Leather

Cairo / El-Zawia El-Hamra

GSL, established in 2014 in El-Zawia El-Hamra, Egypt, specializes in hand-crafted leather products including bags, wallets, and clutches. Their process starts with selecting quality hides before applying ancient techniques of lacing and plaiting. What makes GSL truly unique is Emad's vision to merge leather craftsmanship with handwoven fabric and embroidery, bringing two traditional crafts together in one product. This fusion not only expanded his collection but created something entirely new. Emad's journey to becoming a master leather craftsman was built on determination and vision. Growing up in a family with no background in craftsmanship, he apprenticed with an aging leather artisan, Ishak, who feared the craft was vanishing. When he absorbed the craft Emad was then ready to come up with his own workshop with the help of other artisans. Fair Trade Egypt's collaboration with Emad, which began in 2014, has successfully supported his traditional leather craftsmanship through targeted training, product development assistance, and strategic marketing planning. By helping Emad's team enhance their exceptional techniques while developing contemporary designs that honor Egyptian heritage, we've enabled them to create high-quality products that meet International standards. This partnership has generated sustainable income for the artisans while preserving valuable cultural traditions, demonstrating how traditional craftsmanship can thrive when given proper support and market connections.