On the occasion of Pitti 108, Il Bisonte is celebrating its 55th anniversary by opening its Historical Archive to the public for the first time, and presenting a new collection inspired by models from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. This collection is envisioned as a true manifesto of the timeless beauty that has always distinguished the brand’s products.
THE SS26 COLLECTION
Drawing inspiration from models and prototypes preserved in Il Bisonte’s extraordinary historical archive, the SS26 collection reinterprets the brand’s most authentic stylistic and artisanal traditions through a contemporary lens.
The names chosen for the lines – 1970, 1978, and 1990 – directly reference the years the archive models were originally designed, celebrating the timeless savoir-faire of artisans who, generation after generation, transform creative experimentation into the bags and accessories that define Il Bisonte’s unique style. The new color names – Pontormo Orange, Vasari Beige, and Botticelli Blue – symbolize the brand’s deep connection with Florence’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. Characterized by a responsible design – essential yet unmistakable – that is altogether unconcerned with seasonal trends, the new lines share a timeless aesthetic. They are crafted using Il Bisonte’s iconic vegetable-tanned leather and raffia (including a striped version) – materials long cherished by the brand’s devoted followers.
THE NEW LINES
Distinguished by its unmistakable trapezoidal shape which faithfully reproduces a 1970 archive model, the 1970 line includes a tote and crossbody bag crafted from vegetable-tanned leather and cotton canvas that come in either solid colors or the brand’s iconic blue-and-white stripes. The line is introduced by a special Anniversary Capsule collection in 100% made-in-Italy vegetable-tanned leather and striped raffia, available online and in stores starting June 2025.
The rounded flap is the defining feature of the 1978 line, directly inspired by a highly successful collection launched the very year it is named after. This line includes three models: a tote bag, a handbag that can also be worn over the shoulder, and a crossbody, all crafted from vegetable-tanned leather and lined with cotton canvas.
The 1990 line draws inspiration from archival designs, which in turn were influenced by traditional fisherman’s bags. Crafted from vegetable-tanned leather, this collection is distinguished by its large, practical pockets secured with buckles, allowing for effortless organization and easy access to essentials. The line includes styles for both women and men. The offerings for women include a backpack, two crossbody bags, a shoulder bag, a wallet, and a bracelet. For men the 1990 collection features a large backpack, a belt bag, a crossbody bag, a passport holder, and a phone pouch with detachable strap.
Last but not least, the Mini line features three small yet truly iconic keychains – perfect to attach to bags – that miniaturize three of Il Bisonte’s most emblematic archive bags: the Caramella (1973); a timeless bucket bag with signature drawstring and tassel from the 1980s; and the Le Laudi shoulder bag, a major hit from the 2020s.
THE NEW CLASSICS
On the occasion of Pitti 108, Il Bisonte also unveils new classics that complete its most beloved collections from recent seasons.
New models – comprising a clutch, hobo bag, and handbag – expand the Atelier line, known for its luxurious smooth leather, curved brass closure, and suede-lined interior.
New versions in high-quality raffia, lined with Il Bisonte’s iconic blue-and-white striped cotton canvas, enrich the collection of clutches featuring the unmistakable Manuela retro-style clasp – now also available in suede – and the Le Laudi line, which includes a bucket bag, shoulder bag, and crossbody.
Responsibility Rooted in Tradition
Just like Il Bisonte’s very first creations crafted in the historic center of Florence 55 years ago, all the bags and small leather goods featured in the SS26 Collection are produced exclusively in the artisan workshops comprising the brand’s supply chain, all within a 30-Km radius of its headquarters in Pontassieve.
Every photo from the new collection’s launch campaign was shot in Tuscany, amid landscapes that best reflect the deep connection between the beauty of Il Bisonte’s products and the brand’s birthplace.
A MAGAZINE AND AN EXHIBITION DEDICATED TO THE HISTORICAL ARCHIVE
To mark its 55th anniversary, Il Bisonte is publishing the fifth issue of its magazine, entirely dedicated to its Historical Archive, which will be open to the public for the first time during Pitti 108.
“Our archive,” explains board member Hideo Shiomoto, “is made up of over 3,000 bags and prototypes. We’ve curated a special selection of the archive in the magnificent frescoed rooms of Palazzo Corsini, overlooking the courtyard where – back in the 1970s – trucks would be loaded with products that were destined to find a special place in the hearts of customers all over the world. The rest of the archive is kept at our production facility in Pontassieve, because that’s where it continues to serve its original purpose: to remind us of the importance of our past, to inspire our present, and to guide us toward the future.”
Within the pages of the magazine, this enduring bridge that indelibly links today’s brand with its origins, takes shape through a timeline that begins with the 1970 collections and flows, full of wonder, all the way to the SS26 collection.
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