Here we work with a master craftsman who constructs an initial prototype and oversees a sampling process for each new design – a process than can take anything from three months to a year. We are very particular about the finer detail and quality of finish and we only sign off a final sample for production when we are certain our design has been interpreted faultlessly in his hands.
On to production. This process is split up into various stages amongst a small number of differently trained artisans, who (with over three hundred years of leather working heritage to draw on) have a specific skill or expertise required for each design – expertise that has been passed down from generation to generation within the local community. Each piece is constructed by hand with the use of sewing machines and cutting knives.
The two factories we have partnered with are small, family owned and demonstrate high levels of employee satisfaction. They are closed throughout the month of August, observe all Spanish holidays and Fiestas and their daily working hours while starting early, include the recommended breaks for breakfast, lunch and a siesta.
STOW visit Ubrique regularly throughout the year and are in weekly, often daily contact with the owners of our partner factory.