Ethical Style » Eco-Leather

Eco-Leather

M.J. Prest | April 2009

Responding to the need for leather you can feel good about, a number of brands have started exploring the field of eco-leather, produced either with environmentally sensitive tanning processes or recycled from motorcycle jackets of yore.

These designers all have a creative bent on making stylish and durable real leather goods without resorting to plastics and polyurethane. Check out the slideshow of the goods, priced from $170 to $1,790.

: Salvatore Ferragamo Calfskin Hobo from Eco Ferragamo, $1,790 at Neiman Marcus. The calfskin is processed with a nontoxic tanning technique and dyed using natural elements free of metal such as tree bark. The final product is lined with handwoven hemp.

: Swedish Hasbeens Peep Toe Super High Clogs, 1495 SEK at SwedishHasbeens.com. This funky brand bases its designs on authentic clogs and bags from the 1970 and is committed to using environmentally friendly natural grain leather, which requires minimal processing.

: Allison Teich Nolita Mini Clutch, $210 at TeichDesign.com. On her website, designer Allison Teich writes that she sources her deerskin from a New York tannery that buys up hunting surplus, a strategy she believes is essential in “rescuing waste and honoring the animal.”

: Matt Bernson Nouer III Sandal, $170 at JildorShoes.com. Sandal guru Matt Bernson’s leather comes from Brazil, where it is vegetable tanned and dyed and hand cut to make his uniquely stylish flip flops and gladiators.

: Ashley Watson Large Lark Saddle Bag, $335 at Beklina.com. Vancouver-based designer Ashley Watson crafts her bags exclusively from recycled leather she finds at thrift stores and vintage shops.

Issue 14

Eco-Leather