About

Tort was founded by myself, Louis Gianfrancesco; whose journey into Leather Craft began while studying an Art Foundation Degree at Central Saint Martins.

My first encounter with leather involved wet moulding calfskin around a brass ring, then saddle stitching this using a rotary pricking wheel, diamond awl, thread and two needles.

From that moment, I devoted countless hours to watching, learning, creating and investing in the craft.

Over time, my skills, techniques, ethos, and knowledge developed significantly.

I have designing, crafting, and producing leather goods that have since been sold worldwide since 2020.

So, what does ‘Tort’ mean?

Natural marks—such as scars, stretch marks, grain variation, veins, insect bites, and tonal differences—are intrinsic to the material.

These features are what give leather its character and beauty and should be celebrated rather than concealed. 

Tort was created to honour these authentic qualities.

The name translates from the French word tort, meaning “wrong.”

In leatherworking, corrected grain refers to leather that has been altered or refined. These are what most brands use. 

Tort exists to challenge conventional ideas of perfection in leather, embracing the natural imperfections of each hide and inviting dialogue about beauty, authenticity, and craftsmanship.