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Joe Floto - founder of Floto Imports ... It all started in 1997 when Joe Floto took a trip to Italy and brought back what later became the inspiration for the Venezia Duffle. While in Florence, Joe stumbled upon the perfect travel bag - moderately priced, rugged, and vintage yet modern. Over the years, Joe noticed two things - his leather duffle began to look better as it aged and he couldn't take it anywhere without someone asking about it - Where did you get that bag? How much was it? Where can I get one? Realizing an opportunity to try something new and fun, Joe left a job on Wall Street to design and make travel bags and accessories.

Hand-crafted in Tuscany of fine Italian calf-skin leather, Floto luggage is an updated twist on a timeless, old world classic appreciated for its handsome lines, feminine appeal, chic styling and durable nature. Every Floto leather bag is a hand-finished original work of art complete with distinctive hardware and finishings. Built to last by skilled Italian artisans, Floto luggage is old-world quality for today's fast lifestyle. Over time the more distressed the better. The marks, worn seams and traveled look age with the bag to create an even more attractive version then the first time it's worn.

Floto Imports designs and produces leather bags, luggage, handbags, briefcases, wallets and leather accessories. The mission of Floto Imports is to stick with old world craft methods and materials to produce leather bags, luggage, briefcases, wallets, and accessories that are superior to mass produced products.

Floto Imports leather bags have been featured in various magazines such as Hamptons Magazine, New York Magazine, Marie Claire, Bene, Lucky Magazine, Life and Style Weekly, Self Magazine, and Grazia. Clients include David Letterman and Chelsea Clinton. Floto also custom makes large orders for parties and corporate events - Walt Disney ordered Venezia Duffles for the 2004 Oscars.


What makes Floto leather better?


Floto leather is not only better, it is the eco-friendly, socially conscious alternative to chemically treated leather!

Floto Leather is vegetable dyed with European Finish. Normal leather is dyed with a Solid Clear Finish.

Let's compare the differences:

 Solid Clear Finish European Finish
 Hard to the touch Softer to the touch
 Does not break in as well
 Breaks in better
 Does not recover well from scratches and scuffs
 Recovers better from scratches and scuffs         
 Better stain protection
 Good stain protection

 Chemical Color Coating Vegetable Dye Color Coating
 Less vibrant color                      
 More vibrant color
 Smelly Brings out natural smell faster
 Worse for the environment Better for the environment
 Costs less Costs more

Solid Clear Finish vs. European Finish:

A solid clear finish is a constant clear coat that completely seals off the leather. It is hard to the touch and sometimes "cardboardy". In extreme cases it can crack or flake. A European Finish consists of microscopic particles that bond together and form the clear coat protection. This creates a leather that is softer to the touch and breaks in better over time, while at the same time offering good protection against stains. Left untreated Floto leather takes on a cool "bomber jacket" look. If maintained annually with Lexol conditioner it stays new.


Airline Restrictions

All Floto leather travel bags and totes will fit into the overhead bins of large jets; however, the larger bags (Venezia Grande, Positano Grande, and Milano Trolley Large) might have to be checked. The overhead bins on turbo props and small airplanes are too small to fit our larger bags (Venezia Grande, Positano Grande, and Milano Trolley Large).

The formula used to find the maximum carry-on size for most airlines is as follows:

Maximum Carry-on Size = 45 Linear Inches. Or, Length (in inches) + Width (in inches) + Depth (in inches) = 45 Inches.

Our experience and feedback from customers is that checking your bag depends on the mood of the airline on the day that you travel. Floto leather bags are soft and even the larger totes and duffles can be compacted to fit restrictions if they are not completely packed.

Product Weights

Floto leather duffles and travel bags weigh 4-5 pounds on average. The larger travel bags (Venezia Grande, Positano Grande, Milano Trolley, and Venezia Garment Bag) weigh 6 pounds. Floto briefs, minis and handbags weigh 2-3 pounds on average. Floto canvas resort bags weigh 2-3 pounds on average.

Detachable Straps are standard length - 38-40"

Monogramming - we presently do not offer this service.

Custom colors and designs - we do not offer this service.

If you have any additional questions or comments please e-mail us.

Thank You! Grazie!
         
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