In 'Made in China' Era, a new embrace of 'Made in Italy' Craftsmanship
10 Oct '07
2 min read
Revered for its unsurpassed sense of tradition and style, Italy is home to many of the world's best artisans and manufacturers. Whether in textiles, leatherworking, fashion, fine art, glass or paper production, Italian craftsmen set the world standard for artisanship and quality.
In an era of mass-produced goods and the omnipresent 'Made in China' label found on everything from bed linens to leather, Italian craftsmen steadfastly create the real thing: limited-production, painstakingly-crafted wares born of rich Italian tradition, according to Susan Naythons, president of, an online boutique of luxury Italian goods.
"Increasingly, sophisticated consumers are turning away from bargain copycat goods and returning to authenticity," says Naythons.
"There is simply no substitute for Italian style and quality. The inherent care and detail used in Italian production is unmatched."
The stories of Italian artisans in essence tell the story of Italy itself. Most are generations-old, family-owned businesses who pride themselves on the skill, quality and tradition of their respective craft.
The ideal of beauty runs through their veins: they live, breathe and exemplify the grand distinction of "Made in Italy".
EyeItalia presents an array of prestigious Italian companies: - Classic Italian table, bed and bath linens from Tessitura Pardi of Umbria, Valentine of Milano, and Fabris of Venice - Luxurious Florentine throws from Cecchi & Cecchi - Rare fragrance and bath products from Acqua di Genova and Carla Mazzei of Chianti - Hand tooled leather journals and albums from Paolo Olbi of Venice - Original "acquaforte" etchings from Andrea Ricceri of Florence
Always combining the use of the finest raw materials cashmere, linen, leather, paper with time-honed artistic skills weaving, embroidery, bookbinding and etching Italian craftsmanship trumps all.