Unveiling the Sustainable Beauty of Leather: Insights from our Designer Exclusive Event
Discover the Surprising Sustainability of Leather and its Timeless Appeal
Last March, we hosted an unforgettable Designer Exclusive event that brought together nearly 50 local interior designers for an evening of new and reintroductions, cocktails, charcuterie, and lively conversation at our Richmond showroom. Join us as we take you behind the scenes of this extraordinary event, featuring the insightful contributions of our special guests, Bo Gravely and Will Dowd from Moore & Giles, a renowned family-owned leather company based in Lynchburg.
Unveiling the Sustainable Side of Leather:
During the event, Bo Gravely captivated us with his presentation on Living with Leather, shedding light on the surprising sustainability of this time-honored material. If you're curious about how leather, derived from animal hides, can be sustainable, you're not alone—Bo addressed this concern and shared some enlightening key points:
Leather hides in a variety of colors and finishes. Photo courtesy of Moore + Giles.
Leather's Historic Role: Leather has been a trusted companion throughout human history, providing clothing, shelter, and protection for countless generations.
Responsible Use of Byproduct Waste: The leather industry exclusively utilizes byproduct waste from the global food trade, diverting over 258 million hides (more than 92% of the estimated total) from landfills each year. These hides are transformed into functional and beautiful leather products.
Durability and Longevity: Leather stands out as a remarkably durable material that stands the test of time, ensuring that your furniture and decor pieces remain in pristine condition for generations.
Innovation in Tanning: Moore & Giles leads the way in sustainable leather production as a pioneer in plant-based tanning methods. This approach preserves the natural beauty and inherent characteristics of the hides.
Commitment to Sustainability: Many leather producers, including Moore & Giles, have implemented sustainable processing procedures. They prioritize sustainability at every level of operation, maintaining their pledge to minimize waste and reduce their impact on the environment. (They’ve even planted a company garden!)
The Downside of Alternatives: Leather alternatives, such as vinyl, "vegan," or faux leather, often rely on plastic and petroleum-based materials. These alternatives lack the durability and longevity of natural leather, often contributing to landfill waste and toxic environmental pollution.
Custom hide-on leather upholstered dining chairs in a home designed by Diana Vicenti for u-fab interiors.
Meaningful Partnerships and an Unwavering Commitment to Quality
Beyond its sustainable attributes, leather exudes exceptional beauty, particularly when used in furniture applications. A teal leather sofa served as the centerpiece of the presentation, showcasing the unique appeal of leather upholstery. As an organic material, leather exhibits natural variations in color, pattern, and patina, making each hide unique. Bo emphasized the intricate process of using leather hides to upholster furniture, highlighting the level of knowledge, skill, and craftsmanship required to create such stunning pieces. To honor these luxurious leathers, Moore & Giles partners closely with trusted furniture manufacturers (like Wesley Hall) who know how to work with the material and have the skill and practices to produce consistently beautiful pieces, and distributors (like u-fab) who share their unwavering commitment to exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and comfort.
Experience the Beauty of Custom Leather
If you're intrigued by the idea of owning a custom leather piece, we invite you to visit our showrooms in Richmond or Charlottesville. Explore our premium selection of Moore & Giles leather, borrow samples to choose confidently, and allow our Design Consultants to guide you in selecting the perfect frame and features. Whether you're an interior designer or not, you can rest assured that you're in the very best hands at u-fab.
Our Designer Exclusive event was a resounding success, thanks to the presence of our esteemed guests, Bo Gravely and Will Dowd from Moore & Giles. Leather's surprising sustainability, unmatched durability, and captivating beauty were at the heart of our discussions. Don't miss out on the opportunity to create a custom leather piece that will endure for generations! Visit us in Richmond or Charlottesville, where our team is ready to assist you in bringing your dream design to life. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and behind-the-scenes moments from our event.
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