Handmade pieces by Uruguayan artisans

GIA makes some of its garments in its own workshop, but also works with small family workshops of artisans in Montevideo (Uruguay), who have a long tradition in the creation of leather accessories and footwear.

GIA’s creators know and regularly visit these family workshops and maintain a close relationship with them. So you can be sure that GIA’s garments, accessories and shoes are made under ethical conditions. A lot of work goes into their creations, slowly made by real craftsmen.

GIA’s pieces are mainly made of cowhide and merino wool.

All the leather comes from a tannery in Argentina. A family business that since its beginnings has always prioritised the quality of the product and the craftsmanship necessary to achieve excellence in the final product.

In addition, one of the objectives of this family business is to care for and be efficient in the use of natural resources, and that is why it has one of the most modern and technological effluent treatment plants, managed by a team of technicians specialised in environmental care, who work continuously to reduce the use of natural resources and improve the quality of the water used. They have the LWG (Leather Working Group) certification, which reflects the company’s commitment to the customer and the environment.

On the other hand, the wool comes from one of the main wool producing and exporting companies in Uruguay. 100% of its wool is free of mulesing, and it has several certifications such as the GOTS organic certification by Ecocert, the RWS (Responsible Wool Standard) certification by Textile Exchange and the NATIVA certification by Chargeurs, which accredits that it is an environmentally responsible company.

At COSH we are big fans of single-material garments because they make it easier to recycle them. In the case of GIA, many of its garments are made from a single material, such as knitwear made from 100% merino wool or boots made from 100% leather.

At GIA they try to have a short production chain, so they work with workshops close to their Montevideo workshop, and suppliers from Uruguay. However, their leather supplier is from Argentina.

GIA chooses wool producers who treat their sheep better than normal farmers. Their merino wool, sourced from Uruguay, is free of mulesing. Uruguay has animal welfare standards, open grazing, modern management technologies and excellent genetics.

On the other hand, they use cowhide for the creation of their accessories and shoes.

They manufacture very few units of each model because they believe in slow fashion. A slow and sustainable manufacturing process.

They manufacture very consciously, taking care of every detail, as this is the essence of their brand: exclusivity, design and quality

GIA is a transparent brand!

COSH! was able to talk to the founders of the brand and we can assure you that GIA is a very transparent brand. They have provided us with information about where they make their products and the names of their suppliers.