In the world of Made in Italy, there are stories that start with a simple idea and turn into global projects that combine design, technology and strong values. One such story is that of Piquadro, an Italian brand that embodies excellence in the leather goods sector, with a particular focus on the business and travel world. Thanks to the passion of its founder, Marco Palmieri, for innovation and functionality, the company has been able to combine the tradition of Italian craftsmanship with the latest technologies, becoming a brand unique in its kind.
The origins: from Emilia to the world
The history of Piquadro began in 1987, when Marco Palmieri, then a young engineering student, started producing leather goods for third parties. Ten years later, in 1998, Palmieri decided to launch his own brand, characterised by design, functionality and technology. At that time, laptops and electronic devices were becoming increasingly popular, and Palmieri was one of the first to recognise the need for bags and accessories that could protect technology without compromising on style.
This led to the creation of the first Piquadro brand products, a name derived from the mathematical formula “P squared” and playing on the initial “P”, which has the dual meaning of Palmieri and Pelletteria (leather goods). In 2000, the first single-brand boutique was opened in Milan, in Via della Spiga. This marked the beginning of a gradual but unstoppable growth that has taken Piquadro to major cities in Italy and abroad. In recent years, Piquadro has transformed itself into a true affordable luxury group, thanks to the acquisition of historic brands such as The Bridge in 2017 and Lancel the following year.
Functionality and technology at work for style
Piquadro is not just about leather and design: since its inception, the brand has focused on functionality. Bags, backpacks, and accessories are designed to meet the needs of modern professionals, with space for laptops, documents, and other devices. This approach is summed up by the internal slogan “Tech Inside”, which reflects the focus on practicality without sacrificing distinctive, contemporary Italian style. The combination of functionality and elegance has made Piquadro not only a leather goods brand but also a true point of reference for those seeking a product that blends practicality and technology. The company constantly invests in research and development, collaborating with designers and engineers to anticipate market needs and stay one step ahead.
Commitment for sustainability and environmental responsibility
In recent years, Piquadro has embarked on an ambitious sustainability journey. The group has declared its intention to become carbon neutral by offsetting its CO₂ emissions and adopting more responsible production and organisational processes. Part of this commitment includes the use of recycled and certified materials, such as nylon obtained from recycled industrial waste, and transparency through the PQ Recycled Index, an indicator that measures the amount of recycled material contained in each product. In addition, Piquadro contributes to reforestation initiatives through certified carbon credits.
Made in Italy today: balancing tradition and globalisation
While remaining deeply attached to Italian culture and aesthetics, Piquadro has also made strategic production decisions. Over the years, production has been calibrated to global market needs. Still, the company has moved towards reshoring, bringing more manufacturing back to Italy to strengthen its ties with Italian manufacturing tradition. This balance between global production and Italian roots is one of the reasons why Piquadro continues to be considered a significant example of how Made in Italy can innovate without losing its identity.
An evolving group
Today, Piquadro S.p.A. has around 1,000 employees and closed the 2024/25 financial year with a consolidated turnover of approximately €184 million, marking growth compared to the previous year. The futuristic headquarters, inaugurated in 2006, is located in Gaggio Montano, near Bologna, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, a region historically linked to craftsmanship and high-quality production. The company has been listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2007, an important step that marked the brand’s consolidation on the international market.
Innovation squared, passion squared
Today, Piquadro is much more than a leather goods brand. It is a brand that embodies a business vision focused on people, the environment, and the needs of those living in an increasingly connected and dynamic world. With its collections that combine aesthetics and technology and a serious commitment to carbon neutrality and the responsible use of resources, Piquadro is a concrete example of how the tradition of Made in Italy can dialogue with the contemporary challenges of sustainability and innovation.
Congratulations to those who bring quality Italian leather goods to the world!
Learn about other outstanding Italian companies in the world of fashion and accessories.