Since 1864

Piazza del Duomo in Milan in a historical illustration

1840

The origins of our history and the “Leggerissimo” trunk

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

Rocco comes from a family of artisans, first dedicated to carpentry and then to trunk making.

The Industrial Revolution and the development of the tertiary and transport sectors represent an opportunity that drives Rocco to relocate his business to the Lombard capital, in Via dell’Arcivescovado.

Illustrated diagram of the Franzi Leggerissimo trunk with technical details

Among the most appreciated creations, the “Leggerissimo” (“Ultralight”) trunk stands out as an emblem of Franzi’s innovative spirit.

Designed to reduce the overall weight of travellers’ luggage, the trunk made it possible to significantly lower transport costs while still ensuring sturdiness and durability over time. This trunk received numerous awards, both nationally and internationally, leading to Franzi’s initial success.

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Pink illustration of the Franzi Leggerissimo trunk
Historic Franzi store in black and white

1864

The beginning of luxury leather goods sector

In the luxurious Via Manzoni, Felice Franzi, Rocco’s ambitious son, officially founds Valigeria Franzi in 1864.

Felice’s passion and dedication allow Franzi to guarantee the highest level of material quality, artisanal craftsmanship and sturdy structures to withstand long journeys.

Inspired by some already established competitors in Europe, Franzi hires the most skilled French and Austrian artisans and imports modern tanning techniques from Germany, creating the first Italian luxury leather goods district. The rapid growth of the business leads Felice to open a full-fledged factory, not only for the production of suitcases and trunks, but for all kinds of leather goods.

Vintage Franzi technical catalogue
Historical portrait of Felice Franzi

1877

Royal recognition

In recognition of his achievements, Felice Franzi is appointed Knight of the Crown of Italy and, in 1878, Officer of the Crown of Italy.

Historic Valigeria Franzi sign with medals and royal recognitions

Felice elevates «Premiata Ditta Franzi» to serve the Royal Houses of His Majesty Vittorio Emanuele II, His Royal Highness Prince Umberto, Queen Margherita, the Royal Prince of Naples, His Royal Majesty of Naples, His Royal Highness the Duke of Aosta, the Count of Turin and the Duke of the Abruzzi. The House of Savoy grants Franzi the privilege of using the crest of the Royal House.

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1900 Universal Exposition in Paris with the Eiffel Tower

1900

The international success

Franzi takes part in several National and International Exhibitions, receiving numerous medals and awards. On the occasion of the 1900 Universal Exposition in Paris, the brand receives a gold and a silver medal, confirming its superiority over the other European brands.

Historic Franzi trunk, open

1905

International expansion

Following the success of the Milan store, Franzi expands its dream and retail network beyond Italy. Expanding the boundaries of luxury, Franzi becomes the first manufacturer with an international commercial network, with stores also in London and Vienna.

Crests of the Royal Houses supplied by Franzi

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

The Conceria Monzese factory

1912

The birth of Conceria Monzese

From his travels in Asia and his stays in China and Japan, Oreste Franzi imports innovative carpentry and leather tanning techniques.

Conceria Monzese becomes one of the first factories in Europe to produce leather treated with plant-based agents, embracing the theme of sustainability already at the beginning of the 20th century.

1926

Oreste Franzi’s innovative spirit

Oreste embarks on a new venture by founding the “Società Anonima Fabbrica Italiana Bottiglie Isolanti”.

The Thermos produced by Oreste Franzi are used by Umberto Nobile during his expedition on the Norge airship to the North Pole.

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Colorful Franzi trunks

1920 - 1930

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

Historic Franzi factory seen from above

1943

World War II

World War II deals a severe blow to the Franzi company. The Milan factory on Via Boscovich is destroyed by the bombings of 1943, together with the original store in Via Manzoni.

Franzi’s new Milanese store designed by Carlo de Carli

1946

The reconstruction

Architect Carlo de Carli designs Franzi’s new Milanese store in the historic Via Manzoni.

The emerging Milanese design culture and Franzi’s history meet, resulting in an innovative and cutting-edge space.

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Franzi factory in Affori

1950

The post-war years

The brand’s recovery is supported by the opening of a new imposing factory in Affori.

The new factory is so large that it requires a dedicated railway siding and houses a school for the workers’ children.

Arflex interior with Nappa leather produced by Conceria Monzese

1967

Franzi and Italian design

The brand works ever more closely with the design and furniture industry.

Cini Boeri designs the “ABS Partner” work briefcase for Franzi, innovatively combining plastic materials and precious leathers.

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De Padova interior with Nappa leather seating

The “Nappa” leather produced at Conceria Monzese is used for interiors designed by Arflex and De Padova. It is an extremely soft and elastic leather, suitable for furniture with feather-filled upholstery.

ABS Partner briefcase designed by Cini Boeri
Classic Ferrari with Franzi leather interiors

1960 - 1970

Franzi leathers’ success

Appreciated for their durability and quality, the leathers from Conceria Monzese are used not only by the leather goods industry, but also by the design furniture, naval and automotive industries.

Talented designers and prestigious brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Lancia use Franzi leathers for their most sophisticated creations.

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Vintage Franzi technical catalogue
White Franzi handbag on historic trunks

1980 - 1990

The brand’s slowdown

The commercial activity of the Franzi brand gradually declines, progressively transitioning into leather production and third-party manufacturing, until the closure of the last production facility in 1998.

Classic Ferrari with Franzi leather interiors

2021

Franzi’s new chapter

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

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

Created with the noblest materials by expert hands and at the same time conceived in functional and modern way, Franzi luxury is aimed at the most discerning consumers, seeking uniqueness, tradition, authenticity and a sophisticated yet discreet style.

Exquisite elegance, innovation and exclusivity bring Franzi’s creations to life.

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Our exclusive
creations

Discover the entire collection and let yourself be inspired by timeless details and elegance.