OUR STORY
Some brands are born from a business plan. Others are born from a way of life.
ISHAOR was born from a journey.
The story begins in Amsterdam in 2003, on Queen’s Day. A small street stand, handcrafted leather bracelets — and the beginning of a dream.
Behind the stand stood Ishai Duiker van Dam, a leather artisan who grew up in a family of sailors. As a child he traveled with his father between countries and cultures, where markets, materials, and scents awakened in him a deep love for craft and natural materials.
Leather captured him completely. Its smell. Its texture. The way it evolves and transforms over time.
After a serious illness left him paralyzed throughout his body for several months, Ishai went through a life-changing period. When he recovered, he made one clear decision — to follow his heart.
He left his studies and returned to the material that had always called to him the most — leather.
On Queen’s Day in Amsterdam he opened his first small stand, selling leather bracelets he had crafted by hand. Everything sold out quickly. That moment became the beginning of a creative journey that soon expanded into belts, unique techniques, and a brand that continued to grow.
Years later the journey continued in Israel.
There, Maya Cohen joined the story. From a young age she knew that design was her path, and later studied fashion design. She brought with her a strong aesthetic vision, sensitivity to detail, and a new spirit that illuminated the brand.
Maya strengthened the feminine side of ISHAOR and brought a new balance — between strength and softness, between material and light.
The creative partnership soon became more than work. Through the act of creating together, love emerged. They became a couple, married, and the bond between them became the driving force behind the brand.
The name ISHAOR reflects that union:
Ish — Man
Isha — Woman
Or — Light
Three simple Hebrew words that represent the essence of the brand — the meeting of masculine and feminine, creation and light.
Today ISHAOR continues to create handcrafted leather pieces defined by character, craftsmanship, and timeless design.
Because true luxury is not mass-produced.
It is shaped by hand.
It evolves with time.
And it is worn as a story.
ISHAOR — Where Leather Becomes a Story.