For the Love of Leather
At Flattered, we believe that every product should reflect not just impeccable design but also a commitment to enduring quality and responsibility. That's why we choose to craft our pieces from real leather, rather than polyurethane (PU) alternatives. Here's why that matters.
1. A Material That Grows More Beautiful With Time
Real leather ages with character. Unlike PU—which tends to peel, crack, and degrade over time—authentic leather develops a unique patina that tells the story of how it's been worn and loved. It's not just long-lasting; it's alive with personality. With proper care, real leather can last for decades, reducing the need for replacement and minimizing waste.
2. A Responsible Approach to Sustainability
Vegan leather substitutes can be made from pineapple leaves, mycelium, cork, apple peels, other fruit waste, and recycled plastic. This material is often much thinner and far more lightweight than genuine leather. Therefore, it is less durable than leather and should be treated with extra care.
It’s important to note that most materials classified as “non-leather” aren’t necessarily eco-friendly. For example, the most commonly used materials to create faux leather are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane (PU), plastics derived from fossil fuels, which are petroleum-based materials that do not biodegrade and often end up in landfills or pollute our oceans. In contrast, the genuine leather we use is a byproduct of the food industry, meaning no animals are raised solely for their hides. It's a way of honouring the material and minimising waste within a circular supply chain.
Today, 100% of our leathers come from either audited partners or members of the Leather Working Group (LWG)—a globally recognised organisation promoting sustainable practices in the leather industry.
We aim to use chrome-free leather wherever possible. Currently, 50% of our leather is chrome-free, as we exclusively use chrome-free leather for all linings. However, we believe that a responsible certification from LWG carries more weight than focusing solely on Chrome. A good LWG rating indicates that a tannery has robust environmental management across the board—including water usage, waste handling, energy consumption, and chemical traceability—not just chrome treatment.
3. Craftsmanship You Can Feel
Genuine leather offers a tactile richness and structural integrity that PU simply can't replicate. It breathes, it moves with you, and it moulds to your lifestyle. This makes it the ideal material for shoes, bags, and accessories that are made to be worn every day—and cherished for years.
4. Transparency Over Trends
We understand the growing demand for ethical materials, and we support conscious consumption wholeheartedly. But sustainability isn't just about replacing materials—it's about creating things that last. We choose genuine leather because we believe in transparency over trendiness, and in building products that endure both physically and ethically.
5. Staying Future-Focused
We are committed to constantly evaluating new materials that can match leather’s durability, comfort, and performance. We’re excited by innovation and remain open to alternatives that meet our standards both functionally and ethically. However, we strongly believe in waiting for solutions that deliver on both performance and sustainability, without compromise.
At Flattered, real means responsible. It's not just about what we make, but how and why we make it. Thank you for valuing quality, longevity, and integrity with us.
