Gallup, New Mexico: The Crossroads of Craftsmanship, Culture, and Custom Leather Goods

Southwest in Every Stitch:

Kestrel Leather goods carry the spirit of the Southwest in every thread.

Introduction

Tucked into the high desert of northwestern New Mexico, Gallup is one of those rare places where the past and present walk side by side. Known as the "Heart of Indian Country," it’s a town with grit, soul, and a pulse powered by artists, makers, and storytellers. You can feel it in the air—and you can see it in the work they create. From vibrant murals to hand-tooled leather, Gallup is a living canvas shaped by generations of Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, Hispanic, and Anglo influences.

A Legacy Built by Hand

Gallup’s creative spirit doesn’t come from one source—it’s the result of cultures colliding, overlapping, and collaborating. For decades, this high-desert town has been home to artisans who turn raw materials into pieces that carry history, meaning, and intention. It’s not about mass production here. It’s about skill, patience, and the belief that what you make matters.

Walk through town, and you’ll find shops run by families who’ve been doing this for generations—crafting jewelry, weaving textiles, molding clay, and carving leather. Every piece tells a story, and no two are the same.

Craft That Reaches Beyond the Desert

Despite its remote location, Gallup has a reputation that travels well beyond New Mexico. Collectors from Tokyo, Paris, and New York come here searching for authenticity—pieces that aren’t just beautiful, but meaningful. Whether it’s a silver cuff, a beaded moccasin, or a custom leather bag, people are drawn to Gallup for one reason: the realness.

Kestrel Leather: A Modern Chapter in a Timeless Tradition

Kestrel Leather is proud to call Gallup home. What started as a small project in a desert workshop has grown into a brand that still does things the old way—by hand, with care, and with purpose. Every product we make carries the fingerprints of real people—craftsmen and collaborators who bring their own voice and vision to the work.

From the founder: "Welcome to Kestrel Leather. I started making leather products for the same reasons as most other businesses… need. I enjoyed making heavy-use, durable goods for myself and for my wife. That approach became the foundation for how I design and construct my products. I want them to look good, be functional (sometimes too much), and for everything to last for a long time and become one of my customer’s favorite accessories."

We don’t just sell leather goods. We tell stories. Many of our pieces are made using upcycled materials, giving old hides a second life. And we frequently partner with local and regional artists to create limited-edition collections that feel more like one-of-a-kind statements than accessories.

Fan favorites like our rugged everyday wallet, our minimalist roll-top backpack, and our signature stitched belt have become staples in our collection. Some customers love them so much, they buy the same piece again after years of use—just to keep the story going.

Why Gallup Still Matters

Gallup isn’t trying to be trendy—and that’s exactly why it’s becoming a destination again. In a world of fast fashion and one-click shopping, people are craving something real. Gallup delivers that in spades. It’s a place where craftsmanship still matters, where artists still believe in the value of their work, and where stories are stitched into every seam.

At Kestrel Leather, we’re not just making goods—we’re keeping a legacy alive. And we’re honored to be part of a community that knows the difference between something you wear and something you live in.

Explore the Collection

Curious to see what we’re working on? Browse our collection of handcrafted leather goods, artist collabs, and fan favorites built to stand the test of time.