These are the words of Hicham Benmbarek Sheraian otherwise known as “Ben” creator and founder of leather accessory brand Benheart located in Florence. We have talked often about him here at Italy Magazine, telling the story of how he created one of the most beloved artisan leather brands in Italy after surviving a life-saving heart transplant.

His belts, jackets, shoes and bags are iconic and cool, designed by Ben and built to last by hand by artisan producers based in the Tuscan countryside. n the years since he opened his first shop in Florence the brand has expanded worldwide; from France to Japan and the first US location opened only recently in Beverly Hills, California.