Tigre De Salon is a designer brand that believes in working with the Earth’s material while also preserving ancestral Colombian trades. 

With contemporary design, Tigre De Salon makers create and produce pieces with both their hands and heart. “At Tigre de Salón we believe in the possibility of weaving together lives and stories, of finding in crafts a way to re-signify our presence in the world. The fabric itself is a metaphor for life.”

Founder Veronica Franco began working with Colombian indigenous communities at the beginning of 2018. While gaining more knowledge about Colombian culture and the history of craftsmanship, Tigre De Salon became a social impact company that cares about its makers and the positive cultural influence of its country.

Inspired by four indigenous communities that inhabit the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the Kogui, Arhuaco, Wiwa and Kankuamo people all have a deep sense of respect and duty as guardians of the Earth. The natural law is based on asking for permission and making an exchange for anything they take.

The makers of Tigre De Salon use leather, wool and vegetable fibers and avoid any polluting processes and therefore see the beauty in each textile’s characteristic, cool  and feel. Leather goods are a traditional trade in Colombia, especially in Antioquia, where Tigre De Salon was founded and still operates. 

To minimise any waste Tigre De Salon also has the program 7 Lives in which a customer, even after decades of use can return the piece, as a way to encourage upcycling and recyclability. The returned piece can be repaired or even exchanged for a 35% voucher for a new piece. This is all to encourage conscious shopping and buying staples that last through generations. 

Carolina Taborda Pulgarin is responsible for the assembly and quality checks on the bags. She is 33 years old and has a 2 year old daughter. "Because I am paid a fair and decent wage, as well as offering flexibility, I have time to take care of my child and financially support my family."