Antonio García Enrile

The soul of Seville

• Antonio is well known for the use of Horween Cordovan
• Combining tradition and innovation is his mantra
• Seville is his source of inspiration

Antonio García Enrile started making leather items in his early teenage years, out of a personal passion and interest, having no family background related to this craft. He then went on to study marketing and take courses in saddlery and shoe pattern making, following the path of crafting leather goods in an organic way. In 1995 he opened his first small workshop at a horse club in his hometown of Seville, then in 2002 he opened his current location, a larger one, with an annexed shop. Antonio makes leather products for daily use, paying great attention to the quality of hides, and carefully mastering each step, from pattern design to execution. His designs combine aesthetics with function, and are the result of his research and experimentation with different techniques and materials, to guarantee customers a unique crafted product.

Interview

©Couche Photos

©Couche Photos

What products do you handcraft?

We craft leather items with love for daily use, whether it’s a travel bag, a wallet, belts, briefcases, hunting gear or boardgames. Our shoes are handwelt and made to order, offering the utmost comfort, to last over time.

How do you innovate?

I have been researching three-dimensional moulds and have registered patents for the handcrafted shoes. I am very proud about incorporating the fabric for sails in some products such as belts, wallets and washbags.

What inspires you about Seville?

I am lucky to live in one of the prettiest cities in the world, full of colours, scents, with a beautiful light. Seville inspires me, as well as its love for horses which has led to a deep rooted tradition of leather crafting.

Do you have a memorable anecdote?

A gentleman walked in our shop once, enquiring about our shoes. As I started explaining the handmade process I realised he had a sight impairment, so I held his hands and guided him through all details. He commissioned a pair and to this day I run into him and he is still very happy with his shoes.

Antonio García Enrile is an expert artisan he began his career in 1988

Works

©Couche Photos

©Couche Photos

©Couche Photos

©Couche Photos

©Quique Gomez

Where