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.
What makes your company different?
Our highly skilled craftspeople make beautifully designed bags and homeware from 15 different reclaimed materials. 50% of profits from the Fire-hose Collection go to The Fire Fighters Charity and 50% of profits from the Fire & Hide Collection go to Barefoot College International.
Why is leather so important to you and what other materials do you use?
In 2017 the Burberry Foundation partnered with Elvis & Kresse to tackle the even greater global problem of leather waste. This Five-year partnership will see at least 120 tonnes of leather off-cuts from Burberry recrafted into new luxury items, designed and sold by Elvis & Kresse.
When we learned that London’s damaged decommissioned firehoses were headed to landfill we mounted a rescue. For over a decade none of London’s fire-hose has gone to landfill and over 300 tonnes of material has been reclaimed.
What is the signature product?
We are excited to be able to offer so many variations of the Square Tote Bag. It is crafted through a transformation of leather fragments from the production of Burberry leather goods. Our craftsmen individually cut and hand weave, piece by piece, these otherwise lost scraps of leather into whole new hides.Every option includes handles and trim in Elvis & Kresse’s signature decommissioned fire-hose, which was previously deployed in active duty for up to 25 years, fighting fires around the UK.
What does Elvis and Kresse say?
Since 2005 we have been rescuing raw materials, transforming them into luxury lifestyle accessories, and donating 50% of profits back to charities.The future of luxury is sustainable, ethical, reclaimed, open, generous and kind.
What does RLSD say?
This is a vision of the future we can really get behind.
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.
Mulberry has achieved a lot in 50 years, growing from a belt-making business run from a family kitchen table to a classic British handbag brand – and now it’s leading the luxury market towards net zero carbon emissions by embracing regenerative farming
First round winners of the 2021 China Student Design Competition have been selected.
If you’re serious about leather crafting, making and cutting patterns is vital for any design.
In this month's Street Seen, meet Hantao from Shanghai, China.
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