The Ultimate Crochet Crossbody Bag By Caterina Bertini

Caterina Bertini is an Italian accessories brand that was founded in 1925 by Michele Bertini, who began by producing the typical Florentine straw hats. The brand has since expanded into the production of women's handmade bags, introducing crochet and macramé techniques using Italian wool to create unique artisanal bags. The Caterina Bertini crochet crossbody bag is one of their signature pieces, with a chain leather shoulder strap and a top flap with a magnetic closure. The bag is made from 100% viscose with an interior lining of 80% viscose and 20% nylon.

Caterina Bertini: Brand History

Caterina Bertini is an Italian accessories brand with a rich history that dates back to 1925. The company was founded by Michele Bertini, who specialised in the production of traditional Florentine straw hats, quickly becoming one of the main producers in the region. The business remained a family affair, with Michele's children, Giovanni and Giovanna, joining in the mid-1950s and expanding the product line to include women's handmade bags made from straw and natural fibres.

Under the leadership of Giovanni and Michele, the company began selling to prestigious stores in Europe and the US, with sales of their handmade bags peaking in the late 1960s at 2.5 million pieces per year, fuelled by the Italian economic boom.

In the mid-1990s, the third generation of Bertinis, led by Caterina Bertini (granddaughter of Michele), brought about a significant modernisation of the brand. Alongside the traditional products, new handmade items in crochet, interwoven, and macramé styles were introduced, solidifying the brand's reputation for unique and artisanal bags.

Caterina Bertini's keen eye for customer needs led to the creation of a Fall/Winter collection, predominantly featuring wool and felt, marking the brand's expansion beyond its original Spring/Summer focus. The company's ability to adapt to market changes, customer needs, fashion trends, and quality expectations has been instrumental in its transformation into a flexible, multiproduct international company.

Today, Caterina Bertini's creations continue to be inspired by the brand's successful collections from the 1960s and 1970s, with a passion for antique production methods and a commitment to using Italian wool. The company regularly attends international fashion fairs and has expanded its product line to include coordinates such as gloves, scarves, hats, necklaces, and bracelets, showcasing its ability to evolve while staying true to its strong foundations.

Caterina Bertini: Other Products

Caterina Bertini is an Italian accessories brand that was founded in 1925. The brand initially specialised in the production of traditional Florentine straw hats, but has since expanded its product range to include a variety of handmade bags and other fashion accessories.

In addition to their signature crochet crossbody bags, Caterina Bertini offers a range of other bag styles. These include tote bags, clutch bags, shoulder bags, and beach bags. The brand also offers bags in a variety of materials, such as straw, wool, raffia, bamboo, and suede. Many of their bags feature unique details, such as fringe, beading, and gold-tone hardware.

Caterina Bertini also offers a selection of coordinating accessories to complement their bag collections. These include gloves, scarves, hats, necklaces, and bracelets. By offering a range of fashion accessories, the brand showcases its ability to adapt to the changing needs of the market while staying true to its roots in handmade, artisanal products.

The brand's current president, Caterina Bertini, has played a key role in the company's evolution. Under her leadership, the brand has introduced new materials, such as wool and felt, to create collections for Fall/Winter seasons. This expansion beyond the traditional Spring/Summer product line has contributed to the brand's flexibility and ability to meet customer needs year-round.

Caterina Bertini's products are known for their unique, artisanal quality, with each piece showcasing the brand's expertise in crochet, macramé, and knitting techniques. By combining traditional craftsmanship with a modern aesthetic, Caterina Bertini has established itself as a renowned Italian accessories brand, favoured by fashion-conscious consumers worldwide.

Caterina Bertini: Materials Used

The Caterina Bertini brand has a long and rich history, with the company founded in 1925 by Michele Bertini. The initial focus was on the specialised production of traditional Florentine straw hats, which were handmade. Over time, the company evolved, with Michele's offspring, Giovanni and Giovanna, joining in the mid-1950s and introducing women's handmade bags made from straw and natural fibres.

The third generation of Bertinis, including Caterina Bertini, brought about a significant modernisation of the company in the mid-1990s. This modernisation saw the introduction of new handmade products, including crochet, interwoven, and macramé techniques, using Italian wool. The company also began to produce items for the Fall/Winter season, with a focus on wool and felt, in addition to their traditional Spring/Summer collection.

Today, Caterina Bertini's bags and hats continue to be inspired by antique production methods such as crochet, interwoven, and knit techniques, with wool sourced from the nearby city of Prato, known for its expertise in wool-related industries.

The materials used by Caterina Bertini vary depending on the collection and season. For their bags, they have utilised crocheted wool, straw, raffia, suede, bamboo, and beaded and woven fabrics. Their bags often feature gold-tone hardware, such as gold chains, and magnetic closures. The lining of the bags is typically made from viscose and nylon.

Caterina Bertini's products are handmade, and the company takes pride in its artisanal quality, with each piece being unique. The brand has become known for its textured, woven bags, showcasing the expertise and craftsmanship of the Bertini family, passed down through the generations.

Caterina Bertini: Design Inspirations

Caterina Bertini is an Italian accessories brand with a rich history that dates back to 1925. The company was founded by Michele Bertini, who specialised in the production of traditional Florentine straw hats. Over the years, the business has passed through three generations of the Bertini family, each bringing their unique touch to the brand.

Under the leadership of Caterina Bertini, the granddaughter of Michele, the company underwent a significant modernisation in the mid-1990s. Building on the traditional straw hats and bags, Caterina introduced new handmade products featuring crochet, interwoven, and macramé techniques. These intricate designs, crafted from Italian wool, added a unique artisanal quality to the brand's offerings.

Caterina's creations are inspired by the successful company collections from the 1960s and 1970s. The brand maintains an extensive photographic archive of these vintage collections, which serves as a valuable resource for designing contemporary pieces. This blend of old and new is evident in Caterina's use of antique production methods with modern materials, resulting in timeless yet trendy accessories.

The Caterina Bertini brand is known for its textured woven bags, which come in a range of styles, including totes, clutches, and crossbody bags. These bags showcase the brand's signature blend of tradition and innovation, with each piece handmade in Italy. The use of natural materials, such as wool sourced from the nearby city of Prato, underscores the brand's commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Caterina Bertini's designs are also influenced by her passion for antique production methods. This is reflected in the brand's use of crochet, interwoven, and knit techniques, with wool as a recurring element. By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, Caterina Bertini has created a line of bags that are both unique and fashionable, attracting the attention of famous fashion brands in Italy and internationally.

Caterina Bertini: Similar Brands

Caterina Bertini is an Italian accessories brand that was founded in 1925 by Michele Bertini, who started by producing typical Florentine straw hats. The company has since expanded into producing women's handmade bags in straw and natural fibres, as well as crochet, interwoven, and macramé styles.

Similar brands that offer unique, artisanal bags with a focus on texture and natural materials include:

Bembien

Bembien is a notable brand that offers textured, woven bags with a natural, artisanal feel. Their bags are handmade and often feature tassel and pom-pom details, showcasing an emphasis on artisanal quality.

ViBi VENEZiA

ViBi VENEZiA is another brand that offers a range of bags with a focus on natural materials and textures. Their collection includes woven and straw bags, often with leather details, creating a timeless and elegant look.

Olga Berg

Olga Berg is a brand that specialises in accessories, including bags. They offer a range of textured and woven bags, often with unique details such as beading or embroidery. Their collection showcases an attention to detail and a focus on quality.

La DoubleJ

La DoubleJ is an Italian brand that offers a range of accessories, including bags. Their collection features vibrant colours and unique patterns, often inspired by vintage designs. La DoubleJ's bags are sure to make a statement with their bold and playful aesthetic.

These brands, similar to Caterina Bertini, showcase a dedication to craftsmanship, a love for natural materials, and a desire to create unique and timeless pieces.

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