Timeless Reverie: Inside the Artistry of Morabito’s Iconic Elegance
Introduction on Morabito
Originally a jeweler, Morabito soon expanded into bespoke leather creations, becoming a favorite of aristocrats, artists, and icons of the 20th century.
Over the decades, the brand has introduced a number of iconic handbags, each blending architectural precision with artisanal savoir-faire. Among its most legendary designs:
The Orsay Bag (1958) — originally created for Marilyn Monroe, this structured, feminine piece embodies the glamour of the golden age.
The Traviata Bag (1961) — inspired by opera diva Maria Callas, this signature design features Morabito’s emblematic lyre-shaped clasp, a symbol of artistry and grace.
Crafted from rare and exotic leathers in Morabito’s historic atelier on Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris, each piece is made entirely by hand — often taking hundreds of hours to complete. Today, Morabito continues to represent the pinnacle of understated luxury, with a legacy rooted in tradition, innovation, and quiet sophistication.
Over the decades, the brand has introduced a number of iconic handbags, each blending architectural precision with artisanal savoir-faire. Among its most legendary designs:
The Orsay Bag (1958) — originally created for Marilyn Monroe, this structured, feminine piece embodies the glamour of the golden age.
The Traviata Bag (1961) — inspired by opera diva Maria Callas, this signature design features Morabito’s emblematic lyre-shaped clasp, a symbol of artistry and grace.
Crafted from rare and exotic leathers in Morabito’s historic atelier on Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris, each piece is made entirely by hand — often taking hundreds of hours to complete. Today, Morabito continues to represent the pinnacle of understated luxury, with a legacy rooted in tradition, innovation, and quiet sophistication.
Orsay Bag
Introduced in 1958, the Orsay Bag was created when Marilyn Monroe sought a vanity case for her travels. The design was inspired by the classic travel vanity cases of the era, combining functionality with refined aesthetics. Its name likely references the Orsay area in Paris, known for its cultural significance, though this connection has not been officially confirmed by the brand.
Traviata Bag
The Traviata Bag by Morabito is a distinguished piece of luxury craftsmanship, introduced in 1961. It was created as a tribute to the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, inspired by her iconic performance in La Traviata. The design features a gracefully curved handle reminiscent of a harp, symbolizing the musical elegance of the opera. This bag not only showcases artistic beauty but also embodies the graceful elegance that Morabito is renowned for.
Vendôme Bag
The Morabito Vendôme Bag is a distinguished piece of luxury craftsmanship, introduced in the 1970s. It was created as a tribute to the iconic Place Vendôme in Paris, reflecting the elegance and prestige associated with the location. The design features a structured silhouette, often crafted from luxurious materials such as crocodile leather, and is adorned with gold-tone hardware, showcasing Morabito's commitment to timeless fashion and artisanal excellence.
Brand History
Founded in 1905 by Jean-Baptiste Morabito, a Neapolitan jeweler, Morabito began as a fine jewelry atelier in Nice, France. The house quickly expanded into luxury leather goods, creating bespoke evening bags for the Riviera’s elite.
By 1921, Morabito established a presence in Paris, where it gained a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship and innovation in luxury travel accessories. The brand distinguished itself through the use of rare and exotic leathers, meticulous hand-finishing, and timeless design.
Throughout the 20th century, Morabito became a favorite among royalty, celebrities, and high society. Notable creations include the Orsay bag, designed for Marilyn Monroe in 1958, and the Traviata and Verdi bags, tributes to opera legend Maria Callas.
Morabito’s legacy is built on artisanal excellence. Its Paris atelier continues to produce fully handmade, couture-level pieces, while a more accessible line is crafted in Italy. Beyond leather goods, the brand has also explored perfume and jewelry, always staying true to its refined aesthetic.
Now over a century old, Morabito remains a symbol of understated luxury — blending tradition, elegance, and craftsmanship for a discerning global clientele.
By 1921, Morabito established a presence in Paris, where it gained a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship and innovation in luxury travel accessories. The brand distinguished itself through the use of rare and exotic leathers, meticulous hand-finishing, and timeless design.
Throughout the 20th century, Morabito became a favorite among royalty, celebrities, and high society. Notable creations include the Orsay bag, designed for Marilyn Monroe in 1958, and the Traviata and Verdi bags, tributes to opera legend Maria Callas.
Morabito’s legacy is built on artisanal excellence. Its Paris atelier continues to produce fully handmade, couture-level pieces, while a more accessible line is crafted in Italy. Beyond leather goods, the brand has also explored perfume and jewelry, always staying true to its refined aesthetic.
Now over a century old, Morabito remains a symbol of understated luxury — blending tradition, elegance, and craftsmanship for a discerning global clientele.
