WOVEN CONNECTIONS

For decades, Ludwig Reiter has sourced the finest pelle intrecciata from R79, a family-run company in Italy’s
Marche region. Founded in 1979 by Roberto Francavilla and now led by his sons Francesco and Luca.

R79 has earned a reputation for crafting exquisite woven fabrics from vegetable-tanned buffalo hides.
Highly sought after by Europe’s most discerning designers. When it was time to visit them again, we endured
the fine weather and even finer wine to report back on their subtle art.

For centuries, Fermo has been a stronghold of artisanal excellence, where cottage industries thrive in hilltop
towns and villages. Weaving, and leather-work have long been integral to the region’s cultural identity, sustaining
communities that live and work in symbiotic harmony.

The craft of pelle intrecciata, or woven leather, is a true testament to the art of craftsmanship. It begins
with selecting the finest buffalo hides, which are then carefully joined together and cut into long, even strips of leather.
These strips undergo multiple polishing and smoothing steps to ensure consistency in texture and appearance.

Once perfected, the strips are taken to the weaving mill, where hundreds of them are meticulously mounted onto the weaving
loom by hand. This intricate process requires precision and patience, as each strip must align perfectly to create a
seamless pattern.

When the loom begins its work, the leather strips are interwoven into a striking, durable design that speaks to the skill and
time invested in every piece. The complexity of the process, combined with the quality of the materials, is what makes woven
leather so luxurious and why it commands such a high price.