It is among these storied men, in this timeless place, that Benjamin Babadi carves his name.
Launched in February 2024, Babadi’s namesake brand dropped its first collection, La Dolce Vita. Crafted by leather experts in Tuscany using premium Italian leather, Babadi’s handbags specialize in material that shines like a mirror and is buttery to the touch.
“My approach was to have a design that is unique, timeless, and versatile,” said Babadi about his debut collection. “The bag geometry is large enough to fit a phone and other small belongings and is well suited for a night out. The bag is crafted to truly stand out with its unique shape, shiny leather, and polished accessories.”
Available in a range of Tuscan silk leather—Silk Black, Passion Red, Light Blue, and Volcanic Orange—each bag features a hand-sculpted bamboo handle, a signature element of Tuscan design, along with a gold chain strap that doubles the piece as a shoulder bag or crossbody. Gold-plated hardware flashes on each front, crafted in the shape of the Benjamin Babadi logo, Bote-Jeghe, a Persian symbol of royalty that honors Babadi’s Persian heritage.
Lined with smooth Clarino Suede and propped upright by four gold studs at the base, La Dolce Vita’s bags shine Tuscan excellence in every flash of light, occasion, or outfit. Some hardware even sparkles with Swarovski crystal, elevating the design down to every stitch, accessory, and shade.
“I love working with metallic accessories because they offer pure shine, especially around the rounded surfaces,” said Babadi. “Each bag is all about creating unique and timeless designs, using premium quality materials, and unparalleled craftsmanship in production.”
The Benjamin Babadi masterpiece does not materialize overnight, however. Babadi studied at Stanford University for Electrical Engineering, which he merged with his artistic endeavors to produce clean, geometric designs in fashion.
“I believe that art and engineering are intertwined,” he said. “A good artist knows how to use engineering tools to be creative and craft beautiful artifacts.”
Seven years ago, the Benjamin Babadi handbag started as a passion project that skyrocketed into a luxury lifestyle product, thanks to the attention it received from family, friends, and Instagram followers all clamoring for a Babadi original of their own. Babadi paired with Italian designer Lorella Ceccanti, vice president of Associazione Bagartus, who designs, sources, and manufactures original handbags and accessories for Made in Italy brands.
Like the Tuscan leather craftsmen that came centuries before him, Babadi approaches his collection with a meticulous process that prioritizes hand-craftsmanship, Italian-sourced leather that undergoes six rounds of finish, and luxurious haute couture.
“All designs simply start as an idea in my mind,” explained Babadi. “I sleep on them and conceptualize them in my mind, merging both aesthetics and functionality. The next step is to sketch each feature’s details, then turn that sketch into a 3D rendition to assemble accessories, draft the wood forms, and create the pattern.”
From there, Babadi hops on a plane to Italy, where he works hands-on with his vendors to create a microfiber prototype. From an authentic family-owned pelletteria, Babadi’s prototype is honed to final perfection with Tuscan leather, hardware, and hand-crafted accessories.
“My relationship with my accessory designer is special because he is a true craftsman, and the parts are created in a small shop that is truly artisanal,” added Babadi.
La Dolce Vita captures the craftsmanship of the past while offering modern luxury’s chic edge. For all of the 18-ct gold, Swarovski crystal, and silky, shiny leather, La Dolce Vita honors traditionalism. The legacy of Tuscany’s leather-makers, both past and present, breathe with a Benjamin Babadi handbag. With each purchase, the customer becomes part of Florence, Siena, or Pisa’s storied past—one that is rooted in inimitable Italian excellence.
Shop the La Dolce Vita collection online at benjaminbabadi.com and follow him on Instagram at @benjaminbabadi.
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