THE ART OF LEATHER

A father-and-son workshop in Senegal

The Art of Leather begins in a small Senegalese workshop, where a father and son make leather accessories by hand. The craft has developed over more than forty years and is now shared between generations. Simple tools, experience and close attention to the material shape the work. The workshop gives the story a specific centre: people who know their craft through doing it.

Recycled leather sourced from Italy becomes the starting material for new pieces. Its journey connects an existing material with the decisions of the maker. Cutting, stitching and finishing bring it into a different form, while the finished accessory carries the character of handwork. The accompanying images and film offer a closer view of the people and setting behind the story.

Looking closely at handmade leather

When you look at a leather piece, begin with its construction. Follow the outline, the way the panels meet and the placement of its handles, straps or pockets. These features explain how an object is intended to be used. They also make workmanship visible at a scale that a photograph of the complete silhouette can sometimes hide.

Texture deserves the same attention. A close view tells a different story from a distant one: the surface, the edge and the meeting of materials become easier to see. For MARR, the interest in leather includes both the finished shape and the skill that gives it structure. The workshop story asks you to give that skill a little time when choosing a piece.

Three ways to explore the leather selection

The Nala Leather Vest brings recycled leather into clothing. Its distinctive 3D utility pocket and front zip give the vest a clear visual identity. The pocket introduces depth into the surface, while the sleeveless shape offers room to work with different layers. Its product page gives the available sizes and a measurement chart for comparing the fit.

The Pagne Tissé Leather Bag brings textured leather together with a traditional Senegalese woven fabric front panel. A structured shape frames the contrast between the two surfaces. The top handle and adjustable crossbody strap give different carrying options, while the clasp completes the front of the bag. Here, the meeting of leather and cloth becomes the central detail.

The Sac de Voyage takes the story into a larger travel shape. Handcrafted in a small atelier in Senegal using recycled leather, it has a structured interior, top handles and a detachable shoulder strap. It is made to order and requires approximately three to four weeks to be ready before shipping. That production time is worth considering when planning a trip or choosing a gift.

Choosing for the way you will use it

Think about the role you want the piece to play. A vest changes the outline of an outfit; a compact crossbody keeps the focus on a smaller object; a weekender needs to work around what you carry. Looking at the dimensions, carrying options and garment measurements helps connect the design to your own routine. Photographs can show the character of a piece, while those practical details support the decision.

Care also belongs in that decision. Leather finishes and woven panels can need different treatment, so follow the instructions supplied with the item and contact MARR for advice about the specific piece before cleaning or applying a product. The material descriptions on each product page are the place to check what is stated for that item.

Knowledge carried forward

The workshop's significance lies in the continuity of its practice: a skill learned through repeated work and shared across generations. That thread connects this story with MARR's beginning in a mother's atelier. Both place knowledge, observation and the work of the hands at the centre of clothing and accessories. Looking closely at the finished piece is one way to keep that connection in view.