The Story of Gilda Tonelli

Italy 1921 -- In Teramo, a small village near the Adriatic Sea, a leather craftsman named Francesco Tonelli legally incorporated his hundred-year old atelier. He named the firm after his mother -- Gilda Tonelli. Less than half a century later, Francesco’s son, Oracio developed and financed the business into a high- volume apparel manufacturer. As the firm quickly grew, he had much work for his sons to perform. Abramo, his youngest son, took over as President in 1990. Aware of the promising market potential for leather goods, Abramo concentrated on building the company’s reptuation for purses, briefcases, and shoes.

Products

GILDA TONELLI currently manufactures more than 500 kinds of handbags, purses, briefcases, spectacle cases, traveling bags, backpacks, wallets and shoes for men and women. His product line is famous for the substantial degree of craftsmanship by hand and its distinctive pricking-wheeled stitching. Another distinguishing characteristic evident in all Tonelli products is the experienced application of fashion design skill applied to costly, classic, high quality materials, including the finest calfskin leathers and other luxurious fabrics. Style, perfect construction, and refined details: the blending of these features make Tonelli products the very essence of quality.

Distribution

The Tonelli Group owns wholesale outlets covering all major regions in Italy plus retail stores in Milan, Florence, Rome and other cities. European sales are made direct to local resellers and to select distributors. GTonelli, Inc. has the exclusive distribution rights for Tonelli products in the Americas.

Alba-Adriatic Region (Val Vibrata)

Tonelli owns manufacturing facilities in this Region. They are in close proximity to plants that supply Gucci, Prada and Versace. Licensing and buy-sell agreements are maintained with many of these firms and plants for effective capacity planning and to stay ahead of “top end” manufacturing innovations and quality processes. Also located in this Region are numerous historical towns, castles, inns and wineries that appeal to experienced travelers wanting to escape the tourist hoards. If you are planning a trip to this Region, contact us for assistance on a few secrets. And if your trip timing is right -- Abramo may invite you to lunch in a small village that he claims has the world’s best pizza!