The Difference Between Real Leather and Vegan Leather

At first glance, the differences between real leather and vegan leather seem negligible. On further inspection, these two textiles are clearly worlds apart. Real leather is natural, durable and timeless, whereas faux leather is perceived as an animal-friendly alternative that is entirely manmade and comes in a variety of guises. Whether you’re a conscious shopper, […]

The Benefits of Small Batch Production

Since the early 2000s small batch manufacturing has been reshaping how people think about consumption. Largely driven by a growing awareness of the negative impacts of fast fashion, mass production, and overconsumption, it represents not just a production method but a broader cultural shift toward sustainability and intentional living. At Parnassus, as ethical leather designers […]

The History of Leather Production

Derived from the skins of animals and a byproduct of animals slaughtered for meat, the origins of leather can be traced back thousands of years. In fact, archaeologists and anthropologists speculate that hides were used far earlier than remains suggest. Sophisticated tools, purpose made for scraping, cleaning and cutting hides have been discovered, indicating a […]

Why Sustainable Fashion is More Than a Trend

sustainable fashion

Understanding Sustainability There’s a lot of noise around sustainability, and with good reason. While you might be interested in what it means, how it affects us all and what you can do, deciphering some of the jargon can feel overwhelming and confusing. This is especially true when trying to understand how different industries or individuals […]

Is Leather Sustainable?

Parnassus black and green leather bags sit on a wall with Ullswater and the Lake District fells in the background

When questioning the sustainability of leather, it is important to take a holistic view of the lifecycle of this natural product from cow to final product. Reducing any answer to the sustainability of the individual elements involved in leather production is overly simplistic and should be avoided ideally. Sustainability has become a key concern for […]

Leather Manufacturing: How is Leather Made?

In this guide, we’ll provide an overview of how leather is produced including the preparation of the hides or skins, tanning, dyeing and finishing to create beautiful and functional leather goods.

The Different Types of Leather

The world of leather is a complex one and understanding what your leather products are made from is not made easy by manufacturers. Let’s take a look at the different types of leather and what they are used for.