Last month we wished Judie happy birthday with the promise of a very special gift — a one of a kind Orbino Padova case for her iPad 2. Thanks to the generosity of Orbino’s owner Michael Ventre, we were able to make arrangements to get Judie a significantly discounted case made of the leather of her choice. Judie’s choice? No surprise … Crocodile! The MSRP on this unique case is $689, and that’s for the “standard” handmade by Italian artists, crocodile skin version.
Judie’s birthday case is not the standard case. This case is being made especially for her, and she even got to pick the crocodile leather color of her choice, rather than the brown that Orbino offers. After agonizing for several days over whether she should get something brightly colored, Judie decided to go with something timeless, a chocolate brown. Judie was offered the choice of one of the two hides above; she opted for the lighter, left-side skin.
Production has begun, and Michael has been kind enough to forward some initial images from the factory. As work progresses we will have more images to share so that you, Judie and I will be able to follow along every step of the way.
What follows are some images of the surrounding area, along with the first shot as work on the case begins.
The Museo Nazionale di Archeologia di Napoli: The workshop is located on a side street off of Naples’ archeological museum which holds many Roman artifacts from nearby Pompeii.
The side street that the Orbino workshop is located on. It is a street with many small workshops — woodworkers, metalsmiths, engravers, antique restorers. Our shop is located in a small courtyard at the top of the hill.
The doorknob at the entrance to the workshop
And finally we got word that the skin for Judie’s case had arrived at the factory and Orbino’s artisan, Ciro — the artisan who handles the special orders — is ready to begin work!
More pictures to come as the process unfolds; looking at them has made me want to visit the factory in person!
About Orbino’s new Padova case for the iPad 2.
Orbino cloaks your iPad 2 in this sleek hand engineered case. Our artisans carefully make this case in premium leather throughout, and close it with several dozen hand stitches.
Special features include:
A protective flap with invisible magnetic closure
A flap doubles as a viewing pedestal in both horizontal and vertical orientation
A Brushed metal home button
Orbino’s patented removable spring-loaded typing stand in polished brushed metal for typing at the ideal angle
An Optional removable shoulder strap for easy transport
A Unique form-fitting design stitched entirely by hand in Italy with premium high tensile waxed thread
And much more.
The Padova for iPad 2 cases start at $209 . Details and color/with the choice of four beautiful leathers; ostrich and crocodile are available, as well. You can order yours from the company site.
I’m excited! THANK YOU again! =D