Anybody who wants to buy absolutely the best quality handbags, knows that Italian leather is the material of choice.

The names Gucci & Prada spring to mind in the first instance, but you don't need to look at only designer ranges to find great quality Italian leather handbags.

Key features of Italian leather handbags are that they are scratch resistant, durable and lightweight.

Italian leather is considered to be the best in the world because of its buttery softness and exquisite quality.

Traditionally, Italian leather comes from the hide of a cow, but there are some variations, such as crocodile and ostrich leathers.

Full grain leather is made from the very best raw hides, which have no imperfections such as marks or cracks. These leathers are extremely durable and tough, which means that they look better with age, softening and evolving a beautiful sheen.

Italian leather is not only used to make beautiful handbags, it is also the material of choice for manufacturers of top-end suitcases, wallets, purses and backpacks.