Blue print: Fontana Milano 1915’s ‘A’ bag collaboration with Wallpaper*
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

It takes time to make one of Fontana Milano 1915’s ‘A’ bags. The family-run, Milan-based luxury leather goods house applies a century’s worth of accumulated expertise to each bag’s meticulous handcrafting.
From the careful selection of richly toned hide by the artisan cutters and the elimination of flaws, to the lining with soft nappa leather and the secure final stitching, the rigorously supervised process takes two or three days to complete.
Fontana Milano 1915’s 'A' bags on display in its Milan flagship
To mark Wallpaper’s 20th anniversary last September, we added a further twist. Working closely with Fontana Milano 1915’s Porta Romana atelier, Wallpaper* creative director Sarah Douglas conceived a bespoke ‘A’ bag – a birthday gift to ourselves. The lower half of the honey-hued one-off was handpainted in Wallpaper* Blue, the magazine’s signature tone, created in collaboration with British paper mill James Cropper. A leather keyring, rendered as the Wallpaper* asterisk, also swings from the handle.
Our makeover comprised an elegant redressing of a quietly iconic bag, which was showcased at a party at Fontana Milano 1915's Milan flagship last month. The event also showcased four new other ‘A’ bag designs, imagined in varying shades of blue. In wonderfully wintery hues, these creations sat amongst a snowflake inspired cracked glass set, conceived by Frederik de Watcher.
As originally featured in the October 2016 issue of Wallpaper* (W*211)
At an event at the brand's Milan flagship last month, four other bags in varying blue hues were also showcased
The bags were showcased against a winter-inspired set, conceived by Frederik de Watcher and created using smashed glass
The meticulously handcrafted 'A' bag takes two to three days to complete
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Fontana Milano 1915 website (opens in new tab)
Jack Moss is the Fashion Features Editor at Wallpaper*. Having previously held roles at 10, 10 Men and AnOther magazines, he joined the team in 2022. His work has a particular focus on the moments where fashion and style intersect with other creative disciplines – among them art and design – as well as championing a new generation of international talent and profiling the industry’s leading figures and brands.
-
Silver from X-rays recycled as sustainable jewellery by The Royal Mint
The 886 by The Royal Mint jewellery collection gives recycled X-ray films a new purpose
By Hannah Silver • Published
-
Ten classic fountain pens for the personal touch
Ten fountain pens, from timeless designs to sleekly machined modern writing tools, prove that perfect penmanship is just a gold nib away
By Jonathan Bell • Published
-
Arctic conditions shape pared-down house in northern Sweden by Claesson Koivisto Rune
Claesson Koivisto Rune’s new pared-down house makes a bold sculptural statement on the banks of Sweden’s Lule River, shaped by building regulations and its location’s Arctic conditions
By Jonathan Bell • Published
-
Sunnei launches its first Objects collection
Italian label Sunnei launches a range of lifestyle pieces, ranging from pillows to puzzles
By Laura Hawkins • Last updated
-
Aitor Throup launches first Anatomyland prototypes as NFTs
By Laura Hawkins • Last updated
-
Coperni harnesses Star Wars tech in new campaign
Innovative French label Coperni, launches its cutting-edge XR digital campaign ‘Ready to Care'
By Laura Hawkins • Last updated
-
The 3D-printed biobased opticals inspired by French cinema
Three new sustainable styles draw on the sultry French Riviera setting of Schneider’s 1969 thriller La Piscine
By Dal Chodha • Last updated
-
Mr Porter celebrates the mastery of Italian fashion
The luxury menswear retailer celebrates the impeccable craftmanship of Italian menswear with a capsule collection featuring Aspesi, Etro and Valstar
By Laura Hawkins • Last updated
-
Vintage-inspired denim from a heritage Italian brand
Over three decades of denim expertise lay the groundwork for Italian brand Jacob Cohën’s latest collection
By Josefin Forsberg • Last updated
-
The Mediterranean coastline inspires Chanel’s Cruise collection
The collection features trousers cascading with ruffles, bouclé skirts which unbutton to the thigh, dresses in fine transparent lamé and shiny Bermuda shorts
By Laura Hawkins • Last updated
-
Versace A/W 2020 Milan Fashion Week Women's
By Laura Hawkins • Last updated