• Álvaro creates one-of-a-kind saddles and leather equestrian equipment
• As an avid horse rider, he crafts his pieces to meet the needs of horsemen
• He invites clients to witness the crafting process of their objects

Born and raised in Argentina, Álvaro Cuitiño Fragapan has developed a saddlery practice shaped by the Pampas culture. As a child, he dreamt of having his own equestrian equipment shop, so he taught himself leatherworking and saddlery techniques. In 2007, Álvaro opened his workshop Talabartería Lapacho, where he creates a variety of leather goods, equestrian gear and accessories. He sources the leather himself, travelling twice a year away from his hometown and hand picking the high-quality organically tanned materials. "I enjoy every step of the making process," he says. "I build strong connections with my clients, especially when crafting saddles, because I aim to provide a bespoke and safe riding experience," he says.