The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2021 - Issue 29

bitebags A chance meeting at a mutual friend’s baccalaure- ate exam in 2008 saw Carolina Boarini and Matteo Rodolfo Milanesi partner together to design their future. The duo, both born and raised in Bologna, Italy, in 1986 and 1989 respectively, first created an em- ployee wellbeing and team building consultancy company and then a luxury accessories brand. Founded in 2016, Boarini Milanesi celebrates Italian elegance, exceptional craftsmanship and the uniqueness of every client. Their first collection of five handbags took them over two years. The details were hidden from everyone, including their families, as they were not yet satisfied with the out- come. During a trip to Venice, they went out for a walk in the evening and came across a shop selling artists’ pigments. The brightly coloured powders caught their attention, and when they went inside, they discovered the time-honoured colours were used by the Great Masters such as Caravag- gio in their frescoes and paintings. Carolina and Matteo adopted these pigments to give their handbags distinctive bright and refined, art-inspired col- ours. Every Boarini Milanesi handbag is created to order for each client. Its brand name is embossed on the leather to give whoever is carrying its refined and straightforward style, specific class. In just a few years, the Maison has built up a loyal international clientele. With their headquar- ters in Bologna, the brand continues to create every hand- bag in their workshop. Since he was a child, Matteo Rodolfo has always loved cars and has been a professional go-kart driver since the age of 10. He studied Law at the University of Bologna. He con- tinues to run the consultancy firm he founded with Carolina and is co-CEO of Boarini Milanesi. Carolina represented Italy at the J8 forum held at the 31st G8 summit in Scotland. She studied Economics and Management at the University of Bologna. In addition to being co-CEO of Boarini Milanesi, she is also the creative director. Boarini Milanesi believes in the ability of humankind to achieve extraordinary things. “The skilled hands of our master craftsmen expertly cut the very best hides and fin- est leathers with extreme precision, always in pursuit of perfection.” Up to 40 hours is dedicated to creating every handbag with the craftsmen at the Maison’s workshop in Bologna, seamlessly blending antique stitching techniques steeped in the sartorial excellence of the 19th century with innovative assembly methods. While a client’s handbag is being made to order, they are transported into the heart of the Maison through photos and videos thanks to their designated Boarini Milanesi Client Relations Manager. The client is also invited to participate in live streams to get to know the craftsman who is making their bag and follow the various steps in its creation. “At the Boarini Milanesi workshop, our only goal is to create handbags with impeccable finishes that will stand the test of time.” The leather structure of each handbag offers unparalleled durability through a unique three-layer construction tech- nique. With the interior made from vegetable-tanned Tus- can leather generally used for making saddles, the method requires more time and skill but guarantees quality, dura- bility and sustainability. Six coatings of colour (instead of the standard three in luxury leatherware) are applied to the leather edges. A handcrafted precious or semi-precious gemstone is also found in every handbag. Boarini Milanesi handbags truly exude luxury and time- less Italian elegance. Libera in Fuchsia and Bois de Rose (Rosewood) Alpi calf leather with gold finishes and pink Mother of Pearl details has two handles, an inner pocket, a top folder flap closure, and a detachable shoulder strap. It is inspired by the myth of a young woman who is reborn every spring and celebrates every woman's independence. It can be worn on the shoulder or carried by hand for an unmistakable style and elegance on every occasion. Ninfa in Fuchsia, Briar Rose Stingray, Soft Klimt Gold and Boarini Milanesi Green in Alpi and Aposa calf leathers re- spectively, have an inner pocket, gold-plated hardware, magnetic closure and gold finishes. For prestigious occa- sions, carry the Ninfa Red Carpet in a choice of Dark Indigo Stingray, Tiepolo Rose Stingray, Soft Klimt Gold and Dark Ruby Red calf leathers. The purity of the Greek goddesses inspires both these styles. In a gorgeous Crimson Red Porosus Crocodile, French Red Alligator, Briar Rose Python, Venus Pink and French Red Ostrich and Primrose Yellow, Elegantia in Alpi or Aposa calf leather is a pure refinement for an effortless elegance day or evening. The handbag has a top handle, detachable shoulder strap, two inner compartments and inner pock- ets, and gold finishes with Mother of Pearl, Rose Mother of Pearl and Rose Mother of Cognac Quartz, Rose Quartz or Amethyst details. Another beautiful piece is Corsetto in Fuchsia, Woad Blue, Soft Terra D’Umbria Brown, and Caravaggio Black Calf Leather with stitching details inspired by the 18th-century corset. This refined contemporary design is perfect for a woman who is always on the go and wishes to add a touch of elegance to her everyday life. The tote designed in Alpi or Aposa calf leather has two handles, an inner pocket, a top foldover flap closure and palladium finishes with Rose Mother of Pearl, Mother of Pearl or Milky Aquamarine de- tails. Boarini Milanesi's Unus Atque Solus (Latin for unique) bespoke service enables the client to create their dream handbag through several stages, from the first drawing to the finished product. Their Expert Stylists will help the client choose from a dazzling array of beautiful gems such as di- amonds, rubies, emeralds, amethysts, sapphires, Paraiba tourmalines and others. The most exclusive leathers and unique colours are then chosen to complete your luxury personalised handbag. To get your exclusive Boarini Milanesi handbag, either visit Templum, the Maison’s headquarters in Bologna, Italy or place your order on their website, by email or phone. www.boarini-milanesi.com/en