Legacies Written in Leather
The artisans of of Cotacachi, a UNESCO-recognized craft center, have become masters of their craft though knowledge inherited across generations.
In an age of mass production and fleeting trends, these artisans represent something increasingly rare: the combination of profound skill with patient dedication. Each master craftsman brings years of experience to their work, having learned their trade from a young age through years of apprenticeship, observation, and practice.
Their techniques have been refined across generations; this is craft in its purest form: human hands guided by human heart, creating pieces of lasting beauty and enduring quality.
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San Franciso Leather
Shop SF LeathersJuan and Pablo are brothers, master craftsmen, and the fourth generation to carry forward their family's leather legacy.
Growing up in their father Paco's workshop they learned the craft through years of patient apprenticeship, working alongside the previous generation.
Their great-grandmother started what would eventually become San Francisco Leather, establishing a family tradition that has now spanned four generations. They specialize in minimalist designs and timeless pieces, using traditional tanning practices with natural dyes, vegetable tannins, and animal fats—the same methods their great-grandmother would recognize. This isn't just environmentally responsible; it's how leather was meant to be made.
Every item they make represents generations of accumulated knowledge. When they stitch a seam or select a hide, they're drawing on skills passed down through four generations. -
S&G Leather - Gladys and José
Shop S&G LeatherWith over 35 years of expertise, the Moreno Proaño family workshop is celebrated for crafting high-quality leather apparel that blends artisanal tradition with technical precision. Master craftsman José Moreno and designer Gladys Proaño combine their skills to create exclusive garments known for durability, flawless finish, and timeless style—each piece reflecting decades of refinement and a passion for craftsmanship.
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River'J All In Leather - Juan R.
Shop All-In LeatherAt just 11 years old, Juan R. left the countryside to begin his apprenticeship under master artisan Jorge Maigua and his wife, Mercedes Maldonado. By the age of 15, he had earned recognition as a skilled leatherworker in his own right—becoming the only member of his family to pursue the craft.
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Kalito G. - Artículos en Cuero Kalito
Shop Kalito CuerosKalito began learning the art of leathercraft at the age of 15, and has spent over two decades refining his technique and creative vision. Today, he designs and handcrafts his own pieces, blending tradition with personal style. Most of his work is sold through his brother’s shop in Cotacachi, where his craftsmanship has earned a loyal following and a reputation for quality.