Furla
Furla S.p.A. is an esteemed Italian luxury company known for its high-quality leather goods and accessories. Founded in 1927 by Aldo Furlanetto in Bologna, Italy, Furla represents a long-standing tradition of expert craftsmanship and timeless elegance. The company began as a small business selling women's accessories wholesale and has since blossomed into a globally recognized brand.
In 1955, Furla opened its first store in Bologna, marking the beginning of its retail expansion. The 1970s saw the involvement of Aldo Furlanetto's children—Carlo, Paolo, and Giovanna Furlanetto—in the family business, which coincided with the release of Furla's first collection of bags. This period marked a significant milestone in the company's history, setting the stage for its future growth.
The early 1990s were pivotal for Furla as it began to establish stores and branches worldwide, signaling its transition into a global brand. In 2007, the company celebrated its 80th anniversary with the launch of the ""Furla Talent Hub Project,"" aimed at nurturing emerging talents. The following year, Giovanna Furlanetto founded the Fondazione Furla to further support young designers.
Furla's commitment to craftsmanship and innovation continued with the opening of its first flagship store in Bangkok in 2012, introducing a new store concept. By 2013, the company had expanded its presence in Asia, managing its distribution in Hong Kong, Macau, and China, and recording significant growth in the region.
In 2015, Furla solidified its status in the fashion capital of Milan with the opening of Palazzo Furla. Three years later, the company acquired the manufacturing plant Effeuno Srl in Tuscany, which was a strategic move to enhance its production capabilities. That same year, Furla's sales impressively more than doubled to 513 million euros, and the company completed the acquisition of its retail distribution network in China.
In a bold move towards sustainability, Furla declared in 2019 that it would only use faux fur in its collections. This decision reflects the brand's commitment to ethical practices and environmental responsibility.
Furla operates an omnichannel structure, integrating various physical and digital touchpoints to provide a seamless customer experience. The brand's collections are available in 850 points of sale worldwide, including multi-brand boutiques and department stores. Furla's retail network spans 50 countries with 457 points of sale, comprising 281 direct stores, 141 franchised shops, and 35 units in airports and railway stations.
In the spring of 2021, Furla inaugurated Furla Progetto Italia, a 43,000 square meter complex in Tavarnelle Val di Pesa. This hub includes the ""Furla Academy,"" a training program launched in 2018 in partnership with ITS Mita, designed to offer young artisans academic studies and practical courses.
Furla's product range includes handbags, accessories, small leather goods, and more recently, it has expanded to include belts, jewels, watches, shoes, and key rings. The company continues to sell its products online and through its own sales outlets, boutiques, and stores both in Italy and internationally.
With a rich history and a forward-looking approach, Furla S.p.A. remains a symbol of Italian luxury and a testament to the enduring appeal of quality and design.