20. Town of treasures

Angelo looked like a real angel. He lived in a small town in the north of Italy, Varese. This town is a historical centre of production of unique handicrafts — suitcases, travel bags, briefcases, and hatboxes. It was incredible that such a city existed! This place seemed to be ideal for what I wanted. I discovered the treasure of Italy!

I started working with Angelo. Three weeks later, as promised, I was holding my new clasp, made of light gold, in my hands - which felt like a most valuable piece of jewellery.

Angelo lived and worked in Varese his entire life, so he knew all the best artisans. Naturally, he introduced me to the best factories there. I loved that he knew everyone, and everyone knew him. It felt like one big family. Among the number of meetings, I liked one factory. It was in the mountains near Switzerland: a small, high-quality production owned by two brothers, looking more like Swiss than Italians. Everything there was clean, professional, secure, and reliable. They collaborated mainly with LV and other luxury brands. This was the best production I’d seen. Also, they didn’t say “impossible” as many times as others. I had a feeling they could create my bag.