I am...

Lisa Maria Cantalupo and I make beautiful things with leather ~ art you wear.

 

Welcome to my leather studio, my life’s work, and my passion. Since 2006, I have been designing and handcrafting original leather clothing, jewelry, and accessories using my own patterns, techniques, and construction methods.

I received my degree in Fashion Design from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, where I received formal training in garment construction and design and was recognized for excellence in my work. Early in my career, I designed collections using rich, luxurious fabrics, and for more than twenty years I have worked exclusively with leather as my primary medium.

I come from a family of makers. From a young age, I was surrounded by skilled hands — my mother, a sample maker for a Boston fashion designer, and my grandmother, an accomplished seamstress whose work was presented to the Vatican in Rome. Their influence shaped not only my skills, but my respect for craftsmanship, detail, and integrity in making.

The leather art available through my website and Etsy Shop is African-inspired, tribal, and bohemian in spirit, created with the standards and detailing expected in high-end fashion. My work features hand-woven leather, hand-braided leather cords and straps, individually cut and shaped fringe, thoughtfully selected high-quality hardware, and handmade beads ethically sourced from Africa.

Every design is original — developed through years of testing, refinement, and hands-on experience. Each piece is made to order in my New Hampshire studio, crafted by hand to your specifications. Before leaving my hands, every piece is cleaned, conditioned, polished, and carefully inspected. From concept to completion, my focus is excellence.

My specialty is custom leather clothing and accessories for both women and men. Over the years, my work has appeared on stage, on television, and in film, worn by artists and creatives such as Morgan Wallen, Pharrell Williams, Zach Williams, Magic Dick of the J. Geils Band, Alan Lee, Demi Rose, and others. Because custom work is an intensive, collaborative process, I accept a limited number of commissions.

Leather is a living material. I honor its strength, its imperfections, and its ability to transform with time — much like the people who wear my work.

This is what I do.
This is how I work.
And this is who I am.

— Lisa Maria Cantalupo