Víctor Montero

LeCOOP

Leatherworker

©Victor Montero

Architectural forms moulded into leather creations

Víctor is passionate about the technique of moulding leather
He shifted from being an architect to a full-time leather artisan
He has always been greatly attracted to Japanese aesthetics

Víctor Montero began his journey as a leather craftsman by designing items for flamenco fashion, introducing clean and contemporary styles. “Until that time, leather items made by artisans for flamenco fashion had been largely based on saddlery designs,” he explains. Víctor introduced moulding techniques that allow for the creation of new shapes and volume in bags and accessories, adding a distinctive touch to his creations. “My training and experience as an architect and graphic designer have been fundamental to my development as a leather craftsman,” he says. For Víctor, these creative professions share a common foundation, in the use of the mind and hands as essential tools to create and materialise ideas. “The multidisciplinary approach and passion for craftsmanship and creativity are hallmarks of my workshop, LeCOOP. In addition to fashion accessories, I have expanded into creating home and office décor items, as well as a more personal facet related to art,” he adds.

Interview

©Victor Montero

©Victor Montero

When did you decide to leave architecture for craftsmanship?: I clearly remember the pivotal moment: the first time I turned down an architecture project to accept a commission related to leather. That was when I seriously began considering dedicating myself professionally to craftsmanship.
What happened to strengthen your journey as a leatherworker?: From that moment, the same thing happened several times. I found myself having to choose between an architectural project and a leather commission. Each time I chose to decline architecture, the idea of becoming a craftsman became more deeply ingrained in my mind. Eventually, the strong connection I felt with leatherworking made my decision inevitable.
What differences do you find compared to your previous work?: Working with leather allows for independence and autonomy, offering an intuitive and fulfilling experience. I have the freedom to decide what products to create, which techniques to apply, which materials to use, and what the final finishes will be. This freedom allows me to fully explore my creativity and develop my own style.
How does this translate in how you work?: It has meant a direct connection with the material and a more practical, tangible approach to creating objects. This sense of connection to the creative process and the ability to see results in the short term are incredibly rewarding and satisfying.

Víctor Montero is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2013