Craft the Leather is an international experiential training programme organised by the Genuine Italian Vegetable-Tanned Leather Consortium, inviting students from leading fashion and design institutes to immerse themselves in the Tuscan Leather District. I participated in the 2026 edition as a representative of AMFI, following the full production chain — from tannery floors to artisan workshops — and working directly with natural vegetable-tanned leather under the guidance of master craftspeople.
SkillsImmersion in the Leather District
One week hosted in Tuscany, tracing the full lifecycle of vegetable-tanned leather — from raw hide through tannery production to finished craft. Visits included working tanneries, the district’s water purification plant, artisan botteghe, and museums in Florence.
Master class & hands-on workshop
Worked directly alongside traditional leather craftspeople, learning finishing, stitching, and personalisation techniques on a range of natural veg-tanned leathers using traditional tools and materials. The workshop emphasised material-led experimentation over prescribed outcomes.
Collection development (in progress)
Back at AMFI, developing a three-piece collection of personal accessories using leathers selected during the Tuscany workshop. The starting point is the natural character of the leather itself — its patina, texture, and the marks of its making.