Saint Laurent have opened a brand new centre of excellence for accessories and leather goods in Scandicci, Florence, that will employ more than 500 skilled artisans and technicians. Known as the L’Atelier Maroquinerie, which translates as the Leather Goods Workshop, it will home Saint Laurent’s research and development activities, as well as producing prototypes, samples and bespoke items.

Francesca Bellettini, CEO of Saint Laurent says of L’Atelier Maroquinerie, “Bringing together the development of both accessories and leather goods, the atelier will be an environment for sharing expertise, generating ideas and encouraging experimentation.”

A specialist school has also been established on the site to train new hires and provide advanced courses for experienced personnel, as the site will also be the brand’s centre of excellence for repairs and after-sales support. The news is a further expansion of Saint Laurent’s high-craft learning and expertise.