Antonella Fantechi

Cellerini

Leatherworker

©Carola Gargani

The workshop that lives on and on

Antonella inherited the Cellerini workshop from the grand-daughter of the founder
She combines tradition and innovation in crafting her leather pieces
Some of her pieces were featured in the Italian TV series Pezzi Unici

At 19 years old, Antonella Fantechi realised she was not suited for an office job, and so she started working in a leather workshop. This is where talented artisans initiated her to what became her life's vocation. Antonella is based in Florence, a city where the leatherworking tradition dates back to the Middle Ages, where the skills that have been passed down for centuries are still expressed through the creations of artisans like herself. Since 2018, she is at the helm of Cellerini, a workshop where Antonella worked for several years and that she inherited from the last member of the founding family. Handbags, belts, and small leather goods are handcrafted daily, paying homage to tradition and to classic styles, catering to a modern and discerning clientèle that appreciates quality and uniqueness.

Interview

©Carola Gargani

©Carola Gargani

What would you say makes your pieces special?: I take pride in the Florentine tradition of leatherworking. My workshop is housed in the same premises as when it was opened in 1957. All the items I make are one-of-a-kind. When holding them, you can smell and feel the different textures, which makes it a real sensory experience.
What techniques do you employ?: To this day, I try to use very little machinery. All of the items I make are handcrafted, from cutting leather to the various steps at the counter (including stitching and finishing).
What is your relationship with the customer?: I offer a bespoke service, therefore there is an interaction when listening to the needs and expectations of the customer that I particularly enjoy. It is important to convey that it takes time to craft a one-of-a-kind piece and when I see a satisfied customer this makes me happy.
Do you still enjoy what you do after so many years?: I do, my job is fun and allows me to express my creativity. I do not have a specific inspiration, I work on classic shapes and styles, guided by instinct, combining tradition and innovation, and applying and adapting old techniques to the present day.

Antonella Fantechi is a master artisan: she began her career in 1982 and she started teaching in 2000