Explore every episode of the podcast Leathertainment Studio Podcast

No leather in this one. After a reader told me to "stop using AI to write your newsletters," I sat with that for a while, where I actually use AI in my process, where I don't, and why. This is the first in something new: a "no answers" series, just an honest internal debate, no conclusion at the end.

I talk through the AI allergy I'm noticing in comments and feedback, why I think virtue signaling around AI use (in either direction) misses something, and where I've landed (for now) on using it as a tool without letting it replace the parts of the work that are actually mine.

Stay leathertained.

From counterfeit markets in Guangzhou to a Songmont boutique in Shenzhen, by way of BYD, DJI, and Xiaomi, I went looking for where China's manufacturing skill turns into something that's actually its own. What I found wasn't the story the headlines tell.

This isn't about tariffs or trade politics. It's about the difference between technical mastery and creative identity, and what happens when a country this capable stops copying and starts making things nobody else could make. The leather industry is where I know how to look for that shift, but I found it everywhere I turned.

Stay leathertained.

Coach sent over their Tabby 26 shoulder bag for an independent dissection — no scripts, no sponsorship, just cut open like every other bag on this channel. Top-grain pebbled cowhide, heavy-duty hardware, and a materials-plus-labor cost I traced back to source pricing.

I also ran it through water, mud, ketchup, and wine to see how the finish actually holds up day to day. One recurring gripe: the brand story tag inside is plastic, not leather — same issue I've flagged on other Coach pieces.

Stay leathertained.

This $990 belt isn't saddle-stitched by hand like the bags Hermès is known for — it's machine-sewn, which is exactly why anyone can buy it while Birkins and Kellys stay gatekept. I opened it up to see what's actually inside: three leather layers, a palladium-coated buckle, and a materials cost I could trace back to source pricing.

The markup turned out lower than expected for the brand — around 12-13x on both the strap and the buckle, not the 20x+ multiples seen elsewhere in luxury. So what are you actually paying for? Craftsmanship, or the logo?

Stay leathertained.

On a research trip in China, I found my way into a market selling replica luxury goods and picked up a counterfeit Hermès Constance belt for about $100. Then I ordered the real one from Hermès directly and put both under the microscope — leather, stitching, hardware, edge finishing, even weight.

The differences were bigger than expected in some places, and barely there in others. Here's what actually separates a $100 counterfeit from the real thing — materials, construction, and where the corners get cut.

Stay leathertained.

Three head-to-head comparisons, same categories, wildly different prices: an $1,700 LV briefcase against a Coach backpack under $150. A $2,700 Neverfull against a $450 Coach tote. A $4,450 LV Go-14 against a $395 Coach Tabby. After dissecting all six, the craftsmanship gap was nowhere near the price gap — sometimes Coach came out ahead.

So where does the price difference actually come from? The answer isn't about leather or stitching at all.

Stay leathertained.

"Made in Italy" doesn't always mean what you think. I spent a day in Florence — street markets, tourist shops, highly rated boutiques, and heritage brands like Il Bisonte and Ferragamo — buying leather goods at every price point, then brought all 12 pieces home to check what was real.

Some pieces didn't hold up to scrutiny despite the label. Others — vegetable-tanned totes, hand-burnished card cases, artisan-made shoes — were exactly what Florence is supposed to deliver. Here's how to tell the difference before you buy.

Stay leathertained.

A Chinese replica seller claimed he could build the exact same $90,000 crocodile Birkin for $6,000, and broke down the cost of materials and labor to prove it. After a week in China meeting artisans and touring factories, I went back through his claims line by line — thread, labor cost, hardware, lining — to see what actually holds up.

Some of it is true. Most of it isn't. And one claim from his earlier video quietly disappeared from this one.

Stay leathertained.

Over five years and 30+ dissected bags, I built a four-pillar scoring system for modern luxury: shopping experience, product quality, exclusivity, and logo signal power. Ten brands, scored out of 40 each — Prada, Loewe, Chanel, Saint Laurent, Goyard, Hermès, Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Bottega Veneta.

The results won't match what you'd expect from price tag alone. One brand stood out for genuinely engineering scarcity around real craftsmanship. Another surprised me for the opposite reason.

This is one lens on the category, built from my own purchases and dissections — not the only way to value a bag. Tell me which brand you want dissected next.

Stay leathertained.

Goyard doesn't sell online, doesn't advertise, and doesn't disclose prices, and about 95% of the bags on resale markets are fake. So I bought one, authenticated it, and cut it open.

What I found: a plastic-coated canvas exterior (not leather, despite the confusion), paired with genuinely excellent semi-aniline calfskin lining. I priced out the materials and labor to build it. Here's what the math says, and what's actually driving the price — history, scarcity, or the materials themselves.

Stay leathertained.

Dior, Loewe, Polène — they all have one thing in common most people never notice: their bags are made in the same small town in Andalusia, and the brands don't advertise it.

I got invited into Ubrique to find out why. What I found wasn't a trick or a shortcut — it was a 10-month sewing curriculum, a tool nobody outside the town uses, and a mindset built entirely around patience. I also got reported to the police for filming.

This is the town luxury doesn't talk about — and the artisans who make it possible.

Stay leathertained.

This is a collaboration video with Smit & Zoon, a leading leather chemical company based in the Netherlands. In this special episode of our Leathertainment podcast, we’re diving deep to help people understand leather better – its origin, sustainability, and all the misconceptions around it.

We sat down with Florian, an industry veteran with decades of experience, to talk about the biggest myth: that animals are killed just for their leather. Spoiler alert – that’s not true. Leather is a byproduct of the meat and dairy industry, and if we don’t use the hides, they just become waste.

We also explore:

✅ The shocking stats about what people believe about leather.

✅ How leather is actually one of the oldest and most sustainable materials.

✅ Why “vegan leather” alternatives are often misleading – and not as eco-friendly as people think.

✅ The role of chemicals in tanning – and how modern innovations are making leather more sustainable.

✅ The incredible longevity of leather goods and how they can last for decades (even 60+ years!)

This episode isn’t about shaming anyone – it’s about getting the facts out there so everyone can make informed choices. So whether you’re a leather enthusiast, a sustainability nerd, or just curious, join us for this honest and insightful conversation! Listen now and join the conversation!

This is a collaboration video with Smit & Zoon, a leading leather chemical company based in the Netherlands. In this special episode of our Leathertainment podcast, we’re diving deep to help people understand leather better – its origin, sustainability, and all the misconceptions around it:
In this episode, we sit down with Noor Wentholt, a fourth-generation leather crafter from Amsterdam, to uncover the secrets behind leather’s legendary longevity and durability. We explore how family heritage and passion are woven into every handcrafted leather item, and why vegetable-tanned leather isn’t what most people think.
Discover why real leather goods can last generations, how to tell the difference between high-quality and cheap leather, and what simple care tips can keep your leather items beautiful for decades. From heartfelt stories of 60-year-old leather bags to the exciting future of compostable, eco-friendly leathers – this episode is a must-watch for anyone curious about sustainable fashion and leather craftsmanship.
👉 Visit Noor Wentholt’s website here: https://www.noorwentholt.com/
🔔 Watch now and join the conversation about the future of leather!

This is a collaboration video with Smit & Zoon, a leading leather chemical company based in the Netherlands. In this special episode of our Leathertainment podcast, we’re diving deep to help people understand leather better – its origin, sustainability, and all the misconceptions around it.In this episode, we’re tackling the complex topic of animal welfare and ethical concerns in the leather industry. We’re recording from an organic farm in the Netherlands, surrounded by animals living their best lives.We discuss:✅ The reality of animal welfare in today’s industrial farming and why leather is often unfairly blamed.✅ How ethical animal farming can coexist with the leather industry when done responsibly.✅ Why it’s important to look at leather as a byproduct of meat and dairy – and not the cause of animal slaughter.✅ The growing demand for organic and regenerative farming practices that respect animals and the environment.✅ The problem with fast fashion’s demand for cheap leather goods and the labor and environmental abuses it can fuel.✅ How certifications and consumer awareness can drive real change in the industry.This episode isn’t about pushing an agenda – it’s about giving you the full picture so you can make choices that align with your values. Whether you’re a conscious consumer, an animal welfare advocate, or just curious about how leather fits into the bigger picture, this conversation is for you.🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations and deep dives into the leather world!

This is a collaboration video with Smit & Zoon, a leading leather chemical company based in the Netherlands. In this special episode of our Leathertainment podcast, we’re diving deep to help people understand leather better – its origin, sustainability, and all the misconceptions around it.In this episode, we’re heading straight to the source – an organic dairy farm near Amsterdam – to uncover how leather production ties into meat and dairy industries, animal welfare, and the environment.We discuss:✅ How deforestation in Brazil and beyond links to leather’s global supply chain.✅ The carbon footprint of cattle – methane emissions vs. soil health.✅ Why animal welfare and local farming matter for sustainable leather.✅ The myth that leather is the main driver of deforestation.✅ The rise of traceability and certifications like Leather Working Group and Chrome-Free Working Group.✅ How consumers can support ethical practices without being misled by greenwashing.✅ Why local, circular production could be the future of truly sustainable leather.This episode isn’t about guilt or blame – it’s about awareness and better choices.🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations and deep dives into the leather world!

This is a collaboration video with Smit & Zoon, a leading leather chemical company based in the Netherlands. In this special episode of our Leathertainment podcast, we’re diving deep to help people understand leather better – its origin, sustainability, and all the misconceptions around it.In this episode, we explore the future of leather – how it’s positioned in the evolving world of conscious consumption, what the industry needs to do to reclaim its narrative, and why the story of leather deserves to be told. 🌿We discuss:✅ Why leather can be the sustainable choice – if we choose it mindfully✅ The role of consumers in shaping this future✅ The need for authentic storytelling from the industry to bridge the gap in knowledge✅ How the craft of leatherwork, once common, is at risk and why we should fight to preserve it✅ Surprising insights from vegan consumers and brands who are rethinking plastic-based “alternatives”✅ What’s next for leather: from composting at end-of-life to futuristic visions for humanity 🌱This is an episode for everyone who’s curious about leather’s place in a better world – and how our choices today shape that future.

This is a collaboration video with Smit & Zoon, a leading leather chemical company based in the Netherlands. In this special episode of our Leathertainment podcast, we’re diving deep to help people understand leather better – its origin, sustainability, and all the misconceptions around it.In this episode, we’re peeling back the curtain on how leather is actually made – from raw hides to the luxurious leather goods we see in stores.We’re sharing the step-by-step journey of this remarkable material, including:✅ Where leather starts – and why it’s not fur✅ Key stages: cleaning, tanning, coloring & finishing✅ The difference between vegetable-tanned, chrome-tanned & modern eco-tanned leather✅ Why “veg tan” doesn’t mean vegan!✅ How tanneries recycle waste and close the loop✅ How Leather Working Group & other certifications ensure safe, responsible processesThis is a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible skill and craftsmanship involved in leather making – a process that transforms a byproduct into a durable, timeless material.🔔 Subscribe for more insights on leather’s history, sustainability & future!

This is a collaboration video with Smit & Zoon, a leading leather chemical company based in the Netherlands. In this special episode of our Leathertainment podcast, we’re diving deep to help people understand leather better – its origin, sustainability, and all the misconceptions around it.In this episode, we’re stepping back in time to explore the legacy of leather and how it has been part of human civilization for thousands of years. From ancient tanning practices in Pompeii to leather as the ultimate natural material, we talk about how leather’s DNA is woven into our history — and how it can guide a more sustainable future today.Key topics we cover:✅ The ancient origins of leather and its role in early human life✅ How leather has evolved alongside civilization and protected us for centuries✅ The risk of losing artisanal skills and craftsmanship in the age of mass production✅ The importance of preserving leather’s legacy for future generations✅ How we can reintroduce leather into modern life — and stop replacing it with unsustainable alternatives🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations and deep dives into the world of leather!

This is a collaboration video with Smit & Zoon, a leading leather chemical company based in the Netherlands. In this special episode of our Leathertainment podcast, we’re diving deep to help people understand leather better – its origin, sustainability, and all the misconceptions around it.In this episode, we’re tackling the controversial topic of vegan leather. What does it really mean? Is it truly vegan if it’s made of plastic? And how does it impact the environment, animals, and your values? We discuss:✅ The rise of vegan leather and how it’s often petroleum-based plastic.✅ Why the term “vegan leather” can be misleading and how to spot the difference.✅ The environmental cost of plastic-based alternatives – from microplastics to landfill.✅ The importance of bio-based and truly natural alternatives.✅ Why leather, as a byproduct of the meat and dairy industry, might be the more sustainable and ethical choice.✅ The challenge for consumers: to dig deeper, read the labels, and demand better choices.This episode isn’t about shaming anyone – it’s about empowering you to make informed decisions. Whether you’re vegan, a leather enthusiast, or just someone who cares about what you’re buying, we’re here to help you see past the marketing and find the truth.🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations and deep dives into the leather world!

Are you ready to be inspired by a true multi-craftsman? Meet Jonathan Ward, the mastermind behind two successful automotive brands and now, his own leather goods company. In this video, he shares his journey and insights as a serial entrepreneur and craftsman with a unique background in both cars and leather. Get ready to hear about his passion that drives him, the challenges he faced in starting his automotive brand, and how the game has changed when it comes to promoting your brand in our current digital era. With expertise, reliability, and true passion for his craft, Jonathan is definitely someone you don't want to miss hearing from. Get ready to be inspired and learn that passion truly is the key to success.

Check out Jonathan Ward:

ICON Website: www.icon4x4.com Instagram: @icon4x4

J.Ward Leather Website: www.jwardcollection.com Instagram: @jwardcollection

Campfire Coats Website: www.campfirecoats.com Instagram: @campfirecoats

Welcome to the world of leather crafting with the incredible Marianne Amore! In this video, we dive into who Marianne Amore is and how she became a master of her craft. From starting out as a hobby of leather crafting to now running her own business, Marianne shares her journey and insights with us. So whether you're an aspiring leather craftsman or simply looking for a new hobby, this video offers valuable information from someone who truly knows their stuff. Tune in now to become a master of anything with Marianne Amore's expert guidance!

Witness the incredible work that goes into crafting luxury leather products with Moore & Giles, the renowned leather company. Discover their story and get an exclusive look at their partnerships, innovative processes, and sustainability initiatives that make them leaders in the leather industry. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of tanning through the eyes of Sackett Wood, CEO of Moore & Giles, and learn how they create high-quality leather hides for customers around the world. Whether you're looking to purchase a new leather product or just want to find out more about tanning, this video has something for everyone!

Are you wondering if leather's sustainability is really as bad as everyone makes it out to be? Do you think plastic is more recyclable and therefore a better alternative? This video features Deborah Taylor, Managing Director and Founder of the Sustainable Leather Foundation, who dives into the big questions about leather's impact on the environment and what we can do about it. She discusses Apple's and Tesla's decision to abandon leather, ways to ethically source exotic leathers, the environmental impacts of tanning, plus debunked myths about vegan leather - all with her trademark enthusiasm and expertise. Find out why people think plastic is a better choice for eco-friendly products with this in-depth exploration of the latest trends in ethical fashion.

The challenges and methods used in authenticating luxury goods with Vidyuth Srinivasan, CEO of Entrupy.

https://www.entrupy.com/

Leathertainment Podcast Episode 17, w/ Lucy Caille

Bespoq Automotive helps transform Tesla's typical upholstery with real luxury leather interiors. Bespoq Automotive: https://bespoqautomotive.co.uk/

Leather tanning with olives, Thomas Lamparter from Olivenleder shows us how olive tanning is changing the leather industry.

Olivenleder

https://olivenleder.com/en/

Dr. Kerry Senior , director of Leather UK, discusses the tanning process, and some challenges and myths within the leather industry.

Leather UK: https://leatheruk.org/leather-trade/

Bill Wuyek, owner of District Leather Supply, and fellow leathercrafter joins us for today's podcast. Check out District Leather Supply:

https://districtleathersupply.com/

https://www.instagram.com/districtleathersupply/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl_3TLUh3J62xtq6tC0jj6g

Desserto is one of the innovators in the vegan leather space. They introduced their cactus leather to market in 2019. I talk with cofounders Adrian and Marte , to discuss Desserto's work in improving sustainability in the fashion industry.

Check out Desserto's site:

https://desserto.com.mx
https://www.instagram.com/desserto.pelle/

Today we welcome Mica & Juliette from Polène . Juliette is the Head of Leather Goods Design and Mica is a Senior Designer. Take an inside look at Polène's practices and approach to leather craft in their designs. Polène website: https://eng.polene-paris.com/ Polène social media: https://www.tiktok.com/@polene_paris?lang=enhttps://www.instagram.com/polene_paris/?hl=en

Had a great talk with Liz and Tony from Springfield Leather Company about today's leather craft industry and recent boom of newcomers.

Checkout Springfield Leather's site here:

https://www.springfieldleather.com/

Other Links:

https://www.youtube.com/user/SpringfieldLeatherCo

https://www.instagram.com/springfieldleatherco/

Master Craftsmen, Peter Nitz shares his extensive experience in high-end leather luxury brands and his leather crafting journey.

Debbie Burton of Leather Naturally helps us understand and navigate the leather space and labeling terminology used in today's market.

In this episode, I discussed his leather journey with Ty Bowman of Lifetime Leather. His inspiring story of starting a leather crafts brand in the USA with all challenges and realities behind the scenes. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did when getting to know Ty during this interview.

In this relaunch episode, I interviewed my (other) self, Tanner Leatherstein. Besides having this weird and fun approach, I wanted o give a little bit more background about my work and intentions with this podcast. Every Monday we will have fellow craftsman and leather professionals to provide you with in depth insights of leatherverse. Stay tuned!

Hello and welcome to my Leathertainment Studio Podcast! Come and join in on the conversation as we talk about leather, the leather industry, fashion industry, etc. Anything leather, we'll talk about it and have an open conversation! Tune in every Friday for a brand-new leather podcast episode!  

In today's episode, I discuss one of the leather industry's biggest misconceptions and explain that leather is an upcycled material.

Hello and welcome to my Leathertainment Studio Podcast! Come and join in on the conversation as we talk about leather, the leather industry, fashion industry, etc. Anything leather, we'll talk about it and have an open conversation! Tune in every Friday for a brand-new leather podcast episode!

In today's episode, I just want to emphasize how much I dislike big leather brands today and my pain points with them!

Hello and welcome to my Leathertainment Studio Podcast! Come and join in on the conversation as we talk about leather, the leather industry, fashion industry, etc. Anything leather, we'll talk about it and have an open conversation! Tune in every Friday for a brand-new leather podcast episode! In today's episode, I talk about my journey to becoming a leather craftsman. The initial spark, the lead-up, and to where I am now.