THE PHRASE ‘designer bags· may often lead to though ts o f Italian and French fashion houses. high prices and tired designs – but a new player has entered the market and it just so hap pens. they are in Abu Dhabi.
Al Khaznah tannery, tucked away on the truck road on the way to Al Ain. is a local manufacturer of camel leather
and they have started to distribute a line of locally designed handbags and travel accessories to loca ls and for export.
They have also begun supplying to Maison Corthay. a French ‘ fashion house. and designer Pierre Corthay is using the tannery’s leathers for a collection of bespoke men’s shoes.
General manager. Jean Marie Gigante, th e French pioneer at the helm of this vision. has been involved since the tan n e ry originated under His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan vision for a local tannery in 2003.
Gigante is passionate about his product. and took us through some of the benefits o f the locally made goods.