Ostinelli Cristiano Workshop in Venice: GenuineStrap at the Craft Fair

We took a break from the workshop and headed to Venice. The Ostinelli Cristiano workshop, a leather craft fair, and a conference on materials. Here’s how it went and what we’re bringing back for the 2025 season.

The Ostinelli Venezia GenuineStrap workshop was the highlight of our winter-spring season. Three days connecting with other Italian artisanal businesses, the launch of three new products, and plenty of questions from the audience. Full report.

"When you step out of the workshop and talk with other artisans for three days straight, you realize where you’re going wrong and where you’re doing things right." GenuineStrap Team

What is the Ostinelli Cristiano Workshop

The Ostinelli workshop is one of Italy’s best-known events in the field of leather craftsmanship. It is held in Venice every year and features technical conferences, product presentations, and direct interaction between manufacturers, photographers, and collectors.

This year’s theme was “leather as a narrative medium”: how leather objects (shoulder bags, handbags, camera accessories) tell the story of their owner through patina, signs of use, and modifications.

We felt right at home: this is exactly the philosophy we use to create our shoulder bags and slings.

What we presented

New double strap with breathable padding

The 2025 evolution of our premium double strap: internal padding made of a more breathable technical fabric, reinforced stitching at stress points, and thinner stainless steel screws (reducing weight without sacrificing strength).

Pride 2025 Limited Edition

Two new colors for the Pride Collection: Candy Fuchsia and Blue Sirocco. Premium Italian leather with white padding, 100 numbered pieces each, with a portion of proceeds going to ILGA-Europe.

Personalization Service

New option to print initials, a monogram, or a small logo on the bottom of the shoulder strap. Hot-stamped on leather, as durable as the leather itself. A gift idea that many visitors appreciated.

Leather Care Seminar

We held a 45-minute workshop on how to care for Italian leather: cleaning, moisturizing, storage, and what NOT to do. Recording available upon request.

New arrivals for the 2025 season

Models presented at the workshop

The new additions to the GenuineStrap 2025 season in detail

In addition to the 5 new releases presented at the Ostinelli workshop, the GenuineStrap 2025 season includes three other significant developments worth highlighting.

First: a new 'Heritage' line in super-premium Italian leather ('cuoio nobile' from Santa Croce sull'Arno). Only 3 models, produced in a limited run of 200 pieces total. Price around 350 euros for the single strap, 480 for the double. Available starting in May 2025.

Second: a partnership with a Leather Working Group-certified sustainable tannery. All of our 2025 production will use leather with verified environmental certification. Same quality, 40% reduced environmental impact.

Third: 'Trade In' program: bring in your old leather shoulder strap (of any brand, even competitors) and receive a 30-euro discount on a new GenuineStrap. Your old shoulder strap will be refurbished and donated to photography schools.

2025 Events and Trade Shows

GenuineStrap 2025 event calendar: Photokina Cologne (September, booth 4.B19), Mia Photo Fair Milan (April), Roma Photo Show (June), Photolux Lucca (November). Special discounts for those who purchase directly at the fair.

Workshops with artisans

New offering for 2025: half-day workshops in the workshop where customers can watch their camera strap being made and customize it. 6 spots per workshop; upcoming dates in September and November. Sign up via the newsletter.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the next workshop?

The next Ostinelli workshop will be held in Venice in spring 2026. Registration is open to leather craft professionals.

Can I see the new products in person?

Yes. We attend all major Italian photography trade shows. See our events calendar on the website.

In summary

The Ostinelli Venice workshop was an opportunity to showcase the season’s new products, hear feedback from artisans and photographers, and return to the workshop with fresh ideas.

The Pride 2025 limited editions are already shipping; the double v2 arrives in March. Follow us to stay updated on upcoming launches.