Think Small is where RLSD takes a look at some of the companies around the world that we think are doing the right thing with leather. This is a greenwashing free zone – no matter what they produce, sustainability is at the heart of what they do. This month: LPOL.
What makes your company different?
As a brand born of salvaging, upcycling and community-based sourcing principles, LPOL is continually committed to sourcing the finest natural materials from specialist artisan suppliers, and where appropriate surplus and dead stock fabrics are selected in favour of buying new. All of our leathers are vegetable tanned.
Why is leather so important to you? And what other materials do you use?
We personally select the finest natural materials, from Italian leathers to surplus British wool, cotton and linen supplied by family businesses all over the UK. And we employ some of the most skilled local hands in London to make every bag by hand, in the best tradition and progression of our craft.
What is the signature product?
Our handheld basket. Made in partnership with an all-female cooperative basket weavers’ group in Kenya, our beautiful handwoven sisal basket is finished with our signature naturally dyed Italian leather. Each basket is made by hand in Kenya, then embellished and finished with surplus and deadstock leather by our local makers in the South East of England.
What does LPOL say?
In our workshops, we have proudly pioneered a circular zero waste production method whereby all material waste and off-cuts are retained and used to produce small goods, one-off gifts and artist collaborations. To further reduce our impact on the environment, LPOL’s packaging is recycled, recyclable, biodegradable and responsibly sourced.
What does RLSD say?
Combatting waste is one of the best things we can do for the environment. Whether it is saving cow hides from landfill or incineration or using leather scraps that usually end up on the factory floor, we are all for it!
Find out more here.
Josslyn Shi from California College of Art has been crowned Overall Winner of the Real Leather. Stay Different. International Student Design Competition at a glittering final event held at the U.S. Embassy in London.
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Mike Adler introduces sustainable leather artist Maria Sole Ferragamo for his latest Leather Loves series!
First round winners of the 2021 China Student Design Competition have been selected.
Bingbing Bai has a MPhil/ PhD (FT) in Art & Design from Kingston School of Art in London. She was at the RLSD International Final event at the US Embassy in London to show her winning accessory design Eternal Vitality.
