Call him the transcontinental trendsetter. Accessories designer Gabriele Corto Moltedo has got the global gypset gasping over his sumptuous bags. Combining a mix of the electric (think New York) with the ethnic (feel Italian), a Corto Moltedo bag has become the best acquisition for not just the beau monde of single-digit Paris but also for the mid-Atlantic posh posse. The seven-year-old label has won a cool following in the West for its insouciant spirit and quirky take on pop-luxe culture. The spunk lies in bold and beautiful colours, eye catching hardware, innovatively placed zippering and curvaceous proportions.
Handmade in limited quantities at his atelier in Florence, each Corto bag requires the dedication of three craftsmen with over 40 years of combined experience. Every bag is subjected to a lengthy and detailed process of construction and takes approximately two days to make, which means only a limited quantity of these beauties go out in the universe.
Although not formally trained in fashion (this polyglot studied art history from NYU and communications at Emerson College), bag making is in his blood. Gabriele Corto is the son of Laura and Vittorio Moltedo who founded the Italian luxury label Bottega Veneta in 1966–and sold it to the Gucci Group in 2001. A lifetime apprentice to his parents’ trade with a quintessentially Italian point of view, Corto, you could say, has spent his boyhood mastering the art, craft and heart of bag-making in the family school of fashion.
His products are sold through two directly-operated boutiques: one, a flagship store in Paris and a boutique in Milan. The designer also has an online boutique that ships products internationally, directly from Florence.
With a philosophy of modern aggressive glamour and fun combined with craftsmanship, Corto’s offerings include gold python clutches that say ‘You know you want me’ and acid green envelope bags adorned with a handmade gold metal leaf and ladybug. Last year, the designer collaborated with Cork-born IT costume jeweller Tom Binns to create a ‘Sunday Best’ clutch that sizzled with design drama. There were Christs affixed to the side of the bags.
This year, the Corto shopper bag with charming hidden compartments is the viable alternative for the smart set. But if you prefer something a little hauter for a cool soiree, get the Cassette Clutch, which is all set to become an urban legend, in options like green PVC, patent peppermint, dark mirror and purple lamé. Guess Corto Moltedo is on the right track.