The making process.

We design and craft all our handbags and accessories in our small workshop in Sword, co Dublin.

All pieces are made entirely by hand without the use of any machines. They are cut, sewn and finished using only hand held artisan tools.

The handbags are stitched using 2 needles and a waxed thread. This centuries old technique called the “Saddle Stitch” is more durable than machine stitching because 2 layers of of leather are connected with 2 thread at the same time.

Our materials.

We source our leather from traditional Italian tanneries that use only vegetable tanning to process and dye the leathers. Our tanneries belong to the Genuine Italian Vegetable Tanned Leather Consortium - an organisation safeguarding traditional production and environmental processes, ensuring the finest quality and sustainability.

To find out more visit www.pellealvegetale.ie

As all our handbags are made to order and if you would like to see the leather prior to ordering you can get a free leather sample-click here.

What is vegetable tanned leather and how it’s made.

Vegetable tanned leather is processed using only plant based ingredients. These substances called tannins work by binding into the proteins in hides and protecting them against bacteria and other environmental factors-turning them into leather. Different tanneries use different recipes of plant extracts like berries, bark, leaves, wood and the tanning process is very long, it take up to 6 months.

Chrome v vegetable tanning. Know the difference.

Until 19th century vegetable tanning was the only way to make leather. Only 10% of leather on the market is vegetable tanned. 90% of leather goods in shops is made from so called-chrome leather and the vast majority of it comes from Asia, where commercial leather processing industry is one of the biggest pollutants of water due to to use of chromium based chemicals, which are also carcinogenic.

As opposed to industrial leather processing which is harmful for the environment, fast and cheap - veg tan leather is environmentally friendly, long lasting, biodegradable and known for its unique properties: colour, texture, smell and durability. The veg-tan leather darkens, softens and develops a shine with age, giving each item a patina-character unique to its owner.

You can find out more by visiting tannins.org

No animals are killed for leather.

A critical voice against the leather claims that the leather industry drives an increase in livestock farming, however the claim that animals (kettle) are raised and killed for their skins is completely unfounded. The hides are by-product of the meat industry and not used for making leather they would simply waste.

About the maker.

My name is Magdalena Galica and I’m a designer and maker behind the brand. I am a landscape architect by training and professional practice and my work is often inspired by both; the landscapes and the architecture.

Over the years I’ve pursued my passion for design and experimented in other fields like fashion design, arts and crafts which led me to discovery of the leather-crafting.

I’ve studied fashion design in Grafton academy, which gave me solid pattern making and technical skills and after completing a leather working course I have been working exclusively with leather for the past couple of years. All my work is created entirely by hand, with an aim of preserving this traditional craft and showcasing the beauty, authenticity and longevity of handmade leather goods.