Fernando Zuñinga

THE LEATHER
CRAFTSMAN

Born in Chile, Fernando Zuñinga was studying marine biology at the time of the coup d’état and had to leave his homeland. He would watch his mother, who was a dressmaker. He would help with ideas for clothes and footwear design and that was how he first began in this art. He settled in Benafim 30 years ago and he has a workshop there. He enjoys researching and the innovation that he brings to his work. He works leather with the sensitivity that characterises him, never doing anything unintentionally. He looks in books for new stories to tell in the objects he creates, and tells stories like no one else, of his travels near and far, revealing a rich personal experience. What fascinates him is learning through teaching and exchanging experiences.