Milan, 1865-1866

1840

Our story begins when Rocco Franzi moves his workshop to Milan and opens, near the Duomo, a small store specialized in the production of fine trunks and suitcases.

Rocco comes from a family of craftsmen, who first worked in carpentry and then built trunks. The industrial revolution, together with the development of the service and transportation sectors, represent a business opportunity that prompts Rocco to move his business to the capital of Lombardy, Milano, in Via Arcivescovado, near the Duomo.

Amongst his most loved creations stands out the "Leggerissimo" trunk, symbol of Franzi's innovative spirit.

Conceived to reduce the total weight of travellers' luggage, the trunk allows a considerable reduction in transportation fees, guaranteeing solidity and durability over time. This trunk receives numerous awards, both nationally and internationally, and determines Franzi's initial success.

1864

Felice Franzi, Rocco's ambitious son, officially establishes the “Valigeria Franzi” in the luxurious Via Manzoni.

Felice's passion and dedication allow Franzi to guarantee the highest level of quality materials, craftsmanship and solid structures to withstand long journeys.

Inspired by the refined products of the more established European competitors, Franzi hires the most experienced French and Austrian craftsmen and imports modern tannery techniques from Germany, thus creating the first Italian luxury leather goods district.

Valigeria Franzi, Original Catalogue from 1909

The rapid growth of the business, supported by the success of the famous "Franzi suitcase", leads Felice to open a proper factory, not only for the production of suitcases and trunks, but for all kinds of leather goods.

1877

Felice Franzi, in recognition of his successes, is appointed Knight of the Italian Crown and in 1878 Officer of the Italian Crown.

Felice Franzi - Founder of “Valigeria Franzi”

Felice brings Franzi to serve the Royal Houses of His Majesty Vittorio Emanuele II, His Royal Majesty Prince Umberto, Queen Margherita, the Royal Prince of Naples, His Royal Majesty the Duke of Aosta, the Count of Turin and the Duke of Abruzzi. e onorificenze della Valigeria Franzi

Franzi’s medals and awards

1900

Franzi charms Paris during the Universal Exhibition of 1900.

Franzi takes part in several National and International Exhibitions, receiving numerous medals and awards.

In particular, at the Paris Exhibition of 1900, the brand receives a gold and a silver medal, confirming its superiority over other European brands.

1905

Following the success of the Milan store, Franzi expands its dream and its network of stores beyond the Alps.

Franzi becomes the first manufacturer with an international retail network and opens stores in London and Vienna, on top of the Italian ones.

Franz Joseph I, Emperor of Austria

This allows the brand to become the official supplier not only of the Royal House of Savoy, but also of the Emperor of Austria, the King of Greece and the King of Egypt.

Franzi thus becomes the most aristocratic brand in the world, official supplier to 4 Royal Houses.

1912

Oreste Franzi, son of Felice and grandson of Rocco, founds “Conceria Monzese”.

Thanks to his travels to Asia and long stays in China and Japan, Oreste discovers innovative carpentry and leather tanning techniques.

Conceria Monzese becomes one of the first industrial plants in Europe to produce leather tanned with agents of vegetable origin, embracing the cause of sustainability already at the beginning of the 20th century.

1926

Oreste embarks on a new adventure by founding the "Società Anonima Fabbrica Italiana Bottiglie Isolanti".

Franzi through the brand "Thermax" introduces the first thermos bottles in Italy, also used by Umberto Nobile for his expedition to the North Pole with the airship Norge.

1920-1930

Franzi becomes one of the brands appreciated by the international jet set for its refined creations.

1943

World War II also hits the Franzi Company severely.

During the 1943 bombings, the Milanese factory in Via Boscovich is razed to the ground by the British Royal Air Force.

1946

Franzi participates in the Reconstruction of Italy and commissions the architect Carlo De Carli to design the new store in Milan.

Milan's emerging design culture and Franzi's tradition cross and the result is an innovative and avant-garde space.

De Carli conceives an ingenious modular element that works simultaneously as a shop window and as an interior display, maximizing and rationalizing space.

1950

The recovery of the brand is supported by the opening of a new imposing factory in Affori, in the outskirts of Milan.

During the years of Reconstruction, Franzi restarts, not only by opening a new store in Via Manzoni, but also with the inauguration of a new factory, which houses the most modern machinery and the most experienced craftsmen. The volume of business is such that it requires the construction of a dedicated railway yard.

1967

Franzi works more and more closely with the automobile and design industries.

The brand establishes collaborations with the design studio “De Padova”, which uses Franzi leathers to make some of the objects conceived by its designers.

The Nappa leather produced at Conceria Monzese and used for the interiors designed by Arflex and De Padova. An extremely soft and elastic leather, suitable for furniture with down filling.

Felice Franzi, carrying the same name as his grandfather, has the brilliant and innovative idea to ask designers to conceive new products for their collection.

With the brilliant creative spirit of the famous architect and designer Cini Boeri, a new office briefcase is born.

The model, which takes the name of "ABS partner", is made with a modern synthetic resin, while the inside lining is made of the finest Franzi leather. The “ABS” is now exhibited at the MoMA in New York and at the Triennale in Milan.

ABS Partner – MoMA, New York

1980-1990

The commercial activity of the Franzi brand gradually declines and the company progressively becomes a third-party manufacturer for the emerging talents of the time, until the closure of the last factory in 1998.

2021

The rebirth of Franzi opens a new chapter in the history of Italian leather goods.

Remaining faithful to the traditional values of craftsmanship and quality, Franzi redefines the concept of "Made in Italy" luxury.

Created with noble materials by expert hands, but at the same time conceived in a functional and modern way, Franzi’s luxury appeals to the most demanding consumers.

Exquisite elegance, innovation and exclusivity give life to Franzi's creations, carefully conceived and manufactured for the needs of women today.