OUR MATERIALS
EVERY STORY HAS A LEADING CHARACTER
We have traveled the world searching for the finest natural materials that melt at the touch, draw the eye to their innate beauty, and are destined to last a lifetime. Our materials are the starting point of our inspiration—the main characters so to speak. They are what guide us through the design process. Great leather moves you. It evokes a memory from a place and time that captures warmth and grandeur. Edelman New York inherently knows that leather lasts a lifetime, wearing in over time, earning an age-worn patina – better than new.
Respect for the earth and its natural materials is a given. We understand using the word sustainability is tricky, given we make leather goods, but we seek to spread the awareness of this material as being one of the most sustainable on earth — 100% biodegradable, lasting a lifetime, and never filling landfills.
VEGETABLE TANNED LEATHER
“Veg-tan is our signature material and greatest source of inspiration. It represents the farm I grew up on with my parents and grandparents. My grandfather once described veg-tan as the supplest material in the world. Its richness brings to life the smaller details within our pieces, such as our signature, hand-sewn, rolled-leather handles. Whenever I see and wear veg-tan, it feels personal. I can only imagine everyone feels that way once they come upon it.” - Julia Edelman, Founder & Creative Director of Edelman New York
EXOTIC LEATHER
Our Exotic leather comes from wild-caught, invasive species that grow and breed rapidly. Each skin is CITES protected and 100% byproduct of the food industry. We believe wild-caught is best because it helps ensure humane treatment and government wildlife population control. We produce our exotic pieces in highly minimal quantities and only use materials that are the byproduct of the food industry.
LEOPARD PRINT COW HAIR
Our leopard printed cow-hair is 100% cow, 0% leopard. Our specialty crafted leather takes inspiration from the natural world and applies it in a sustainable, playful way, created by century-owned tanneries in Italy.
“Having a little bit of “leopard” is a nod towards my Grandfather. He used to have this leopard print button-down shirt that he would wear all the time. To pull off leopard, you need to have character - it became synonymous with our definitions of him. A playful, adventurous, hysterical, storytelling, wild old man with a larger-than-life spirit.” - Julia Edelman, Founder & Creative Director of Edelman New York