A Zagliani piece is recognisable at first touch. The brand is renowned for its innovative treatment of exotic skins to produce a soft, lightweight, buttery feel truly unlike any other. The designer behind the brand’s current incarnation is the former dermatologist, Mauro Oritetti-Carella, who applies his experience and techniques to make handbags smooth and beautiful — by injecting silicone and resins to dramatically soften the skin. Sought-after by celebrities and enthusiasts alike, the company deliberately does not make as much as the market demands. As the designer puts it: “We are concerned about the use of too many skins and will only work in an ethical and environmentally responsible way.” He describes his design process as “simple”: Starting with an exploration of colour, each collection is a result of a developed language of ideas and considerations, merging craftsmanship and an expression of beauty that goes far beyond fashion.