get to know MMS
ManMadeSkins is a New York-based brand committed to creating vegan leather apparel with an ethical and sustainable approach.
Founded by Vesper Han, a graduate of Parsons School of Design, the brand is an evolution of her senior thesis collection.
MMS offers a unique take on traditional leatherwear, featuring ethical, alternative and sustainable leather alternatives, expressed through romantic yet eccentric design ethos.
why vegan leather?
The leather industry is one of the most harmful industries to both humans and animals.
The leather industry also has a devastating effect on animal welfare. Animals used for leather production are often raised in overcrowded and unhygienic conditions. They are often subjected to extremely cruel and inhumane treatment.
Despite the common misconception, leather is not a by-product of the meat industry, but a co-product.
Globally, animals are often killed inhumanely, solely for their hide.
The leather industry is a major contributor to global warming and climate change. The leather industry is responsible for a significant amount of global deforestation, the use of chemicals in the tanning process is also damaging to the environment, as well as toxic to both animals and humans. Additionally, the production of leather results in a large amount of water pollution, with many toxic chemicals being released into waterways that affect large amounts of populations.
The leather industry not only has a negative environmental impact, but it also has a significant human health cost. The chemicals used in tanning are toxic and can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and even cancer.
In addition, workers in the leather industry are often exposed to these same chemicals, which can cause long-term health problems.
Overall, the leather industry is one of the most harmful industries to both humans and animals, and it needs to be addressed in order to protect our environment and the health of all living creatures.
Vegan leather, also known as faux leather, is quickly becoming a popular alternative to traditional leather. It is made from non-animal sources such as polyester, polyurethane, and PVC, as well as more innovative and eco-friendly, plant-based leathers such as cork, cactus, pineapple, grape etc.
One of the most significant benefits of vegan leather is its environmental friendliness. It does not require the use of any animal products, meaning no animals are harmed in the production process. and the production process is much less energy-intensive than traditional leather. Additionally, vegan leather production creates fewer hazardous waste products than traditional leather.
Vegan leather is often more lightweight, flexible, and durable than authentic leather. Also, vegan leather can be made in a range of colors, not even authentic leather can achieve. These qualities have made vegan leather easier to work with, resulting in an end product such as a well-made handbag or a jacket that lasts for years and decades.
animal leather is sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and can show stretch marks over time. Vegan leather has had a reputation for cracking, but this is primarily PVC leather. Plant-based leather shows promise as a durable alternative to animal leather.
For example, due to pineapple leaves' high cellulose content and tensile strength, products made with Piñatex are durable and long-lasting.
There are plenty of misconceptions about vegan leather. “It doesn’t look as good”. “It doesn’t have the same longevity as authentic leather”.
But that’s not the case. More and more companies are using materials and creative techniques to prove that vegan leather can be as high-luxury as authentic leather.
Due to the benefits and popularity of using vegan leather, more new plant-based leather materials are being developed and manufactured everyday, together we can work towards a future where Vegan Leather will be 100% ethical and eco-friendly.
