Opinion

All that for a drop of positivity

Published: June 16, 2022

Deputy Editor Tom Hogarth discusses the recent New York Times article which criticised the Higg Index, and the realities of generating positive press for leather.

Chrome and the consequences of progress

Published: June 15, 2022

Mike Redwood looks to the past to understand the consequences of chrome tanning in irresponsible hands and why the industry might soon move on.

Talking Point May/June 2022

Published: June 13, 2022

In the May/June 2022 edition of ILM, we asked industry experts to respond to the question; Can the tanning industry trust brands, retailers, and OEMs to do the right thing with their messaging around leather?

Global challenges require new approaches

Published: June 8, 2022

Mike Redwood examines some of the current challenges facing the leather industry across the globe, from geopolitical conflict to trade shows.

Built-to-last is fashionable

Published: June 8, 2022

One of the great properties that leather has is that it lasts a long time in use. From time-to-time, you need to give boots or shoes a clean and polish but only when holding your favourite leather item do you fully appreciate that the character of the leather has changed with time; it tells a story about you the wearer, and the places and events associated with the item that can evoke great memories and emotions.

What does the future hold for international leather exhibitions?

Published: June 6, 2022

After APLF announced a Special Edition show in Bangkok in October 2022 and a return to Dubai in 2023, ILM Deputy Editor Tom Hogarth discusses the implications.

A better future for cities should involve leather artisans

Published: May 31, 2022

Mike Redwood discusses the possibilities that can be found for makers in a post-Covid landscape with emptier cities and a WFH focus.

The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth

Published: May 25, 2022

Mike Redwood condemns the confusion created by holding outdated leather production methods over the industry’s head long after they’ve been deemed unsafe and replaced.

Getting your philosophy right

Published: May 18, 2022

Mike Redwood reflects on Royal Smit & Zoon’s 200^th anniversary dinner, and the company’s business philosophy.

Discovering a love for leather

Published: May 11, 2022

Mike Redwood discusses the great benefit of activities like the APLF Design-a-Bag Competition in helping people to discover leather and fall in love with the material.