As chain stores and mega-brands continue to multiply, it’s hard to shake the fear that Florence’s beloved artisan culture is on its way out. But fine Florentine craftsmanship is alive and well at JT Casini, the leather atelier headed by Italian-American designer Jennifer Tattanelli. Though JT Casini pushes the envelope and continues to put Florence firmly in the international fashion spotlight, they also adhere to time-honored traditions. Few companies can boast such a balance.
Florence atelier
It’s all rooted in Jennifer’s upbringing, which was equal parts international and old-fashioned. Born to an American mother and an Italian father, she was nonetheless raised in what she calls a ‘very traditional household,’ which inevitably influences her designs. Remaining deeply committed to her family ties, Jennifer works tirelessly to continue the practices her grandmother pioneered, but she always aims ‘to put a little spin on it and bring forth great fashion.’
A stateside show
Though JT Casini is a thoroughly Florentine company, their international presence continues to evolve. Already vaunting ateliers in London and the Hamptons, the Tattanelli team is steadily conquering all corners of the map: for several years now, they have been exhibiting their collections at stateside trunk shows, and by popular demand they’ll soon be launching them in Canada.
Rather than seeking to corner the world market and oust competition, the team focuses on showcasing fine Florentine products all over the globe, while gaining a better understanding of customers’ tastes. No matter how much the company grows, JT Casini will remain loyal to its Renaissance-city roots. ‘Florence is the heart of it all, where it all started,’ Jennifer explained, quick to add that the intimate environment JT Casini provides does not differ from one city to another. ‘We offer this type of setting so that our clients can interact directly with me or my stylists, who are industry experts…[This] differs from an everyday shopping experience.’ This detail-oriented approach is what distinguishes a JT Casini atelier from mediocre market stalls and standard boutiques.
London atelierPrioritizing each customer, JT Casini offers first-tier service and an individualized experience. Modifications to existing items can be made, but some customers take things a step further, acting on their own creative visions by commissioning pieces. Jennifer explained that there are three degrees of JT Casini tailoring: ‘made-to-order,’ ‘custom made’ and ‘bespoke’—the latter is the pinnacle of personalization, like haute couture for the leather world.
‘Made-to-order means, for example, that a client wants a product as is, but in a different color from the current season’s color swatches,’ Jennifer explained. Something can be custom-made, by contrast, when a customer has particular changes in mind: perhaps the current collection has their would-be dream purse, but the design needs a bit of fine-tuning—shortening or lengthening the handles, substituting one color for another or even switching up the material entirely.
The most exclusive and luxurious type of customer collaboration is having a bespoke product handcrafted—a chance for the client to construct the bag or garment of their dreams. With all the prestige of a privately commissioned artwork, the intricate process is the polar opposite of ‘instant gratification’ shopping: ‘Measurements are taken and the product is made from scratch according to the cli ent’s specifications,’ Jennifer said.
Spurred on by the curiosity surrounding these tailoring techniques and JT Casini’s day-to-day operations, the team launched a collaboration with Tauck Tours, allowing visitors to get an exclusive look at the atelier. Participants get the VIP treatment: a car service takes them to the atelier, where they are then introduced to the production process. Besides getting this behind-the-scenes experience, visitors also get hands-on: after learning about leatherworking techniques, they have the chance to make their own key chains.
With all the new developments, we had to ask Jennifer what projects were in the pipeline for JT Casini this year, but the Tattanelli team can’t reveal much, keeping everyone on their toes. ‘I don’t want to give any juicy details away, but we’re working hard every day to push our limits, while maintaining the same attention to details,’ Jennifer said with a smile. Sharply sophisticated and decidedly discreet—much like the brand she embodies.
Hamptons atelier
Jennifer Tattanelli
Atelier in Florence
Piazza Pitti 31/r
See the video, made by communications company Flod, all about Jennifer Tattanelli’s business, Under My Skin: microfilm.flod.it/project/skin.
