Elena Gambino & Fabrizio Lisciandrello

Leatherworker

©Roberto Boccaccino

Handcrafting with an eye on the future

Elena and Fabrizio met for the first time during a craft fair
Producing in an environmentally-conscious way is very important to them
They are members of ALAB, a crafts association in Palermo

The artisans Elena Gambino and Fabrizio Lisciandrello met for the first time during a fair in Palermo, their city, in 2012. "I made eye contact with this wonderful girl," says Fabrizio, "and we instantly fell in love." At the time, they did not have an atelier, and both worked in a travelling market where one could buy a wide variety of goods and products. Fabrizio was a leatherworker, while Elena was transforming bicycle inner tubes into bags and accessories. In 2016, they decided to combine their skills and share a business, founding their studio, Elena e Fabrizio Handmade. Today the couple produces bags, belts, wallets, backpacks, sandals, bum-bags and accessories together. The majority of leather used in their work is vegetable tanned and their products are entirely handmade.

Interview

©Roberto Boccaccino

©Roberto Boccaccino

Why did you decide to work together?: Fabrizio: We shared the same work ethos and views on sustainability. We both work without the use of machinery or electric power. Our work tools are just scissors, needle and thread, and a box cutter, nothing more.
Why is it so important to you both to work in an ethical way?: Elena: We have a daughter and we feel a huge responsibility to her. We need to help build the world we want for ourselves, for her. Our vision is of hope and we trust that our daughter can live in a more socially responsible and more environmentally-friendly world.
How do you make a contribution to a healthier world?: Fabrizio: For example, we use only high-quality vegetable tanned leather, even though it is more expensive. We try to avoid using chemicals as much as possible.
Could your craft be considered in danger?: Elena: I do not think so. Some crafts may be in danger, such as embroidery or cabinetmaking. But today, I feel that people choose objects that last over time and that can be handed down to their children, maybe even to their grandchildren. Our objects are made to be durable.

Elena Gambino & Fabrizio Lisciandrello are expert artisans: they began their career in 2013