Italian luxury brand Biagini is now available in Manila!
Originally founded as "Silvano Biagini" in Bologna, Italy, in 1968, Biagini is known for its exquisite bags, wallets, and belts.
Since 1999, the brand has been under the stewardship of the Amidei Family in Modena, Italy.
According to its official official website, Biagini is now led by founder Alberto Amidei, who oversees production, while his wife Enza is in charge of quality control.
Their children contribute to the brand's success: Elisa handles business management, Valentina develops the women's collection, and Luca manages small leather goods and the men's collection.
BIAGINI: NOW AVAILABLE IN MANILA
The celebrated brand is now in Manila, thanks to Corso Como 88, the multi-luxury brand store founded by the Filipina entrepreneur Imelda Menguito-Sciandra.
On July 2, 2024, celebrities and select members of the press, including PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), were among the first to preview the bags at the Corso Como 88's store located in One Ayala Mall, Makati City.
At the launch, Imelda revealed it had been her long-time dream to bring the luxury brand to the country ever since she first came across it during a trip to Italy.
Imelda told PEP.ph, "Mga 2012 ko siya nakita sa Florence."
She continued, "Actually, this love for bags and the Italian, the Made-in-Italy things, came about by us going around Italy.
"Konting gala, konting, you know, shopping.
"And then I saw Biagini in one of the stores. And then I really love the hobo bag with the python.
"Ang gaan niya for a python bag. Lahat ng colors niya gusto ko."
Imelda eventually met Elisa, learned more about the brand, and took the opportunity to introduce it to the Philippines.
She recounted, "Hinanap ko si Biagini and they're from Modena. And then I became friends with their daughter, si Elisa.
"And then she's very enthusiastic of, you know, showing me how they make the bags.
"Kasi tatlo silang, tatlong sisters and one brother. And then the dad is still alive who does the manufacturing.
"And they show me everything. So sabi ko, 'Oh my God, I think ng Filipinos will love that.'"
BIAGINI: DETAILS AND PRICE
GMA-7 actress Kyline Alcantara was among the celebrities present during the launch, and much like Imelda, she also fell in love with the brand's hobo bag called "Legenda."
Kyline told PEP.ph, "What I like about this bag is it's design, of course, it's very light. Ang dami kong malalagay sa kanya sa loob. I like also the fabric inside.
"And parang, I can use this everywhere. I can use this daily, I can use this to travel especially kasi it's a quite big, large bag.
"Everytime I travel, kasi dami kong dinadala lagi. And to me, it's very stylish. I find this very extra."
According to Corso Como 88's official website, the price of this bag in exotic skin starts at PHP95,000.
Another top-selling bag from this brand, according to Imelda, is the Animal Charm top-handle bag, available in various colors and featuring different animals.
"It's a statement piece," Imelda shared.
"This size is wonderful. [Puwedeng] evening, daytime, accent bag. Kasya ang phone, kasya everything."
According to the Corso Como 88's official website, the price for this bag ranges from PHP 95,000 to PHP 112,000, depending on the design.
Also available are small handbags and clutch bags, either in nappa leather and lambskin, with a starting price of PHP31,000.
CELEBRITIES AT THE CORSO COMO 88 X BIAGINI LAUNCH
In addition to Kyline, several other celebrities attended the launch event.
Corso Como 88's founder Imelda Menguito-Sciandra (third from right) personally welcomed Issa Pressman, Vanessa Matsunaga, Ruffa Gutierrez, Michelle Dee, and Pinky Tobiano (left to right) during the launch.
In the photo below, Michelle (right) with her Miss Universe Philippines 2023 batchmate Angelique Manto (middle) and her boyfriend, content creator David Guison (left).
Thumbs up from the actor Tony Labrusca for this black Legenda bag.
Actress Ryza Cenon picked her choice of Biagini bag.
So did Vanessa Matsunaga.
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