INKOLIVES
Discover the story, craftsmanship and practical details behind Inkolives.
From how each piece is designed and made to ordering, leather care and the best ways to share the collection with your customers.
Crafted in Naples. Designed to Evolve.
Everything you need to know about Inkolives
Inkolives is probably the most personal collection within Importante.
The pieces are designed and curated in Sydney by Giuliana, then handmade in Naples by Ciccio and Giovanni, two artisans she first worked with in her early twenties.
Long before Importante existed, Giuliana spent time in their workshop, surrounded by leather, tools and the quiet rhythm of pieces being cut, shaped and finished by hand. Years later, that relationship became Inkolives.
Every collection brings together Giuliana’s eye for shape, colour and everyday practicality with the knowledge of artisans who have worked with leather for more than 40 years.
Nothing is rushed and nothing is over-produced. Each bag, belt and accessory is made slowly, in small quantities, by people who understand the material deeply.
Inkolives is not designed to remain untouched. The leather softens, darkens and develops a patina as it is used. Small marks and changes become part of the life of the piece.
The beauty is not in perfect uniformity. It is in the way each piece evolves with the person who owns it.
Inkolives is not about perfect, untouched leather. It is about pieces that show time, use and personality.
The leather is chosen because it changes. It softens, deepens in colour and develops marks and patina as it is worn. Every piece becomes more personal over time and reflects the life of the person carrying it.
When sharing the story with customers, focus on the people, the process and the way the leather evolves.
“Inkolives is designed in Sydney and handmade in Naples by Ciccio and Giovanni, the same artisans Giuliana worked with in her early twenties.”
“Every piece is made slowly, in small quantities, by artisans with more than 40 years of experience.”
“The leather is meant to show time and use. It becomes softer, richer and more personal the longer it is owned.”
“Small marks and variations are not faults. They are part of the natural leather and the handmade process.”
“No two pieces are exactly the same. Every hide has its own grain, tone and character.”
“The bags are intentionally unlined, so you can see the leather and handmade construction from the inside as well as the outside.”
“The same design can feel completely different in another colour because every leather responds differently.”
“This is a piece to live with, not to keep untouched.”
When presenting Inkolives in-store
Encourage customers to handle the leather, feel its softness and look closely at the natural grain and hand-finished details.
Where possible, show them the actual piece they will be purchasing. The natural variations are part of what makes each one individual.
It can also help to explain that Inkolives pieces are designed to age rather than remain perfectly new. The marks, softening and changes in colour become part of the story of the piece.
- Designed and curated in Sydney
- Handmade in Naples
- Made by Ciccio and Giovanni
- More than 40 years of leatherworking experience
- Giuliana worked alongside them in the workshop in her early twenties
- Produced slowly and in small quantities
- Made using Italian leather
- Many details are cut, shaped and finished by hand
- Natural variations in grain and colour are part of each piece
- The leather becomes softer and develops a patina with wear
- Ciccio often describes working with leather as his form of meditation
- Some of the workshop tools have been used for decades
- Every hide behaves differently, so the artisans adjust their work by eye and touch
- Small differences are not faults. They are signs of handmade production
- The same style can feel completely different in another leather colour
- The name Inkolives reflects the idea that the piece continues to live and change with its owner
Access product photography, videos, the Inkolives story and Meet the Makers content to help you share the collection in-store and online.
INKOLIVES
Frequently Asked Questions
ORDERING
Inkolives pieces are handmade to order in Naples.
Standard production time is approximately 6–8 weeks from confirmation, depending on leather availability and the artisans’ production schedule.
Yes. The minimum opening order for Inkolives is $1,500.
This allows you to create a considered range across bags, belts, footwear and accessories.
Yes. There is no minimum for top-up orders after your opening order.
Top-ups are subject to leather availability and production timing.
No. Inkolives is not ordered in packs.
You can select individual styles, colours, sizes and quantities to create an edit that suits your store and customer.
Yes, provided the leather and materials are still available.
Availability needs to be confirmed before the order is accepted.
Many styles can be made in different leather colours, depending on what is available in the workshop.
Our team can help confirm the suitable colour options for each style.
Leather colours can change from season to season and may not always be available again.
If the original colour is unavailable, we can check whether a similar option or another suitable leather can be used.
PRODUCTS
The Inkolives look is designed to show time and use.
The leather is not intended to remain perfectly smooth and untouched. It softens, deepens in colour and develops marks and patina as it is worn.
These changes are part of the character of the piece and allow it to become more personal over time.
No.
Leather is a natural material, so grain, texture, colour and markings can vary between pieces.
Small differences in hand-finishing are also part of the handmade process. These variations are not faults. They are part of what makes each piece individual.
Yes, and it is meant to.
The leather will soften, deepen in colour and develop a natural patina through handling and everyday use.
Each piece will evolve differently depending on how it is worn and cared for..
Natural leather can show scratches, pressure marks and signs of use.
Over time, many of these marks blend into the leather and become part of the overall patina.
Different leather colours can completely change the feeling of the same design.
A darker colour may feel more structured or refined, while a lighter or warmer colour may feel softer and more relaxed.
The grain and finish of each leather also respond differently to colour, making every variation feel individual.
No. Inkolives bags are intentionally unlined.
This allows the natural leather and handmade construction to remain visible from the inside as well as the outside.
Most straps are adjustable.
The product photography will show the strap design and how the bag can be worn.
Some styles can be carried or worn in different ways, depending on their handles and straps.
Check the product photography and product information for the specific style.
Yes. Product dimensions and relevant strap measurements are included with the product information where available.
Contact our team if you need additional measurements or help comparing styles.
The weight depends on the size, design and amount of leather used.
Inkolives bags are made from genuine leather and are designed to feel durable and substantial, while remaining practical for everyday use.
SIZING & FIT
Inkolives belts use Italian sizing.
The size generally refers to the measurement from the buckle to the middle hole. Product-specific measurements should be checked before ordering.
Custom belt lengths can also be requested at the time of production.
Inkolives footwear uses Italian sizing and is generally true to size.
Customers should normally select their usual European shoe size.
Fit can vary slightly depending on the style and shape of the foot, so we will provide specific fit notes when a design feels narrower, wider or more generous.
Check the product dimensions and photography to understand the scale and capacity of each style.
Our team can also help compare styles and recommend options based on whether the customer needs an everyday bag, a smaller crossbody or a larger travel style.
CARE & LONGEVITY
Leather responds best to gentle care.
We recommend:
- keeping it away from prolonged moisture and strong heat
- avoiding harsh chemicals and household cleaners
- wiping dust with a soft, dry cloth
- allowing wet leather to dry naturally
- storing it away from constant direct sunlight
- using a suitable leather conditioner sparingly when needed
Always test any leather-care product on a hidden area first.
Blot the moisture gently with a clean cloth and allow the leather to dry naturally.
Do not use a hairdryer, heater or direct heat, as this can dry, shrink or distort the leather.
Yes, but only occasionally and in a small amount.
Use a conditioner suitable for natural leather and test it first on an inconspicuous area. Conditioner may deepen the leather colour.
Yes.
Prolonged direct sunlight can fade or unevenly change the colour of leather. This is especially important for stockists displaying pieces near windows.
We recommend rotating displays and moving leather products away from constant direct sun.
Avoid leaving leather products in strong sunlight for long periods.
Bags should be supported so they keep their shape, and heavy bags should not remain hanging by their straps for extended periods.
Encourage customers to handle the leather so they can feel its softness and see the natural grain.
Store bags in a cool, dry place.
Fill them lightly with tissue or soft material to help maintain their shape. Avoid overfilling them or hanging heavy bags by their straps for long periods.
Small surface scratches can often be softened by gently rubbing the area with clean fingers or a soft cloth.
The warmth and natural oils may help the mark blend into the leather.
Do not use harsh products or attempt aggressive cleaning.
Ciccio and Giovanni can repair pieces, but returning an item to Italy is not always practical.
In most cases, a skilled local cobbler should be able to repair or replace straps, buckles and fittings.
Contact us first if you are unsure about the best repair option
BUILD YOUR Inkolives STORY
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SHARE THE INKOLIVES STORY
Access product photography, videos, the Inkolives story and Meet the Makers content to help you share the collection in-store and online.