The Italian bag and leather brand Felisi started in 1973 as a small leather workshop in Ferrara, northern Italy. This year marks its momentous 50th anniversary. Felisi rose to prominence as a bag and leather brand with the release of its 1992 bag combining Limonta nylon and vachetta leather. It remains a long-selling item and a signature product of the brand. We will explore the appeal of Felisi , which offers a wide variety of items including bags, wallets and coin cases, belts, and small accessories, all made using inherited traditional techniques.

1. History Section: The foresight of combining different materials, and the timeless appeal that transcends eras.

Felisi was founded by Alessandro Felisi and current president Annalisa Ferroni. The brand originated from a small leather workshop that Annalisa Ferroni opened in Ferrara, after her hobby of making leather goods gained a reputation for quality and design.

Under the brand philosophy of "oggetto unico" (one of a kind), approximately 50 leather craftsmen currently work in the Ferrara workshop, using only carefully selected materials such as vegetable-tanned natural leather that develops a richer character with age, silk-like nylon, and high-quality cotton canvas, and each product is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans.

The classic "8637/2" nylon briefcase is a testament to the beautiful craftsmanship of skilled artisans. Since its founding, Felisi has been known for its designs that combine leathers and cotton canvases with different textures, but in 1992, they revolutionized the conventional image of nylon bags by developing a bag that combined Limonta nylon and vachetta leather.

Felisi 's signature material, Limonta's "Nylon/Plain (DS)" fabric, synthetically replicates the silky texture of silk. It is lightweight, highly durable, stretchy, and water-repellent, and features a beautiful sheen and pleasant feel unlike any other nylon before it. Furthermore, the wide range of colors that reflect current trends is another major appeal of Felisi bags.

In 1996, Domenico Bertolani joined the brand as a designer, and new techniques and ideas were added to the traditional style, which helped the brand gain worldwide recognition.

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2. Launching a new line with the Spring/Summer collection to commemorate the company's 50th anniversary.

The Spring/Summer 2023 collection, marking the brand's 50th anniversary, is themed around "innovation." A new collection, "SAFARI," which has been developed with the concept of "Italian military style," will debut.

The SAFARI collection elevates Felisi 's signature combination of vachetta leather and lightweight nylon, seamlessly blending them with tortoiseshell snap pockets for a modern and iconic design. A Gothic logo is featured on the front of each item.

Furthermore, a new military green fabric, developed specifically for the SAFARI collection, has been adopted, offering functionality and a sophisticated, mature feel. The fabric surface is coated with polyurethane, providing water repellency while maintaining a matte finish.

In addition to the SAFARI collection, a new collection called "UNICA" will also debut, further expanding the lineup.

3. Popular Series Part 1: Nylon x Leather Combination

The brand's signature nylon bag, which continues to evolve as a bag that can be carried with a suit.

The arrival of this bag, which combines nylon with a silky sheen and suppleness, and an elegant and glamorous texture, with vachetta leather that beautifully changes its appearance over time, was truly revolutionary.

The hybrid of nylon, which is elastic, friction-resistant, wrinkle-resistant, and becomes softer and more supple with use, like leather, and the special leather that Felisi has been committed to since its founding, quickly gained popularity as a "nylon bag that can be carried with suits and trousers," and requests from Japan were made for an updated size suitable for business use. Today, it is a basic yet smart and user-friendly bag that is active in business settings.

Left: The "22/18/DS" tote bag is a functionally improved version of the classic "9236" model, which is inspired by helmet bags. While retaining the easy-access three-dimensional front pocket, the main compartment has been upgraded to a three-layer design, making it easy to separate work documents, personal items, and frequently used items. It features a double zipper closure and an interior zippered pocket. With bottom studs and a bottom plate, it offers excellent stability, making it suitable for a wide range of uses, from daily business to business trips.

Right: The "21/60/DS+A" backpack is a multi-layered backpack perfect for business use. The main compartment has a double zipper and a carrying handle, and the U-shaped zippered pocket on the back can hold a 13-inch laptop. Inside the upper front zippered pocket are four patch pockets, and the elastic band inside can be used to secure earphones and cords, making it easy to see and store items. Inside the lower front zippered pocket are three patch pockets. The lining is made of cushioned mesh material throughout, so you can carry electronic devices with peace of mind.

The "05/4/4/DS" shoulder bag is a popular staple from Felisi. It's slightly smaller than the popular "9362" model, giving it a neater look when worn over the shoulder. Its compact size makes it easy to use, neatly storing essentials like a folding umbrella and a bulky wallet. The zippered opening, longer than the bag's width, allows for easy access to even bulky items. The distinctive front zippered pocket has a gusset, making it convenient for items you want to access quickly, such as your cell phone or pass case. Inside, there are two small pockets, and the adjustable shoulder strap is slightly wider at 3cm, providing stability when worn over the shoulder.

Left: The "04/35/5/DS" shoulder bag is a minorly modified version of the conventional "Model.04/35" shoulder bag, with a narrower strap. Its lightweight and easy-to-carry casual design, along with the distinctive three-dimensional zippered front pocket, makes it convenient for storing frequently accessed items like cell phones and pass cases. It also features two small interior pockets, an adjustable shoulder strap, and a wide, comfortable design, making it perfect for travel and outings.

Right: The "19/56/DS" shoulder bag is a compact sacoche-type shoulder bag. The opening uses a snap button for easy access to your essentials, and the front opens and closes with an L-shaped zipper, making it convenient for storing everyday items such as your wallet, phone, and pass case. It's sized to comfortably fit a long wallet and a water bottle, offering more storage capacity than it looks, and the L-shaped zippered pocket on the front is suitable for storing small items such as smartphones and card cases. Also noteworthy is the elegant leather strap!

4. Popular Series Part 2: Leather Bags

The true value of a leather bag lies in its excellent balance of refined appearance and functionality.

Felisi 's leather bags, crafted from vachetta leather, beautifully complement suit styles. The joy of owning one comes with proper maintenance, as it ages beautifully, becoming supple and comfortable like an extension of the owner's body.

With enhanced functionality, the "1781/1/LD+DS" briefcase is the latest model that allows you to enjoy both enhanced functionality and personal expression by adding separately sold shoulder straps and nameplates. Silver hardware adds a sharp impression.

Felisi

Left: Briefcase 1781/1/LD+DS ¥151,800 (W43 x H30 x D12cm)

Right: Briefcase 1772/5/LD+DS ¥143,000 (W40×H32×D11cm)

□ Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , B1F, Bags & Luggage

Left: The "1781/1/LD+DS" briefcase features a two-compartment structure with a central divider pocket and a double-zipper closure that opens to the sides. The divider makes it easy to organize documents and see the contents, offering practicality. There are two stitched pockets on the back, and inside there are two snap-button pockets that can fit A4 size documents, and two small pockets for convenient storage of small items. It also has D-rings for attaching a shoulder strap.

Right: The briefcase "1772/5/LD+DS" is a remodeled version of Felisi's flagship business bag, "Model.8637/2," incorporating new features to create a new standard business bag. It retains the characteristics of the Model.8637/2 while adding bottom studs for excellent stability. There is one zippered pocket under the embossed leather cover on the front, and two large pockets on both sides inside, allowing you to store items you want to access quickly, such as your wallet or tablet. The back has a slit and pocket that can be attached to a carry-on case with stitching dividers, and can store tickets, mobile phones, passports, etc. It also has D-rings for attaching a shoulder strap.

The "14/26/LD+DS" tote bag is an all-leather business tote bag that combines the iconic design and functionality of the "Model.8637" with its familiar leather flap pocket. The opening is secured with a zipper, so important documents are safe. Even thick A4-sized files fit neatly inside, and two pockets of different sizes allow for organized storage of small items. The bag's slim profile and shape allow it to fit neatly under the arm, giving off an air of lightness and elegance in business settings, and the handles are at a comfortable height of approximately 18cm, making it easy for men to carry on their shoulders.

5. Care Instructions: The more you properly maintain your Felisi, the more beautiful its texture will become.

For items with DS / DS+A / PF / MG at the end of the item name, or bags made of a combination of nylon, canvas, and leather, the first care immediately after purchase is crucial. Keep your bag looking beautiful with care products that maintain the performance of the materials.

After purchasing a bag, first carefully brush the nylon parts with a brush, such as a horsehair brush, to remove any invisible dust that may have accumulated during manufacturing and transportation. Next, apply a waterproofing spray to the entire bag to prevent water stains.

Using a waterproof (water-repellent) and stain-resistant spray on nylon material protects the bag from rain, dust, dirt, oil, and other stains, preventing stains and keeping it in its original condition, which also motivates you to use it for a long time.

Apply a nourishing cream to the leather parts to moisturize them. Moisturizing is important to prevent the leather from hardening or cracking. Take a small amount on a cloth and spread it evenly to avoid uneven application.

For detailed information on caring for nylon and leather bags, click here ▶ Learn from a leather care professional! How to care for bags made of different materials, such as nylon and leather or suede, to make them last longer?

Felisi bags use leather that has been finished with natural dyes and processing as much as possible to maximize its natural texture. With proper care and loving handling, you can enjoy the way the leather changes and develops a rich patina over time.
Felisi brand identity is "to create products that are loved in every era and passed down from parent to child," and "to be committed to authenticity and integrity." With a beautiful and tough bag, perfect for a new life starting in April, or for a job transfer or promotion, you can take another leap forward.

View Felisi products on Mitsukoshi Isetan Online.


Related features:
How to care for your leather bag to ensure it lasts a long time, according to a leather professional.
9 Must-Have Business Bags for Spring! We introduce the best-selling briefcases, backpacks, and tote bags!


Text: Makoto Kajii
Photo: Tatsuya Ozawa

＊All prices include tax.
＊The information in this article is current as of the time of publication. Product information may be revised or changed without notice.
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