Angela Caputi, from Florence, is the master in playing with vitro-resin and colour, employing only made in Italy materials. She has been in the market for over 30 years offering really singular models (bulky irregular transparent and golden bangles, rope and plastic star-shape multicolour collars...); she has collaborated with Ferragamo and Dior in some of their defiles and has been awarded with the Premio Firenze Donna of Arts, along with Alberta Ferretti.

Atellier de Montsalvy is the brand used by French Richard and spouse for their hand-made collections. The uniqueness of their creations lies on the assemblage of the different pieces of Bohemian and Venitian glass, crystals, lam-worked flowers and gold-plated foils, resulting in outstanding intricate collars that embellish the simplest garment.

Croxe', from Barcelona, has been awarded in the recent Eclat de Mode Paris trade show in Jan'09 as well as winning the Avant-garde price in Eurobijoux 2007. His art of mixing Swarovsky crystals, Murano Glass, rope, silk threads, metal beads... not only makes his hand-made limited edition creations absolutely distinctive but touches the souls of women from the teens to the 60year-old.

The creations of La Civetta are a true delight. Not only they are all handmade in Italy with the finest materials, but as well they are all unique in the world. Katia does not repeat one single design and moreover she uses vintage pieces in her creations such as buttons from the first Dior & Chanel garments or 1920's brooches. The style is baroque, osée... so IT!

CAT-B, stand for Catharina Birkel, a German jewellery designer that moved to Rome and decided to combine her jewels with handbags, and sell them "just" in Via della Croce (near the Spanish Steps, along with Prada, Valentino and Louis Vuitton flagship stores). Each piece designed by CatB defines a common element in a new and different way: its eye-catching limited edition handle. Not only all her handbags are hand sewn using top quality Italian leather (from Tuscany), but they are numbered and made to order. Most importantly, either with her models combining classical shape bags with different leather textures or with her ultra-modern designs in Ferrari red colour... she manages to pass through one and only message: class.

Laura di Magio, from Milan, proposes since mid 80's an easy-to-wear range of ever so smooth hand-made leather bags, using colour combination as her distinctive mark: white and coral, light purple with camel.... From the genuine "cuoio" maxi size, passing by the suede and raffia summer carrier to the piton evening clutch, she offers unique pieces for every occasion and every age with a distinctive so-Italian and so feminine touch.

Pertegaz designs, from Spain, have been dressing the who is who since the 60's, such as H.R.H. Prince Felipe of Spain bride on her wedding day... Under Pertegaz brand, BEBEL offers leather handbags and purses, clutches as well as beach bags, designer watches and umbrellas. Pertegaz creations, with their define and sober lines and colours, suit the needs of a more classical woman and men.

Plinio Visiona',from Vicenza, will be available at BEBEL from December 09. Presenting top of the range handbags and purses, all Made in Italy, Plinio Visiona' just celebrated its 50th anniversary. They propose a wide range of products for all ages and taste, from the classical to the edgy, available in all colours of the season.

Pasotti Obmrelli, from Mantova (north of Italy). The Pasotti family has been designing and creating umbrellas since the 50's. Now, with the third generation in command, they sale in over 50 countries... only in selected boutiques, such as Sacks 5th Avenue and Harrods' , because what they do are mainly limited edition umbrellas and parasols. Their designs are splendid: they combine different fabrics and ornaments as decor; the umbrellas are sewn by hand; the handles are just IT, with stones matching the colour of the fabric! ; They use Swarovsky crystals and costume pearls..... I could go on and on about it, but the fact is that you have to see them to really get the sense of beauty about them.

I personally define Nanni as the Jimmy Choo of the belts. Vittorio Nanni has been designing belts since the early 80's. He is the one that got the belt from being "a simple accessory" to become a whole fashion icon: his elegant, non conformist, ironic and visionary style not only anticipates the trends but it stimulates the market. Nanni belts are created following one only rule: beauty. Hand worked metallic chains intricate with each other, feathers and exclusive fabrics encircle strass, crystals and natural or lacquered stones... and one can even wear a bracelet matching the exclusive belts. This 100% Made in Italy designer belts have found loyal customers in over 15 countries around the world, becoming a "Must Have" particularly among the show bizz world and Hollywood (remember Pretty Woman? Julia Roberts was wearing them in it...).

Capogiro Firenze, is one of the leading Italian manufacturer of hats. What make their hand-made hats so special are the originality and the usage of colour that they employ to create unique collections that manage to follow the fashion trends of the moment and be a trend-setter at the same time. Capogiro covers all styles of hats: from the soft cloth to the dandy, from the bonnet to the cow-boy and what I believe is their distinct, the "Pamela" hat.

Zamboni creations leave anybody speechless. Employing only mesh and resin pearls/Swarovski crystals, she gives volume to collars and chokers without weigh. The delicacy and elegance of every single one of her pieces had got her into the Metropolitan Museum of New York.

Frandami has been producing clutches in Barcelona, Spain, for over 60 years, either through their own brand or for major fashion names. They specialised on hard Plexiglas creations, full of colour possibilities and embellished with astonishing Swarovski crystal compositions (they are appointed "Crystallized") and metallic touches. The list of Frandami addicted celebrities all over Europe is... endless!