meet ana
Ana del Río is the award-winning founder and creative director behind the brand. She earned a BA in Fashion Design, during WHICH she discovered her deep passion for leather. Since then, she has embarked on a creative journey to lead a leather revolution by fusing the rich traditions of leathercraft with innovative surface techniques. Ana's designs are deeply inspired by her Spanish heritage and the cherished memories of growing up in Madrid, resulting in timeless, contemporary leather creations that reflect a unique blend of past and future.
A LEATHER REVOLUTION
We are leading a movement that champions leather not just as a material, but as a canvas for innovation. With its incredible natural properties, leather allows us to push the boundaries of design. Our passion lies in exploring these possibilities, bringing something truly unique, fun yet also classic, to our creations. By merging the rich tradition of leathercraft with contemporary innovation and techniques, we are moving this timeless material forward into a new era of design.
Furthermore, as a byproduct of food industries we are very proud to use leather as it represents a sustainable choice that supports a circular economy by repurposing a material that otherwise would be discarded, thus reducing waste.
THE TRUE VALUE OF CRAFT:
THE unhurried art of lasting value
While we are committed to pushing the boundaries of design, our work is also deeply rooted in the timeless beauty of traditional leathercraft. Our studio is proudly based in Cockpit Arts, a leading center for excellence in craft. We believe in the unhurried art of slow making, where every piece meticulously includes techniques created by Making by hand.
This painstaking process and attention to detail are a source of great pride, resulting in pieces that are truly one-of-a-kind. In a world of mass production, our craft approach represents a true luxury. We don't simply create garments or interior pieces; we create works of art designed to be enjoyed and cherished for lifetimes.
MINDFUL CREATION, LASTING IMPACT:
BUILT TO ENDURE
We believe that true luxury is enduring, which is why we deliberately step away from the fleeting nature of trends and seasons. Our philosophy is rooted in mindful creation, focusing on crafting pieces that are not only beautiful but also built to last.
Every item is made with the intention of being loved for lifetimes and passed down through generations. Our commitment to quality extends beyond the exceptional materials we use; it is woven into every step of our process, ensuring each piece is constructed to endure. We aim for our designs to remain timeless, aging gracefully and telling a unique story with every passing year.
IGNITING PASSION, FORGING FUTURES: cULTIVATING TOMORROW’S LEGACIES
Beyond her creative work, Ana is deeply committed to empowering the next generation of talent. Through her roles as a Youth Advisory Board member for the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, a Judge and Ambassador for the Only Natural Student design competition, a Freeman for the Leathersellers and a volunteer for the "Inspiring the Future" campaign, she actively works to make a positive impact on the educational experiences of young people and aid those aspiring to have creative careers.
Ana hopes to create a meaningful impact on future generations by giving back to the industries and communities that have supported her on her journey so far.
iMAGE Credit: Sam FROST
HIGHLIGHTS
-Winner of the “Fashion Innovation Award” at Graduate Fashion Week 2023
-Winner of the Cockpit Arts x Leathersellers Award 2024-2027
-Winner of the Company of Leathersellers' Design Awards 2023
-Winner of the Overall International Award of the “Real Leather. Stay Different. 2023” competition
-Winner of the Overall UK Award of the “Real Leather. Stay Different. 2023” competition
-Winner of the International People’s Choice Award of the “Real Leather. Stay Different. 2023” competition
-Winner of the UK Apparel Award of the “Real Leather. Stay Different. 2023” competition
-Awarded the Special Mention for the Epson T-Shirt Competition 2023
-Awarded the Roadley Award 2023: Supporting Innovation in Sustainability
-2nd place in the Craft the Leather 2024 competition.
-Selected for the Craft the Leather 2024 project.
-Selected for the Artifacts Live: A Legacy in Leather 2022-2023 project.