Whether you’re a committed vegetarian or not, there’s a lot to be said for vegetable leather. That’s why this week we’re profiling the luxury Spanish accessory brand La Portegna, which opened its flagship London store last year.
Founded in 2009 in Madrid, La Portegna makes beautiful handcrafted designs in leather and canvas, with products ranging from slippers to bags, cases and small leather accessories in straightforward, functional designs that will appeal to discerning travellers. Portegna is the name for Europeans that immigrated to South America – fitting since the company was founded by José Urrutia who was inspired by the travels of his grandmother in the 1930s and 1940s, which included trips with Ernest Hemingway.
“We work with natural materials such as certified vegetable tanned leather, a certified EU ecologically friendly process,” says Urrutia. “We dye our leather with a natural dyed pigment and Spanish olive oil. Not only is this an eco-friendly process, which is a very important for us as a brand, but vegetable tanned leather ensures that the product looks organic and genuine. This process means that any La Portegna piece will age gracefully, developing a stunning patina and will look like how all leather should look – real.”
The range includes men’s belts, briefcases and wallets, alongside women’s handbags, rucksacks and clutches, as well as luggage and shoes in a variety of colours and styles. If you like the personalised touch, you can even add your initials onto each piece.
La Portegna’s flagship store is located at 26 Marylebone High Street in London.
+44 20 8001 7850
