Made In Britain

Whether they source their leather from British tanneries, or have kept the same workshop in London for decades, British brands old and new are still sourcing, manufacturing and designing gorgeous leather bags, shoes and accessories throughout the UK, setting a high standard for quality across the industry.

- Emma Johnson

THINK OF A RENOWNED leather brand, and it’s highly likely that the names that come to mind are going to be British – Mulberry, Burberry, Smythson, Asprey, Ettinger, John Lobb, Crockett & Jones. From catwalk-worthy designer bags to providing the footwear for nearly the entire City of London workforce, these heritage brands have made their name as representatives at the forefront of the British luxury industry. In addition, newer brands – Aspinal of London, C.Nicol, Oliver Sweeney, Gaziano & Girling – are also now starting to position themselves as a central part of this elite group, who cherish heritage qualities, artisan skill, traditional techniques and a clear pride in the ‘Made in Britain’ badge.

In this modern world, where fashion is fast and raw materials come cheap, the British leather industry is one such place that still puts a vital emphasis on quality, luxury, provenance and home-grown skill. “The luxury market is changing,” says Nick Jones, managing director and fourth-generation of family business Crockett & Jones. “Customers today have a thirst for information. They like to know about the products they are purchasing and where they come from, more than ever. The ‘Made in Britain’ tag is a seal of approval if you like.”

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