TISSA FONTANEDA PAIRS EUROPEAN CRAFTSMANSHIP WITH UPCYCLED STYLE
By: Hillary LeBlanc
When working in the fashion industry, many ask how they can become the change they want to see. For Tissa Fontaneda, being able to execute her teenage dream of working in fashion was not something she took lightly. She knew she wanted to make elegance long lasting and ensure ethical products - a choice she made long before sustainability was a marketing tool.
Fontaneda graduated from the University of Turin, Italy, with a Ph.D in Literature and Philosophy. She then followed her teenage dream of moving to Paris pursuing a career in fashion. She first worked for Daniel Swarovski before assisting Hervé Leger. Soon after, Fontaneda moved again to work directly on Thierry Mugler’s handbag collection. At Loewe, Tissa learned more about handbag manufacturing and leathers from some of the world’s greatest European artisans. Not long after, Fontaneda’s role evolved as she became Head of Product for Loewe accessories under Narciso Rodriguez. Her work continued with brands Cartier and Louis Vuitton among others. She finally launched her own namesake brand in 2010.
Image Source: Tissa Fontaneda
The journey as an entrepreneur came from a desire to create something that combined traditional craftsmanship with modern sophistication. Her vision was to honor the timeless beauty of leather and the extraordinary skill of Spanish artisans, while designing pieces that felt joyful, tactile, and emotionally resonant. “I founded my namesake label to celebrate the art of making things slowly, with care and intention,” Fontaneda shares. “In an age of mass production and fast fashion, I wanted to return to the essence of true luxury, where quality, emotion, and human touch come before everything else.” Founding her own brand gave Fontaneda the ability to merge her experience in luxury accessories with a personal creative language that she defines as bold, sensual, and unmistakably handcrafted
The bags at Tissa Fontaneda are upcycled, which Fontaneda views as a creative challenge and moral responsibility. “Excess leather is transformed into small accessories or incorporated into designs like our Patchwork Bucket Bag,” She says, “which is made entirely from repurposed leather pieces. This approach not only reduces waste but also ensures that every piece we produce has a unique character. It’s deeply satisfying to know that something beautiful can emerge from what might otherwise have been discarded.” Sustainability has always been at the heart of Fontaneda’s brand and ethos. She believes true luxury should be mindful of people and the planet.
Image Source: Tissa Fontaneda
The Fontaneda bags are made to last decades, with responsibly sourced leather and produced locally in Spain minimizing waste and carbon footprint. Artisans in Spain with generations of experience in craftsmanship are behind the creation of each bag. Fontaneda says they are the heart and soul of her brand. Each piece takes hours of meticulous work including selecting nappa leather and hand-stitching each seam. Fontaneda works closely with the artisans, ensuring fair working conditions. She also hopes that each bag will be emblematic of cultural heritage and pride for each bag created.
The iconic Tissa Fontaneda designs are her Bubble bags. Fontaneda feels that the bags embody the essence of her brand: playfulness, craftsmanship, and originality. The idea came from her love of texture and her desire to create something instantly recognizable yet timeless. “Each bubble leather is made with a complex technique that involves steaming and shaping the softest nappa leather,” She tells us. “It’s a labor-intensive process that only the most skilled artisans can achieve.” Despite the difficult process, the bag becomes soft and tactile after.
Besides accessories, Fontaneda also makes clothing which are also made with her same slow fashion philosophy. The goal for Fontaneda? To continue to make pieces that are tactile, elegant and enduring allowing customers to feel a connection to what they wear.
Cover Image Source: David Xeli / @dxelihside