Leather in fashion: a clear choice for the new generation of designers

Leather has always played a central role in the ever-changing world of fashion. Trends come and go, but the importance of leather remains unchanged. Leather is celebrated for its strength and distinctiveness and highly valued for its compatibility with the principles of sustainable design and slow fashion. This is why more and more young fashion designers around the world are opting for leather.
Like Ana Del Rio Mullarkey, a young Spanish-British designer who recently won the Real Leather. Stay Different. International Student Design Competition 2023in Milan and is now creating her own leather fashion brand "ANA DEL RIO" with the aim of starting a "leather revolution".

"Initially I was initially fascinated by leather because of its sustainability. As a designer trying to work with natural materials, this durable and biodegradable solution, following the model of a circular economy, was perfect. When I started working with leather, I immediately felt connected to this beautiful material and decided to use it exclusively for all my designs," says Ana.

Ana explains her current award-winning collection "El Domingo", which reflects her Spanish origins:
"El Domingo is characterised by the typical Spanish Sunday habits, such as visiting the Sunday antiques market, that I experienced as a child in Madrid. The leatherworking techniques and the shapes of the garments are a nod to traditional motifs such as the wall tiles in classic Spanish bars or the raised stone surfaces on the façades of the historic buildings in my grandfather's city."

More about Anas Work...

Based in Eastern Europe, Katarzyna Ostapowicz, a Polish shoe designer and manufacturer, is an inspiring example of the importance of leather in the footwear industry. She studied at the University of Fashion and Art in Lodz and completed her master's degree in clothing, jewellery and shoe design with distinction. She has already made a name for herself as a shoe designer in Poland.

"As a designer, it is important to me that my products are of the highest quality and follow a specific purpose. Genuine leather has great advantages and fulfils my expectations. Leather shoes are comfortable, durable and, above all, healthy. Natural leather is an exclusive, beautiful and timeless material. Articles made from it are always luxurious and elegant. Working with leather gives me satisfaction and the feeling of offering a quality product," says Katarzyna.
 

Commenting on her current shoe collection, which is made exclusively from leather, Katarzyna says:
"I personalised them partly with the help of my own prints and a UV technique. This is how leather became an incomparable companion for me, enabling me to unite my visions with a noble and irreplaceable material."

More about Kasia Ostapowicz´ work...

The timeless nature of leather is reflected in the development and inventions of mankind. Leather, with its enduring properties, is inspiring young designers around the world today, especially when they want to make a statement not only in the fashion world, but also in terms of sustainability.

Their work with leather is a step towards a greener, climate-neutral future in which traditional craftsmanship is combined with modern values. The decision to wear leather is therefore not only a historical one, but also an environmentally conscious one.

Ana: "My aim is to design contemporary but timeless leather clothing and other garments that buck the fleeting trend and emphasise the sustainable qualities of leather. In this world of overproduction and mass consumption, I would love for people to join my 'leather revolution' and embrace unique leather clothing that can be loved and will last a lifetime."

Are you still unsure whether to choose leather as part of your wardrobe? Discover „Go for Slow Fashion - choose leather“ and read more stories that will encourage you to integrate more leather into your life.

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