Ciao! I'm Graciela, the Co-Founder and creative mind behind Pitti Vintage, and I’d love to share my journey with you.

FROM MEXICO CITY TO THE BIG APPLE

From a young age, I’ve been captivated by beautiful and interesting clothing. Growing up in Mexico City, I studied fashion at the University of Fashion Jannette Klein, and later, to broaden my horizons, I moved to New York City to delve deeper into Fashion Design, draping, patternmaking, beading on fabric, and fabulous haute couture techniques at the Parsons School of Design and FIT.

FLORENCE

In 2004, amidst the enchanting streets of Florence’s Oltrarno neighborhood, between Piazza Pitti and Piazza Santo Spirito, a vintage treasure was born—a haven painted in playful pink stripes, echoing the old French melodies that once filled the air. Adorned with glittering antique crystal chandeliers and curated with exceptional Italian and European vintage clothing and accessories, this boutique was a dream brought to life- literally. It also showcased a unique collection of garments, thoughtfully designed and handcrafted by me, with loving management by my husband Luigi Capeto, and the adorable black pug Maya, always by our side.
 

THE PIVOTAL MOMENT

During a weekend getaway to Apulia in 2011, my husband and I had the opportunity to rescue two adorable dogs we found wandering the streets, Sara and Chicco. Their rescue opened my eyes to the importance of animal welfare, inspiring me to make better choices. From that moment on, our family grew, and Pitti Vintage took on a new direction. Pitti Vintage evolved into something much more meaningful—a passion for creating cruelty-free handbags with exquisite Florentine craftsmanship. 

Wanting to honor the stories of Sara and Chicco and avoid using animal leather, I researched quality Italian cruelty-free materials and I designed and crafted my first bag, which many people asked me to make for them. So I decided to create a four-piece collection and showcase it by launching it online. The positive response from the global vegan community was overwhelming and inspiring. That’s when I realized I could make a real difference, contributing to saving animals from the cruelty of the fashion industry through beautiful, ethical accessories.

MATERIALS MATTER
Because I deeply love and respect animals, I am committed to using 100% cruelty-free, recycled, and innovative materials such Piñatex—a plant-based material made from pineapple leaf fibers, free from harmful chemicals, with a low environmental impact, sustainable, vegan, and  PETA Approved (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). 

While some outer materials of my bags may contain plastic, I see this as a more sustainable alternative to traditional leather, which has a heavy environmental and ethical toll. The fashion industry’s use of animal leather contributes to significant greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and health hazards for those involved in leather production, nearly 90% of whom suffer from health issues caused by chemicals. Choosing plant-based and recycled materials helps me reduce this impact and aligns with my mission to create a more sustainable and compassionate fashion industry.

HANDMADE IN FLORENCE
I’m a proud Mexican Designer living in Italy, and it’s an honor to be part of the Made in Italy tradition. Every bag, accessory, and piece of jewelry is thoughtfully designed and handcrafted by me in my studio, located in the heart of Florence. This gorgeous city, renowned for its centuries-old craftsmanship and leather industry, presents a significant challenge for a sustainable brand. But things are finally changing. Each of my products bears the responsibility of preserving this craftsmanship heritage, reflecting a commitment to maintaining high standards of quality in cruelty-free products, complemented by friendly and attentive service.

MY MISSION
It is clear: to protect animals from the fashion industry by creating high-quality, ethically produced, crafted bags, accessories, and jewelry from innovative materials, bringing joy and deep respect for both animals and the environment. 

Thank you for taking the time to read and share this journey with me!

Are you in Florence and want to see my bags? To book an appointment CLICK HERE

I'd love to meet you!

Graciela :)

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