CRAFTSMANSHIP
OUR CRAFT
Our Cactus leather products are completely produced by Armenian artisans who have amassed the knowledge and know-how for generations. According to historians the world’s oldest shoes that was ever created was found in Armenia. The age of this discovered leather shoes dates back to 5,500 years ago. The condition, style and craftmanship shocked the archeologist world. Several stylist believe that several designs that’s prevalent in Europe might have originated from Armenia. This eludes to the quality of craftmanship and technique employed by these generational artisans who have been in this industry at least 450 years as per the family trail. We are extremely proud to partner with these artisans who are able to perfect the product using cactus leather using their uncompromising handcraft technique to match the traditional leather products. Unfortunately, due to several geo-political circumstances these artisans are in the verge of extinction, we wanted to resurrect this group of artisans who are underprivileged and revive the history with a noble product. We want all our customers to feel similar pride behind owning the product created by these historic artisans.
5,500 years old shoe (type of moccasin) discovered in Armenia
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ABOUT CACTUS INNOVATIVE LEATHER
Our soft-in-touch Cactus leather is very unique. After long research we came out with great results to handcraft our sustainable, eco-fashion products. Our leather offers organic, cruelty free, sustainable alternatives, without any toxic chemicals, phthalates and PVC. The material gives a very soft and round feel due to the natural collagen in the substance.
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CORK LEATHER
Following our Cactus leather collection, MEVERDE is venturing into CORK COLLECTION. We are UNCORKING THE CORK COLLECTION! As always closer to nature, handcrafted by artisans and Peta certified. Our products are ethically made in European Union with minimal environmental impact.
What is cork leather?
It’s possible you’re now wondering, ‘What is cork leather?’ After all, despite our familiarity with cork
itself, many of us aren’t aware of cork leather or where it comes from. Interestingly, cork is derived from
a tree — the cork oak tree, Quercus suber — that is native to Southwest Europe and Northwest Africa.
At least half of the global production of cork comes from Portugal alone, and most cork suppliers are
based there. This species of tree covers around 8% of the country, constituting 28% of its total forests.
History of cork and cork leather Natural cork has been used by humans for thousands of years. In fact, as far back as 5,000 years ago, we started using cork to seal bottles and other containers.
In 1209, the Portuguese established the first known agrarian laws to protect their cork oak forests. To
this day, the trees are protected — you can’t cut one down or cut off any of its bark without a special
permit. These strict laws have paid off as Portugal enjoys thousands of miles of cork oak tree forests that currently expand at a rate of 4% per year.
