Furla. The name evokes images of Italian elegance, vibrant colors, and sophisticated design. As a potential buyer or a proud owner, a critical question often arises: Are Furla bags real leather? It’s a valid query in a market filled with complex terminology and a wide array of materials. As passionate artisans in the world of genuine leather, we’re here to delve into this topic, offering clarity and an expert perspective.
The short answer is yes, many Furla bags are indeed made from high-quality, real Italian leather. However, the complete answer is more nuanced and interesting. Furla, like many modern luxury brands, utilizes a diverse range of materials to create its varied collections, from timeless classics to trendy, seasonal pieces. Understanding these materials is key to appreciating the bag you own or are considering purchasing.
Is Every Furla Bag Crafted from Genuine Leather?
Not every single bag that bears the Furla name is made from leather. The brand has built a reputation for its versatility and ability to cater to different styles and price points. While their core collections heavily feature genuine leather, they are also famous for innovative designs using other high-quality materials.
Their heritage is rooted in Italian craftsmanship, a tradition that places immense value on premium leathers. You’ll find that many of their most popular and enduring styles, such as the Metropolis and 1927 lines, are predominantly offered in various forms of real leather. However, collections like the famous “Candy Bag” are intentionally crafted from materials like PVC for a playful, modern, and translucent aesthetic. The key is that Furla is typically transparent about the materials used, which is a practice we deeply respect in the industry.
Decoding Furla’s Material Palette: A Leather Expert’s Guide
To truly understand what your Furla bag is made of, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with the brand’s common materials. Each one is chosen for its unique texture, durability, and look. Here’s a breakdown of the most common materials you’ll encounter:
| Material Type | Description | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Ares Leather (Saffiano) | This is one of Furla’s most used materials. It is genuine calfskin leather that is treated with a distinctive cross-hatch texture stamped onto it and finished with a wax coating. | Extremely durable, scratch-resistant, water-resistant, and easy to clean. It has a structured, rigid feel. |
| VITELLO (Calfskin) | A general term for leather made from calf hide. Furla uses various types, including smooth (St. Eracle) and grained (Grana) calfskin. | Soft, supple, and has a luxurious feel. It showcases the natural beauty of the leather grain but may require more care than Ares leather. |
| Nappa Leather | A premium, full-grain leather known for its incredibly soft and smooth texture. It is typically dyed to achieve vibrant colors. | Buttery soft to the touch, lightweight, and has a high-end appearance. It can be more delicate than other leather types. |
| PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) | A type of plastic polymer used for specific, style-forward collections like the iconic Furla Candy Bag. | Waterproof, durable, and allows for transparency and bright, bold colors. It is not a form of leather. |
| Nylon / Fabric | Used for more casual, lightweight, or travel-oriented bags. Often combined with leather trim for a touch of luxury. | Lightweight, practical, and often more affordable. Easy to maintain for everyday use. |
How Can You Verify the Authenticity of Your Furla’s Leather?
So, you have a Furla bag and want to confirm its material. Here are a few professional tips to help you identify what you’re holding:
- Check the Product Tag and Description: The most reliable method. Furla’s official website and the interior tag on the bag will explicitly state the material composition. Look for terms like “100% Pelle” (Italian for leather) or specific names like “Ares.”
- The Feel Test: Genuine leather, even treated Saffiano, has a unique feel. Smooth calfskin will feel supple and warm to the touch. Saffiano feels more structured and rigid due to its coating, but it shouldn’t feel like cheap plastic. Synthetics often feel cold and unnaturally uniform.
- Examine the Edges: On a raw edge of genuine leather, you can often see a fibrous, suede-like texture. The edges of synthetic materials are typically very smooth and sealed in a plastic-like manner.
- The Smell Test: Real leather has a distinct, rich, and earthy scent. If the bag smells strongly of chemicals or plastic, it’s likely made from a synthetic material.
Why Does the Type of Material in a Designer Bag Matter?
The choice of material is not just about aesthetics; it’s about the entire experience and lifespan of the bag. As craftsmen who work exclusively with full-grain leather, we believe in the unique journey each natural hide offers. The material dictates how a bag wears, how it ages, and how it feels in your hands day after day.
Highly processed and coated leathers like Saffiano offer incredible practicality. They resist scratches and water, making them perfect for a durable, everyday workhorse bag. They maintain their brand-new look for a very long time, which is a significant advantage for many users. The trade-off is that they don’t develop a rich patina—the beautiful darkening and softening that occurs with natural, less-processed leathers over time.
On the other hand, natural grain leathers like Vitello or Nappa offer a more direct connection to the material. They are softer, more pliable, and tell a story as they age. Every small mark becomes part of its history. This philosophy of celebrating the material’s inherent character is the foundation of what we do. It’s a choice between pristine durability and evolving, natural beauty. Neither is “better,” but they offer profoundly different ownership experiences.
So, What’s the Verdict on Furla’s Leather Quality?
Furla has earned its place as a respected name in the accessible luxury market by skillfully balancing Italian design with quality materials. When Furla uses real leather, it is generally of very good quality, offering durability and a premium feel that aligns with its price point. Their use of Ares (Saffiano) leather, in particular, is a smart choice for creating stylish bags that can withstand the rigors of daily life.
Ultimately, the question isn’t just “Is it real leather?” but “What kind of material is right for me?” Furla provides excellent options across a spectrum of materials, from tough and practical leathers to fun and modern synthetics. The educated consumer is the empowered one. By understanding the differences, you can choose a bag that not only looks beautiful but also perfectly suits your lifestyle and what you value most in a finely crafted accessory.
