Not all leather is bad for the environment as we found out when we spoke to Nika Diamond-Krendel, founder of London based bag brand Paradise Row. Nika aims to create long lasting pieces, whilst supporting the fashion industry in East London.
Leather vs Vegan Leather
Through our many conversations with founders and experts within the sustainable fashion space, we have learnt that it is not only a complicated subject, but a very nuanced one. In Episode 3 of this series, we spoke to Ioanna from Mashu, about her vegan bag label, based in London. She told us about the exciting innovations in the plant based fake leather industry. This week we’re exploring the other side of sustainable handbag manufacturing and are joined by Nika Diamond-Krendel, Founder of leather brand Paradise Row. Join us as we explore how a leather brand could be conscious and whether it can also be eco friendly.
Socially Responsibility
So what does conscious leather production look like? 90% of the worlds leather output is chrome tanned. Nika explains more about the harmful process later, and we also talk about her preferred and more environmentally safe option, vegetable tanning. However a large part of what Paradise Row does is tell stories. Nika founded the company to address the death of artisan leather manufacturing in East London and in doing so, discovered a lot of other proud traditions that could soon be lost. Through her designs, she explores what makes East London what it is today and gives back through various social impact projects. The conversation around real vs vegan leather isn’t as simple as it first seems. With most aspects of sustainability, we're discovering that an individuals' personal ethics play a huge role in how you decide to take part.
Thank you to our inimitable guest Nika Diamond-Krendel, Founder of Paradise Row
Also thank you to Florence van der Spek
Mentioned In The Episode
A Guide To Organic Certifications
Please Support The Vendeur & Join Our Community
Series Credits
Host Lucy Kebbell
Theme created by Joe Murgatroyd