TL;DR if it does not have the shop logo, it was probably not made by the shop (reselling). Nice leather store with good customer service - I accidentally stumbled in here looking for their next door neighbor, Ibiz (I also reviewed them). I ended up buying several souvenir luggage tags (which the lady customized for me with my friends' initials), a wallet, and a belt (which was also custom fitted for me). However, Dario Alfonsi specializes in making leather CHAIRS (google their website). I was drawn to one of their leather bags, thinking they made it in house, but after popping into other touristy shops, I saw the same design many...many times. I felt really cat-fished, and the next day I returned to Alfonsi to exchange the purse for other souvenirs (I genuinely wanted to help a family owned business, but I wanted authentically made items, not mass-produced resold items). The lady was originally a bit standoffish and fibbed that her mother made it, but she eventually helped me with the exchange and even forgave the 5 euro price difference. Overall the experience was salvaged, but lesson learned: do your market research by visiting shops you would not buy from to see what they sell, and if you see the same design/leather texture/same price, it is probably...
Read moreThis is a hide gem in the heart ❤️ of Rome. The best experience during my trip to Europe. I found this store when I was doing some shopping to bring to USA. The store is beautiful! They have the factory in the back of the store. You can easily see the process when creating the leather pieces. The smell of leather is fantastic. The quality and detail of the pieces is high end. The service is outstanding!!! They exceeded my expectations. Francesca is extremely friendly and so passionate about the history of the store and their business. I believe the gentleman in the store was her dad. Very nice person. Very helpful too, guiding tourists like me on how to navigate in Rome. They will help you to personalize your pieces. They will wrap them as well. I purchased a small wallet to organized my credits cards and Francesca did a fantastic job wrapping it (see photo) I give not 10/10, I give 100/100 because they are amazing. I would recommend this store to anybody looking for leather products such as chairs, belts, purses, keychains, wallets, etc. The selection is amazing. Their prices are very competitive. ...
Read moreThe greatest leather shop in Rome!
Dario and Francesca’s shop is such an extraordinary place where you can really experience the most authentic made in Italy!
It’s a family owned business, which makes it even more special. Unfortunately, there are many touristy shops of forged leather in town so artisans like Dario and his family are a true blessing right now! I had the privilege to see them working on some handmade items they sell and it was so incredibly inspiring! Actually, I felt so bad when I heard some very rude clients asking for discounts. People should know that handmade leather is art and you have to pay for these artists’ work appropriately! Price is a number, value is priceless. Moreover, everything is really great value for money here.
If you want to experience the most authentic Italian leather workshop in Rome, you have to come here! In a world of fake things and people, let’s reward the little authenticity left.
P.s.: Dario can ship you his amazing chairs all around the world so you don’t have any more...
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