Leather Furniture

Leather is one of the most eco-friendly materials to use. People will always eat beef, so making sure there is no waste, leather is a good idea.

Graphic furniture designer and art director Jenny White, 29, knew she wanted to do something more hands-on with her career so she went back to college to study textile futures at London's Central St Martins before launching her sustainable homewares collection last year. 'Luxury and great style were my inspiration rather than being "eco", but I wanted to satisfy my conscience by designing furniture products that wouldn't harm people or the environment.' Jenny wanted to indulge in sumptuous materials such as leather and silk, 'but it couldn't just be any old leather just because it was eco-friendly - it had to feel sexy, thin and buttery,' she explains. So she sought out 'friendlier' alternatives to conventional materials: naturally tanned leathers from Germany; wild silks from India; furs and skins that are either recycled or are a by-product of the food industry; recycled and organic cottons; free-range alpaca and mohair; chromium-free sheepskin, and fabric that feels like heavy cashmere but is made from bamboo. 'Which makes this leather furniture range sensual, indulgent and very feminine,' she enthuses.