Saint Laurent. However, the activities are limited to prototypes and samples as well as custom-made products. There is also an area for repair and refreshment work for European customers as well as the customer service headquarters. A technical school enables the brand’s employees to receive further training.
“The atelier, which brings together the development of accessories and leather goods, provides an environment in which know-how is exchanged, ideas are developed and experimentation is encouraged,” said Francesca Bellettini, Chief Executive Officer of Saint Laurent. “L’Atelier Maroquinerie will help us achieve our goal of creating the most sought-after leather goods and accessories in the world.”
Scandicci is proving to be a popular location for luxury brands’ competence centers. The ArtLab of the Florence-based fashion house Gucci is also located here, which is also used for prototyping and testing leather goods.