The third edition of Leather & More – Leather and Leather Apparel Fair received full marks from industry professionals this year with fashion shows presenting the latest designs and inspiring workshops. Within the scope of the fair, the “Dreams from Leather” Eco Print Workshop, a printing technique using plants, leaves, and flowers, offered visitors the chance to create unique designs on leather. With these creative sessions, the participants’ imagined designs came to life at Leather & More.
Hosted by Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and organized by İZFAŞ in partnership with the Aegean Exporters’ Associations (EIB) and the Izmir Chamber of Commerce (IZTO), the 3rd Leather & More – Leather and Leather Apparel Fair took place at Fuar Izmir on January 21–23. During the three-day event, not only important business agreements were signed, but also the latest fashion designs were showcased. The fair’s side events attracted great attention as well. Various workshops conducted by artists who bring leather together with art became a highlight for visitors. The workshop named “Dreams from Leather” transformed semi-processed leather (crust) pieces into brand-new products. Under the guidance of Servet Çamlıca and Meltem Canyolu, participants applied the Eco Print technique by pressing fresh leaves and flowers onto leather pieces, creating vibrant and colorful designs.
The “Dreams from Leather” Workshop, which brings people together with art through the Eco Print technique, also stands out as a design studio. Using special leather-processing techniques, the workshop gives leather a new soul. The process involves applying certain natural chemicals (copper sulfate, iron sulfate, salt, vinegar) to unfinished leather, layering it with fresh leaves and flowers, covering it with natural fabric, tightly rolling and tying it, and then steaming it for about an hour. When unwrapped, the leaves are removed, leaving behind unique natural imprints. With this method called Eco Print, every participant creates a personal and one-of-a-kind visual on leather.
Servet Çamlıca:
“We have always been close to art. Without machines, using only the strength of handicrafts, we create unique designs and bring new products to life. Once or twice a month, we hold workshops in our studio where participants learn to apply Eco Print to leather pieces at home, using simple tools and natural means without altering the soul of the leather. While learning this technique, people transform their dream designs into reality and experience bringing leather together with art. We continue to promote and share our work mainly through social media.”
Meltem Canyolu:
“Since childhood, I used to sew dresses for my dolls. I love cutting, shaping, and working with stones, leather, and fabrics—in short, I love recreating. I can’t stay in the same place; I love change. In our studio, we cut, shape, and pierce leather, and through various applications, we breathe new life and soul into it, transforming it into something completely different.”
Servet Çamlıca, who completed his studies at the Berlin Academy of Art, was introduced to the leather industry at a young age in his father’s shop at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. While continuing his education, he expanded the family business with serial production and exports. Like many artists, he eventually grew weary of routine work and decided to return to traditional handicrafts, radically changing his life by processing leather with handmade tools and natural methods.
For the last four years, he has been working with Meltem Canyolu, who has been passionate about art and design since her childhood. After graduating from Dokuz Eylül University’s Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Textile and Fashion, she completed her master’s degree in fashion history at the same school. Together, they founded the “Dreams from Leather” studio, where they transform leather into new artistic visuals using natural methods, continuing their shared journey of creativity.