Marco Lazzaroni

VICUS

Leatherworker

©Vicus Atelier

©Nicolas Augsburger Rossi

A circular approach to creating leather goods

Marco is fully self-taught in leatherworking
He creates durable products
His production is part of the local ecosystem to avoid waste

In 2015, Marco Lazzaroni decided to quit his job in accounting to focus on his new passion: handcrafted leather goods. He did not go into training, nor did he ask a master artisan to teach him his skills, instead he simply watched internet tutorials, read a lot, bought the right tools, turned his living room into an atelier and set off. A few years before Marco had launched a small fashion brand, but he had soon grown tired of the extenuating rhythm of the fashion world, and of the hyper-consumerism that comes with it. With this new venture, he wanted to create something unique, something that could last forever and could accompany an individual throughout the stages of life. Today Marco, with his brand VICUS, is a proud member of the Swiss Craftsmanship Federation.

Interview

©Nicolas Augsburger Rossi

©Nicolas Augsburger Rossi

How did you begin to create leather goods?: I wanted to add a line of accessories to my fashion brand. I asked a friend who is a saddler to make the products I designed, but I was never really satisfied with them. So, I asked him to give me some leather, and I picked up some tools to try to do it myself.
How do you relate to the fashion system?: I am a part of it because the products I make fall under the definition of fashion accessory. But I try my best to defy the rules by creating something that follows no trends, something that will outlive seasons and collections and last for a lifetime.
How is your craft linked to your region?: Switzerland is famous for cheese, chocolate and watches, but in truth it has a very strong tradition in terms of manufacturing and craftsmanship, too. Swiss made stands for high quality, best materials, meticulous precision, clean lines and minimal design.
What are the values of your workshop?: Sustainable and ethical production. I use vegetable tanned leather, recycled from the food industry. My suppliers are part of a cooperative for a circular economy. I do everything myself without any kind of outsourcing, avoiding waste and exploitation.

Marco Lazzaroni is a rising star: he began his career in 2016