Vasile & Pavel Vasilache

Vasile & Pavel

Leatherworker

©Cristian Ioan

Like father, like son

Vasile Breslasu is self-taught and a mentor for his son
He has produced more than 500 different bag designs
Pavel’s work is influenced by the steampunk movement

Vasile Breslasu is a pioneer of Romanian leather design. He started working more than 30 years ago, when he first created a pair of Greek sandals. After learning everything by experimenting and inventing several techniques in handmade leather, he now masters the secrets of his craft and excels in object construction and design. "I understand the leather, its texture and consistency, and know how to make the most of it," he states. From bags, backpacks, sandals and belts to covers for musical instruments and props for Hollywood and European movies, he has done it all. Today he shares his workshop with his son, Pavel, who specialises in creating steampunk masks, leather props and accessories for the music and film industries, as well as for individual clients.

Interview

©Cristian Ioan

How do you practise your craft nowadays?: We combine old techniques with modern knowledge and benefit from the endless possibilities and access to information through the internet. Our work is 100 percent handmade, old school, but we use technology to develop patterns and moulds and to promote our creations.
Do you share your knowledge with others?: We have a community of passionate people who come to ask for advice, a piece of leather or even to work in our studio. We also have virtual apprentices as we share our techniques and knowledge on our YouTube channel and Facebook group. We also provide PDF tutorials for our patterns.
Do you master any specific techniques?: Vasile: I master several techniques, such as cutting, stitching, pattern making and creating. I am a round punch master (I've made 10 million punches) and I excel in design and object construction. Pavel excels in design too, moulding leather techniques and stitching.
What don't people normally know about your work?: Vasile: One in 20 objects is experimental. I have a room filled with projects I do not even try to sell. I believe that we learn by experimenting, through trial and error.

Vasile & Pavel Vasilache are expert artisans: they began their career in 1988