Sustainability and craftsmanship leather: Ubrique, Cádiz
- Inspiration and Tradition
- Sustainability and Southern Values
- Brisa
- Platero
Discover first-hand how and where Ubrique leather handles and trims are made at Villagrán Leather, the family-owned artisan company responsible for their production.
Seville-based brand esPattio has incorporated Ubrique leather into its designs. The handles of Brisa and Platero are examples of how they are starting to use this prestigious handmade finish on their products.
Ubrique leather is the most sought-after leather in Spain, and some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands have their bags made in this small town in the mountains of Cadiz.
How are these finishes made? What is the secret of these finishes? Thanks to the production of Villagrán Leather, a partner company in Ubrique, it is possible to learn about the entire handmade production process and unravel the secrets of this millennia-old leatherwork technique.
Villagrán Leather, leather craftsmanship and quality that stays in the family
Villagrán Leather is a company that has been a symbol of leather craftsmanship in Ubrique since 1991. Two of the partners were Enrique and Juan Villagrán, two brothers whose surnames eventually gave their name to a company that was born as a cooperative. As is customary in Ubrique, techniques and know-how are passed down from generation to generation, and today the family business is run by Melani, Juan Villagrán’s daughter.
Specialising in small leather goods, Villagrán Leather has been making suitcases, jewellery boxes, wallets, cigarette cases and all kinds of small leather goods for over three decades. Its handcrafted production, based almost entirely on manual skills, has made Villagrán Leather a highly respected company in its sector.
Thanks to the craftsmanship with which the handles and trimmings are made, esPattio’s products, which can be found in the following catalogue, obtain an added value of quality.
In this production, millenary tools such as the “patacabra” are used. Using them in the same way as our parents and grandparents did, is what makes Villagrán Leather the perfect partner for a brand like esPattio. In this way, it is possible to internationalise products, finishes and colours with its own production, with the characteristics of the South.
What makes Ubrique craftsmanship leather different?
As Melani Villagrán explained to the esPattio team that visited the town, the leather from Ubrique is the result of the work that professional craftsmen do on hides and leather. This is known as the leatherwork profession.
It is one of the most prestigious leather finishes in the world, and Ubrique is the production centre for some of the biggest luxury brands.
The leather itself is mainly imported from Igualada and Elche, and is of the highest quality, avoiding the use of toxic products. What makes it ‘Piel de Ubrique’ is the hand of the craftsman. There are techniques that require the ability to work with the hands, a lot of skill, a lot of dexterity… Although we have some machines that facilitate the process, the work by hand is still very important. The craftsman is the one who knows how to put the pieces together, how to construct them so that they are perfect, how to make the seams that are so important, how to know the finishes…’. Melani explains.
Ubrique leather also stands out from other materials when it comes to sustainability. Because it is more durable and can even be treated with certain creams, Ubrique leather products, such as a handbag, can last more than half a century in good condition, whereas plastic bags would start to wear out after three years. This longevity, so sought after by consumers, makes Ubrique leather a completely different material in this sector.
How are esPattio leather handles made?
Considered small leather goods, the handles used in esPattio products are no problem for the excellence of Villagrán Leather, which produces handles of the highest quality, beauty and reliability in a short time.
The process, which is entirely handcrafted, includes steps such as cutting, separating, sewing or painting, to produce the pieces that are later sewn to the designs to fill Platero or Brisa with mobility and aesthetics.
The sustainability and craftsmanship of Ubrique leather
One of the main concerns of the Forma 5 Group is its sustainability project. Concerned about the environmental impact of its production, Grupo Forma 5 is working to improve waste management, reuse and innovation with sustainable materials..
This commitment is shared by Villagrán Leather, which looks for ways to reduce its waste and tries to find a use for those kilos of leather that, when they arrive with wrinkles or defects, cannot be used to make saleable products. For this reason, Villagrán Leather uses part of this waste, the most usable part, to make key rings or other items that require little work and can be used as gifts or samples.
Ubrique leather for the future of esPattio
esPattio will continue to focus on leather details from Ubrique, internationalising the brand from the south through one of the most prestigious materials in the world of international fashion.
One of esPattio’s latest launches, the Platero pouf, can be fitted with an Ubrique leather handle to make it easier to move.
In addition, leather from Ubrique will be featured in the renovated showroom in Barcelona, where visitors, during this year’s parallel event to the international Orgatec trade fair, will be able to get a first-hand look at the leathers Villagrán Leather works with, the handcrafted tools they use and the final product.
Would you like to visit our showroom in Barcelona? Call this number to book your visit and see all the designs and products from Forma 5 and esPattio first hand. We look forward to seeing you!
