Creating our LUCIA RIOFRIO handbags is an intimate process - full of love, passion and precision. When we pass the bags onto you, we hope that you will continue to treat them with the same care that we do, so that they can last for generations to come.
All of the textiles we use are hand-embroidered with natural fibres. Our techniques are ancient, with some modern guidance, using a combination of the earliest Peruvian-Inca textiles from “Waris”, and Spanish-influenced crafts which have been passed on for hundreds of years. Moreover, we use exclusively high-end leather goods (100 % Spanish cowhide) in order to preserve the traditions that inspired our work and products. That is also why we decided to make all our handbags in Spain; home to distinguished artisans, who have safeguarded the secrets of leather goods production throughout history.
The process of creating our bags starts with unravelling and sorting the wool. We then hand-dye it, which takes between 30 and 40 minutes per colour. After perfecting the colour, we start making the fabric with a traditional wooden loom; carefully joining each thread to create the foundation for the bags. The last step, tracing the designs and creating the hand-embroidery, is the most time consuming stage, but it is also what makes our bags so unique. It gives each bag its distinguished look, making it slightly different from the rest. When the textiles are next shipped to Spain, they are assembled according to the highest European standards, ensuring the quality and longevity of the final product.
Because of the way the product is made, you must refrain from using water to clean it, and instead stick to dry cleaning. If it is properly stained, you can use a small amount of shampoo, and delicately brush it. To ensure that it remains in perfect condition, you should store it in a dust bag, at a regulated temperature. The bag should not be exposed to direct sunlight, as it might cause discolouration.
If you follow these steps, your LUCIA RIOFRIO bag should last for several lifetimes.