Luigi Locati began his trade of craftsmanship with embroidery of bible covers, located in the heart Milan’s artisan quarter. His passion then extended to Petit Point, expanding his business and area of expertise. A precious gift from the wife of Luigi added a new specialty,a sophisticated loom that produced stunning weaving patterns of fabric, known as the Mesh technique. The Smocking technique was later introduced, applying it in a new modern way, giving a unique look to the handbags of Locati. The Locati Dynasty continues with the same passion and attention to detail that began over one-hundred years ago in a little handcraft shop in Via Sambuco.
Dynasty Techniques
Mesh
Leu Locati proudly holds one of the only functioning machines left which produces this stunning mesh technique in a variety of fabrics. By weaving cotton, metal and leather threads, beautiful zigzag like patterns are made, usually coated with 24k gold or 1000 silver to bring an even more precious product to customers.
Diamond Smocking
The technique acquired from the Medieval times give a fresh look of the sculptural effect on handbags. The grid-like pattern work is used with materials, ranging from satin, crushed velvet and even precious skins such as crocodile.
Petit Point
Taken from the technique to make exquisite carpets, the same procedure is used on textile support and stitched with silk using very tiny needles to make images possible in 15 points that include 225 stitches per sq. cm. The craft is hand woven over a brass frame plated with 24 karat gold or silver that can take up to 400 hours to finish.