THE 10 STEPS OF MAKING A NOSETTA HANDBAG
Nosetta was created to offer Made in Italy products at accessible prices, with a manufacturing philosophy that is 100% Italian, environmentally conscious and transparent.
We use high-quality, local fabrics to develop unique and long-lasting products. From cotton, linen and wools sourced from the Como area to Tuscan vegetable-tanned leather, we are committed to using the most qualitative sustainable resources the market can offer.
Valuing the traditions of our territory is fundamental. The Lombard artisans of leather goods take care of every step of the process, using know-how passed down from generation to generation.
To show you firsthand the passion and expertise that go into our products, we want to take you behind the scenes and show you the manufacturing process of our bags, step by step. The development process takes months from concept to a perfected product. Each Nosetta product takes days to be handmade and has dozens of complex components and workmanships.
1.DESIGN
It is the most creative part and there are no constraints. We start with our inspiration, considering input from the market and new sourcing proposals from our suppliers to define a new product concept. From an idea we begin to lay out shapes on the paper, defining the details, dimensions, and functionalities. Next is the selection of materials: combining fabrics, ribbons and leathers to find the most exciting solution and to begin to have a glimpse of what is to come.
2. PROTOTYPE
Using the technical designs, we work with our partners to realize the pattern and create the prototypes. The first model is in microfiber, which allows you to have a clear idea of the shape and volume.
The subsequent prototypes are made with the selected materials and there are continuous adjustments made to perfect the comfort, quality and functionality of the product. At the end of this phase, we have a perfected sample ready to be produced.
3. PRODUCTION PLANNING
Before beginning production, all the technical and economic evaluations are completed and orders are placed for the various components. We work with a select group of historical, world-renowned suppliers, such as Limonta Spa 1893 for the fabric or Tempesti Spa for the leather. Using top-grade materials from manufacturers that are leaders in the industry for decades, guarantees a very high level of quality and respect for the environment (ex. water recycling, the use of electricity from natural sources and maximum respect of labor laws).
4. CUTTING OF RAW MATERIALS
Once the materials have been delivered (fabrics, leathers, and ribbons), the cutting process begins. Each piece of fabric or leather is cut with the relevant pattern/cutting dies. In this phase, great attention is paid to the quality of the materials with a visual and manual check to recognize any possible imperfection.
The cutting process starts from the largest pieces to the smallest ones, trying to avoid waste as much as possible. For example, on a piece of fabric, first the large parts of a bag are cut and then proceed to the side parts and finally to the pockets. Eventually certain small pieces are used for other product models such as card holders or clutches. Often if the piece is large, CAD is used to optimize the cut with the computer intelligence.
5. LEATHER PREPARATION
We use exclusively vegetable-tanned leathers which have a natural finish and develop a rich patina with use and age. Vegetable tanned leather is produced with tree and plant tannins and with no toxic substances. Therefore, they are environmentally friendly, well-tolerated during use - especially by those with allergies and can be disposed of at the end of the product life with no risk to the environment.
The various leather components have different thickness requirements according to their function and workmanships. Each leather component will be evaluated and "skived" (thinned) to ensure the right thickness. Skiving is necessary for the leather pieces that need to be stitched with other materials or need to be folded.
6. PREPARATION OF INTERMEDIATE PARTS
When the individual parts are all ready, we start to combine and sew them to obtain intermediate parts. For example we couple the inside and outside of the bags and they are sewn together. The pockets are created separately and then sewn into the inner panel. The handles are created individually and then sewn into the correct panel.
7. FINISHING OF INTERMEDIATE PARTS
Particular attention is paid to the finishing for the leather parts. Multiple layers of paint are applied to the edges to increase strength and for an elegant finish. The internal labels are also individually prepared with painting on all edges. This phase is entirely manual and requires a lot of patience. There are down times because the components have to dry and often several layers of paint are applied.
8. ADDITION OF METAL PARTS
According to the needs of the bag, the metal parts such as zippers, magnetic snaps and hook closures are then added. Even at this step we pay the utmost attention to the supplier for his production process and the use of materials which are resistant and anti-allergic.
9. ASSEMBLY
It is the moment when all the parts come together. The interiors are sewn with the exteriors in a folded way, that is, with the interior in evidence. This allows you to hide the seams when the finished product is then turned upside down.
10. QUALITY CONTROL AND PRODUCT FINISHING
Once the product is finished, the bag is checked in all its parts for both functionality and aesthetics. It is then polished and placed in the protective dust bag. For those who do not yet know our dust bag is made with organic cotton from a company 30 km from Como, in compliance with our philosophy of a very short supply chain.
The bag is complete and ready for sale!
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