Holiday gifts from Tuscany: Wallets, elephants and handbags, oh my!

November 4, 9:05 PMItalian Living ExaminerSerenella Leoni

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Note from Serenella: In September 2005, I was leading a women’s tour of Tuscany.  While in the wonderful town of Lucca strolling through my favorite spot,  Piazza Anfiteatro (Amphitheatre Square) we happened upon an a burst of color in the window of an intriguing new store.  Needless to say, we all rushed in and bought leather goods as Holiday gifts to bring back home.  Now you too can purchase these great items online.  Following is the story of Mywalit:

Imagine an explosion of color, creativity and elegance - this is Mywalit.

Mywalit was founded in Lucca, Italy in 2005 when Chris and Atya Howell opened their first shop in the old Roman amphitheatre, at the heart of the cosmopolitan shopping district in this historic town in Tuscany.

Chris and Atya were transplants from the grey skies of the north of England with every intention of retiring in sunny and beautiful Tuscany.  However, like many people with plans to retire, Chris found it difficult to leave the work he loved.  So, together with his wife Atya, he began a new project using the knowledge and expertise gathered from 20 years in the leather industry.

Despite the soporific effect of the Tuscan sun, he returned to designing wallets and unique colorways and began production of leather goods with his friend and business partner in Thailand.  The elephant, one of the national symbols of Thailand, was incorporated into the Mywalit  logo to pay tribute to this country and its craftsmen.

When these first models appeared in the shop, which opened in July 2005, they were a huge success! Within six months Mywalit began to sell its creations to other retailers.  Since then, they have experienced rapid growth and now have offices in the United States, Australia, Japan and the Far East. 

In addition to their monobrand stores in Lucca and Pisa, Italy, Mywalit recently opened a new shop in Florence.  Their products are also sold worldwide in department and designer stores, leather goods shops, duty-free shops, boutiques, and museums.

Mywalit’s multicolored elephant logo and endless color combinations make their creations original and immediately recognizable.  Their products come in delightful colors such as Pacific Multi (various shades of blue), Jamaica (reds and oranges), Purple Haze (reds and purples) and, of course, Toscana Multi which includes the beautiful colors of Tuscany.  Because, as Chris often says, “color is what life is all about.”

They originally concentrated on creating colorful purses and wallets.  They have enriched their collection to include colorful handbags for day and evening, travel accessories, and a classic, yet unique business line featuring laptop cases and organizers.

Their bold color combinations, attention to detail in manufacturing, and use of the finest soft nappa leathers has quickly built their reputation for quality and individual design.  

1. Matinee Purse/Wallet in the newest color -  Ultra Blue Multi
2. Large Coin Purse - now in all the multicolor combinations
3. Slim Credit Card Holder -  A simply satisfying innovation!
4. Travel Document Wallet - The newest range in soft and supple Sara leather

Mywalit website: 
www.mywalit.com.  (Buy online)
http://www.mywalit.com/site/shops/worldwide-shops/  (Find a list of all their retail stores).

For more information on Italy and on how to live the passionate Italian lifestyle of great food, wine and attitude, visit the Toscana Mia Blog

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