Furla

Furla is an Italian luxury brand with a rich history that dates back to 1927. Founded by Aldo Furlanetto in Bologna, Italy, the company began by selling women's accessories wholesale. Over the years, Furla has become synonymous with high-quality leather goods, particularly handbags and accessories that embody Italian craftsmanship and elegance. The brand's journey saw its first retail store opening in Bologna in 1955, marking the beginning of its expansion into the consumer market.

The 1970s were a significant period for Furla as it was during this decade that the first collection of bags was released, setting the stage for the brand's future direction. The Furlanetto family, with Aldo's children Carlo, Paolo, and Giovanna taking active roles in the business, continued to build on the founder's vision. By the early 1990s, Furla had begun to establish a global presence by opening stores and branches worldwide.

In 2007, the brand celebrated its 80th anniversary with the launch of the Furla Talent Hub Project, aimed at supporting emerging talents. The following year, Giovanna Furlanetto established the Fondazione Furla, furthering the brand's commitment to nurturing new talent in the fashion industry. The company's growth continued with the opening of its first flagship store in Bangkok in 2012, introducing a new store concept that would be replicated in future locations.

Furla's expansion in Asia, particularly in Hong Kong, Macau, and China, was marked by significant growth by 2013. In 2015, the brand opened Palazzo Furla in Milan, cementing its presence in Italy's fashion capital. The acquisition of the manufacturing plant Effeuno Srl in Tuscany in 2018 was a strategic move that allowed Furla to double its sales to 513 million euros. That same year, the company completed the acquisition of its retail distribution network in China.

In a move towards sustainability, Furla declared in 2019 that it would only use faux fur in its collections. This decision reflects the brand's awareness of and response to contemporary ethical concerns in fashion. Furla operates an omnichannel structure, integrating physical and digital touchpoints to reach customers globally. Its collections are available in 850 points of sale, including multi-brand boutiques and department stores. The retail network spans 50 countries with 457 points of sale, comprising direct stores, franchised shops, and units in airports and railway stations.

The spring of 2021 marked the inauguration of Furla Progetto Italia, a new complex in Tavarnelle Val di Pesa that includes the Furla Academy. This initiative, launched in partnership with ITS Mita in 2018, offers young artisans academic studies and practical courses, emphasizing the brand's dedication to craftsmanship and education. In February 2023, Furla announced its spring and summer line ""Italy by Furla,"" showcasing the brand's continuous innovation and connection to its Italian roots.

Furla's story is not just about luxury goods but also about the people who make up the company. With over 45 different nationalities among its 2,200 employees, Furla is a testament to inclusiveness and multiculturalism. The brand promotes women's empowerment in the workplace, with women making up 85% of its workforce. It also invests in young talent, reflected in the average age of 35 years within the company. Furla's commitment to its employees is evident in its bonus system and corporate welfare initiatives, which aim to foster a sense of belonging and motivation among its global team.