In the world of luxury leather goods, few brands embody the essence of craftsmanship, tradition, and natural beauty as authentically as Pampeano.

Known for its exquisite leather accessories inspired by the vast landscapes of La Pampa in Argentina, Pampeano has evolved from its roots in the polo fields to becoming a leader in both high-performance technical gear and timeless fashion pieces. Today, I had the privilege of speaking with Jenny, one of Pampeano’s key designers, about the rich heritage, artisanal craftsmanship, and commitment to sustainability that define the brand’s unique approach.

While Pampeano’s legacy is deeply tied to equestrian culture, its innovative designs have made waves beyond the sport, with collections that include belts, bags, and other leather accessories that reflect the brand’s passion for quality. Keep an eye out for my upcoming review of Pampeano’s Diversa bag, a perfect showcase of their ethos in action.

Nicolle: How did the panoramic landscapes and estancias of La Pampa influence the creation and design philosophy of pampeano's leather accessories?

Jenny: While visiting Argentina in my 20s, I was blown away when visiting the Talabateria’s in Buenos Aires and Cordoba. They sold the most beautiful clothing, leather goods and equestrian products made from natural materials and handcrafted by Argentinian artisans. Coupled with the beauty of the natural landscapes of the La Pampa plains with their earthy tones, endless skies, and rich vegetation, I was so inspired. The deep blues, greens, and browns found in pampeano’s leather goods evoke the natural hues of the pampas, from the sky to the soil.

Nicolle: Can you describe the evolution of pampeano from its origins in polo fields to becoming a leader in technical polo equipment?

Jenny: pampeano was founded with a deep connection to the sport of polo, which is integral to Argentine culture, especially in the Pampas region. Initially, the brand focused on creating high-quality leather goods that catered to the needs of polo players. These early products were designed to meet the demands of the sport, providing durability, comfort, and style. As pampeano grew, so did its reputation for quality.

This led to an increasing demand for more specialised, high-performance polo equipment. Recognising this, pampeano began to expand its product line to include technical gear designed specifically for polo players. For instance, pampeano introduced innovations in horse accessories to enhance the playing experience. While maintaining its strong presence in the polo world, pampeano also began to diversify its product offerings. The brand expanded beyond technical equipment to include a wider range of leather accessories, such as belts and bags. These products retained the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship that had made the brand renowned in the polo community.

Nicolle: What are the key elements that define pampeano's commitment to quality and traditional craftsmanship in its products?

Jenny: pampeano sources only the finest Argentinian leather from the Pampas region. This leather is known for its durability, natural beauty, and ability to age gracefully, becoming more supple and developing a rich patina over time. The brand emphasises ethical sourcing practices, ensuring that the leather is vegetable-tanned and doesn’t use any chemicals in the process. Each pampeano product is handcrafted by skilled artisans who have mastered traditional leatherworking techniques that have been passed down through generations. This includes hand-stitching, a labour-intensive process that ensures precision and durability, as well as a unique, personal touch to every item.

The meticulous attention to detail is evident in the intricate stitching, carefully selected threads, and flawless finishing of each product. This dedication to craftsmanship ensures that every item meets the highest standards of quality. Pampeano offers custom-made options that allow customers to personalise their products, whether through bespoke colour combinations, monogramming, or unique designs. This personalised approach enhances the exclusivity and individuality of each item, making it a one-of-a-kind piece.

Nicolle: How does pampeano ensure that its master artisans' handcraft techniques, which have been passed down through generations, are maintained in the production process?

Jenny: pampeano supports a system of mentorship where experienced artisans, often referred to as master craftsmen, train the next generation. This ensures that traditional techniques, such as hand-stitching, leather cutting, and dyeing, are taught directly from skilled hands, preserving the authenticity and quality of the craftsmanship.

pampeano is committed to supporting the communities from which its artisans come. By investing in these communities and valuing their cultural heritage, the brand helps to ensure that the traditional crafts are preserved within their original cultural context. By ensuring that the materials used in production are ethically sourced, pampeano creates an environment where traditional craftsmanship can thrive.

Artisans can focus on their work, knowing that the resources they rely on are preserved for future generations. pampeano’s commitment to slow fashion means that there is less pressure on artisans to compromise on quality. The brand values the time and skill required to create each piece, which supports the continued use of traditional techniques.

Nicolle: Can you explain the significance of the vegetable-tanning process and natural dyes used in pampeano's leather goods?

Jenny: The vegetable-tanning process uses natural tannins extracted from plant materials like tree bark, leaves, and roots, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to chrome tanning, which involves harmful chemicals. This process minimises the environmental impact of leather production, aligning with pampeano's commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. Leather produced through vegetable tanning is more biodegradable than chemically tanned leather.  Vegetable-tanned leather is known for its durability and strength. The tanning process produces leather that is robust and resilient, able to withstand the test of time.

This is especially important for products like belts and bags which are subject to regular use and wear. One of the unique qualities of vegetable-tanned leather is its ability to develop a rich patina over time. As the leather ages, it absorbs oils from the skin and reacts to the environment, leading to a deepening of colour and a distinctive character that enhances the aesthetic appeal of the product. This natural ageing process is highly valued and adds to the leather’s uniqueness and charm. Vegetable-tanned leather is highly receptive to customisation, such as embossing or dyeing with natural pigments. This allows pampeano to offer personalised products that are tailored to individual preferences while maintaining the leather's natural beauty and integrity.

Nicolle: What inspired the design of the iconic pampa diamond motif, and how does it reflect South American heritage?

Jenny: The pampa diamond motif draws directly from the traditional patterns used by the indigenous peoples of South America, especially the Mapuche and other Andean cultures. These communities have a long history of weaving and textile creation, using geometric shapes like diamonds, chevrons, and zigzags in their designs.

The Pampas, the expansive plains that cover much of Argentina, are characterized by their wide, open landscapes and seemingly endless horizons. The geometric precision and symmetry of the pampa diamond motif echo the structured, orderly beauty of this natural environment, with its vast fields stretching out under a broad sky; the peaks and troughs of the Andes Mountains are symbolically reflected in the geometry of the diamonds of our woven articles.

The gaucho, the cowboy of the Argentine Pampas, is a central figure in the country’s cultural identity. The pampa diamond motif is often associated with the gaucho’s traditional clothing and gear, such as the woven ponchos and belts they wear. These items frequently feature similar geometric patterns, which are emblematic of the gaucho’s rugged, independent spirit and deep connection to the land.

Nicolle: How does the use of wax-dipped threads in Pampeano’s hand-stitching process contribute to the durability and vibrancy of its leather products?

Jenny: Dipping the threads in wax before stitching makes them stronger and more resilient. The wax coating adds a protective layer that helps prevent the thread from fraying, breaking, or wearing down over time.

This is particularly important in leather goods, which are often subjected to significant stress and use. Dipping the threads in wax before stitching makes them stronger and more resilient. The wax coating adds a protective layer that helps prevent the thread from fraying, breaking, or wearing down over time. This is particularly important in leather goods, which are often subjected to significant stress and use. Waxed threads have a better grip, which means they hold more securely in the leather once stitched. This reduces the likelihood of stitches loosening or coming undone, even with regular use. The enhanced stability ensures that the product maintains its shape and structure over time.

The wax-dipping process can enhance the colour of the thread, making it appear more vibrant. The wax helps to seal in the dye, preventing it from fading or washing out. This ensures that the stitching remains visually striking and complements the overall design of the leather product. Waxed threads have a smoother finish, which adds to the polished, high-quality appearance of the hand-stitching. This smoothness also reduces friction between the thread and the leather, allowing for cleaner, more precise stitches that contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the product.

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Nicolle Knapova is a little bit of everything. She is a freelance translator, content creator and a social media executive for The C Word Mag. She loves indie music and is always browsing through Spotify to find the next amazing artist to obsess over. Her love for storytelling means she’s always writing something and she’s not afraid of any genre. Her biggest dream is to be a published author. If she’s not writing her fan fiction, she’s writing her poetry and sharing it on her Instagram @elisecaverly.