Saint Laurent L’atelier Maroquinerie

Saint Laurent announce the opening of L’Atelier Maroquinerie, its new 28.700 square-meter Centre of Excellence
 for the development and production of the brand’s accessories and leather goods. Located in Scandicci, Florence, the atelier will employ more than 500 skilled artisans and technicians.

L’Atelier Maroquinerie will be home to Saint Laurent’s extensive research and development activities, fostering innovation
 in materials and components to create pieces that express the timeless legacy and contemporary allure of the Maison. Colleagues on site will develop advanced technological solutions and new processing techniques to take the brand’s material quality, production efficiency and sustainability to new heights.

The facility will produce all of the brand’s prototypes and samples as well as bespoke items for Saint Laurent’s most esteemed clients. Production activity on the site will be limited to these highly specialised items and complex projects that require
 the greatest degree of technical skill.

The facility will play a vital role in the development of Saint Laurent’s ever-growing leather goods and accessories businesses. “Bringing together the development of both accessories and leather goods, the atelier will be an environment for sharing expertise, generating ideas and encouraging experimentation,” said Francesca Bellettini, Chief Executive Officer
 of Saint Laurent. “L’Atelier Maroquinerie will help us realise our ambition to develop the most desirable leather goods and accessories in the world,” she added.

In addition to prototype and sample production, the atelier will also be the brand’s centre of excellence for repairs and after- sales support. The facility will provide repair and refresh services for clients in Europe, while training colleagues at our worldwide repair centres to ensure globally consistent quality and service.

To do that, the atelier includes a specialist school to train new hires and provide advanced courses for experienced personnel. The atelier is opening in what was formerly known as the “Palazzo delle Finanze” in Scandicci, owned by CDP Real Asset SGR (CDP Group). The project has included the renovation of existing buildings on the site that had been unused for several years, along with the establishment of new green spaces around the complex, regenerating the area and delivering considerable benefit. “We are very glad to have relocated and expanded the atelier in Scandicci, as we have long since recognised the artisanal and managerial skills of the people here – and the heritage of the region for outstanding craftsmanship. L’Atelier Maroquinerie will combine generations of knowledge with new levels of innovation,” said Bellettini.