Leathertainment Studio Podcast

Tanner Leatherstein

Hello and welcome to Leathertainment podcast with Tanner Leatherstein! Come and join in on the conversation as we talk about leather, the leather industry, fashion industry, etc. Anything leather, we'll talk about it with industry experts, craftsman and enthusiast users! Tune in every Monday for a brand-new leathertainment podcast episode!

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30 episodes
Avg 37 min
English

Episodes 30

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Monday · 16 min
I Went to China to Answer One Question: Can They Make Great Things?
From counterfeit markets in Guangzhou to a Songmont boutique in Shenzhen, by way of BYD, DJI, and Xiaomi, I went looking for where China's manufacturing skill turns into something that's actually its own. What I found wasn't the story the headlines tell. This isn't about tariffs or trade politics. It's about the difference between technical mastery and creative identity, and what happens when a country this capable stops copying and starts making things nobody else could make. The leather industry is where I know how to look for that shift, but I found it everywhere I turned. Stay leathertained.
S2 · E9
September 17 · 12 min
Coach Sent Me This Bag for Review — Here's What $450 Actually Buys
Coach sent over their Tabby 26 shoulder bag for an independent dissection — no scripts, no sponsorship, just cut open like every other bag on this channel. Top-grain pebbled cowhide, heavy-duty hardware, and a materials-plus-labor cost I traced back to source pricing. I also ran it through water, mud, ketchup, and wine to see how the finish actually holds up day to day. One recurring gripe: the brand story tag inside is plastic, not leather — same issue I've flagged on other Coach pieces. Stay leathertained.
S2 · E8
September 14 · 13 min
I Dissected the Hermès Constance Belt — Here's the Real Markup
This $990 belt isn't saddle-stitched by hand like the bags Hermès is known for — it's machine-sewn, which is exactly why anyone can buy it while Birkins and Kellys stay gatekept. I opened it up to see what's actually inside: three leather layers, a palladium-coated buckle, and a materials cost I could trace back to source pricing. The markup turned out lower than expected for the brand — around 12-13x on both the strap and the buckle, not the 20x+ multiples seen elsewhere in luxury. So what are you actually paying for? Craftsmanship, or the logo? Stay leathertained.
S2 · E7
September 8 · 15 min
I Bought a Fake Hermès Belt in China and Compared It to the Real One
On a research trip in China, I found my way into a market selling replica luxury goods and picked up a counterfeit Hermès Constance belt for about $100. Then I ordered the real one from Hermès directly and put both under the microscope — leather, stitching, hardware, edge finishing, even weight. The differences were bigger than expected in some places, and barely there in others. Here's what actually separates a $100 counterfeit from the real thing — materials, construction, and where the corners get cut. Stay leathertained.
S2 · E6
September 4 · 11 min
I Compared a $4,450 Louis Vuitton to a $395 Coach — The Craftsmanship Wasn't the Story
Three head-to-head comparisons, same categories, wildly different prices: an $1,700 LV briefcase against a Coach backpack under $150. A $2,700 Neverfull against a $450 Coach tote. A $4,450 LV Go-14 against a $395 Coach Tabby. After dissecting all six, the craftsmanship gap was nowhere near the price gap — sometimes Coach came out ahead. So where does the price difference actually come from? The answer isn't about leather or stitching at all. Stay leathertained.
S2 · E5
September 2 · 20 min
I Bought Leather From 12 Shops in Florence — Here's What Was Actually Made in Italy
"Made in Italy" doesn't always mean what you think. I spent a day in Florence — street markets, tourist shops, highly rated boutiques, and heritage brands like Il Bisonte and Ferragamo — buying leather goods at every price point, then brought all 12 pieces home to check what was real. Some pieces didn't hold up to scrutiny despite the label. Others — vegetable-tanned totes, hand-burnished card cases, artisan-made shoes — were exactly what Florence is supposed to deliver. Here's how to tell the difference before you buy. Stay leathertained.
S2 · E4
August 31 · 6 min
Fact-Checking the "$90K Birkin for $6K" Replica Video — What's True and What's Not
A Chinese replica seller claimed he could build the exact same $90,000 crocodile Birkin for $6,000, and broke down the cost of materials and labor to prove it. After a week in China meeting artisans and touring factories, I went back through his claims line by line — thread, labor cost, hardware, lining — to see what actually holds up. Some of it is true. Most of it isn't. And one claim from his earlier video quietly disappeared from this one. Stay leathertained.
S2 · E3
August 28 · 19 min
I Scored 10 Luxury Brands on Quality, Exclusivity, and Hype — Here's the Ranking
Over five years and 30+ dissected bags, I built a four-pillar scoring system for modern luxury: shopping experience, product quality, exclusivity, and logo signal power. Ten brands, scored out of 40 each — Prada, Loewe, Chanel, Saint Laurent, Goyard, Hermès, Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Bottega Veneta. The results won't match what you'd expect from price tag alone. One brand stood out for genuinely engineering scarcity around real craftsmanship. Another surprised me for the opposite reason. This is one lens on the category, built from my own purchases and dissections — not the only way to value a bag. Tell me which brand you want dissected next. Stay leathertained.
S2 · E2
August 26 · 9 min
I Dissected a Goyard Bag — Here's What $2,600 Actually Buys
Goyard doesn't sell online, doesn't advertise, and doesn't disclose prices, and about 95% of the bags on resale markets are fake. So I bought one, authenticated it, and cut it open. What I found: a plastic-coated canvas exterior (not leather, despite the confusion), paired with genuinely excellent semi-aniline calfskin lining. I priced out the materials and labor to build it. Here's what the math says, and what's actually driving the price — history, scarcity, or the materials themselves. Stay leathertained.
S2 · E1
August 24 · 7 min
The Secret Spanish Town Where Luxury Brands Actually Make Their Bags
Dior, Loewe, Polène — they all have one thing in common most people never notice: their bags are made in the same small town in Andalusia, and the brands don't advertise it. I got invited into Ubrique to find out why. What I found wasn't a trick or a shortcut — it was a 10-month sewing curriculum, a tool nobody outside the town uses, and a mindset built entirely around patience. I also got reported to the police for filming. This is the town luxury doesn't talk about — and the artisans who make it possible. Stay leathertained.
S1 · E1
Jun 3, 2025 · 26 min
Leathertainment on the go! Episode 1 | Leather’s Myth: Are Animals Really Killed Just for Leather?
This is a collaboration video with Smit & Zoon, a leading leather chemical company based in the Netherlands. In this special episode of our Leathertainment podcast, we’re diving deep to help people understand leather better – its origin, sustainability, and all the misconceptions around it. We sat down with Florian, an industry veteran with decades of experience, to talk about the biggest myth: that animals are killed just for their leather. Spoiler alert – that’s not true. Leather is a byproduct of the meat and dairy industry, and if we don’t use the hides, they just become waste. We also explore: ✅ The shocking stats about what people believe about leather. ✅ How leather is actually one of the oldest and most sustainable materials. ✅ Why “vegan leather” alternatives are often misleading – and not as eco-friendly as people think. ✅ The role of chemicals in tanning – and how modern innovations are making leather more sustainable. ✅ The incredible longevity of leather goods and how they can last for decades (even 60+ years!) This episode isn’t about shaming anyone – it’s about getting the facts out there so everyone can make informed choices. So whether you’re a leather enthusiast, a sustainability nerd, or just curious, join us for this honest and insightful conversation! Listen now and join the conversation!
S1 · E2
Jun 3, 2025 · 26 min
Leathertainment on the go! Episode 2 | Is Vegan Leather Really Vegan?
This is a collaboration video with Smit & Zoon, a leading leather chemical company based in the Netherlands. In this special episode of our Leathertainment podcast, we’re diving deep to help people understand leather better – its origin, sustainability, and all the misconceptions around it.In this episode, we’re tackling the controversial topic of vegan leather. What does it really mean? Is it truly vegan if it’s made of plastic? And how does it impact the environment, animals, and your values? We discuss:✅ The rise of vegan leather and how it’s often petroleum-based plastic.✅ Why the term “vegan leather” can be misleading and how to spot the difference.✅ The environmental cost of plastic-based alternatives – from microplastics to landfill.✅ The importance of bio-based and truly natural alternatives.✅ Why leather, as a byproduct of the meat and dairy industry, might be the more sustainable and ethical choice.✅ The challenge for consumers: to dig deeper, read the labels, and demand better choices.This episode isn’t about shaming anyone – it’s about empowering you to make informed decisions. Whether you’re vegan, a leather enthusiast, or just someone who cares about what you’re buying, we’re here to help you see past the marketing and find the truth.🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations and deep dives into the leather world!
S1 · E3
Jun 3, 2025 · 23 min
Leathertainment on the go! Episode 3 | Leather Through the Ages: From Ancient Pompeii to Today
This is a collaboration video with Smit & Zoon, a leading leather chemical company based in the Netherlands. In this special episode of our Leathertainment podcast, we’re diving deep to help people understand leather better – its origin, sustainability, and all the misconceptions around it.In this episode, we’re stepping back in time to explore the legacy of leather and how it has been part of human civilization for thousands of years. From ancient tanning practices in Pompeii to leather as the ultimate natural material, we talk about how leather’s DNA is woven into our history — and how it can guide a more sustainable future today.Key topics we cover:✅ The ancient origins of leather and its role in early human life✅ How leather has evolved alongside civilization and protected us for centuries✅ The risk of losing artisanal skills and craftsmanship in the age of mass production✅ The importance of preserving leather’s legacy for future generations✅ How we can reintroduce leather into modern life — and stop replacing it with unsustainable alternatives🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations and deep dives into the world of leather!
S1 · E4
Jun 3, 2025 · 28 min
Leathertainment on the go! Episode 4 | The Truth About Leather: Myths, Methods, and Making
This is a collaboration video with Smit & Zoon, a leading leather chemical company based in the Netherlands. In this special episode of our Leathertainment podcast, we’re diving deep to help people understand leather better – its origin, sustainability, and all the misconceptions around it.In this episode, we’re peeling back the curtain on how leather is actually made – from raw hides to the luxurious leather goods we see in stores.We’re sharing the step-by-step journey of this remarkable material, including:✅ Where leather starts – and why it’s not fur✅ Key stages: cleaning, tanning, coloring & finishing✅ The difference between vegetable-tanned, chrome-tanned & modern eco-tanned leather✅ Why “veg tan” doesn’t mean vegan!✅ How tanneries recycle waste and close the loop✅ How Leather Working Group & other certifications ensure safe, responsible processesThis is a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible skill and craftsmanship involved in leather making – a process that transforms a byproduct into a durable, timeless material.🔔 Subscribe for more insights on leather’s history, sustainability & future!
S1 · E5
Jun 3, 2025 · 21 min
Leathertainment on the go! Episode 5 | Why Leather Could Be the Eco-Friendly Choice
This is a collaboration video with Smit & Zoon, a leading leather chemical company based in the Netherlands. In this special episode of our Leathertainment podcast, we’re diving deep to help people understand leather better – its origin, sustainability, and all the misconceptions around it.In this episode, we explore the future of leather – how it’s positioned in the evolving world of conscious consumption, what the industry needs to do to reclaim its narrative, and why the story of leather deserves to be told. 🌿We discuss:✅ Why leather can be the sustainable choice – if we choose it mindfully✅ The role of consumers in shaping this future✅ The need for authentic storytelling from the industry to bridge the gap in knowledge✅ How the craft of leatherwork, once common, is at risk and why we should fight to preserve it✅ Surprising insights from vegan consumers and brands who are rethinking plastic-based “alternatives”✅ What’s next for leather: from composting at end-of-life to futuristic visions for humanity 🌱This is an episode for everyone who’s curious about leather’s place in a better world – and how our choices today shape that future.
S1 · E6
Jun 3, 2025 · 25 min
Leathertainment on the go! Episode 6 | How Your Leather Choices Can Save the Planet
This is a collaboration video with Smit & Zoon, a leading leather chemical company based in the Netherlands. In this special episode of our Leathertainment podcast, we’re diving deep to help people understand leather better – its origin, sustainability, and all the misconceptions around it.In this episode, we’re heading straight to the source – an organic dairy farm near Amsterdam – to uncover how leather production ties into meat and dairy industries, animal welfare, and the environment.We discuss:✅ How deforestation in Brazil and beyond links to leather’s global supply chain.✅ The carbon footprint of cattle – methane emissions vs. soil health.✅ Why animal welfare and local farming matter for sustainable leather.✅ The myth that leather is the main driver of deforestation.✅ The rise of traceability and certifications like Leather Working Group and Chrome-Free Working Group.✅ How consumers can support ethical practices without being misled by greenwashing.✅ Why local, circular production could be the future of truly sustainable leather.This episode isn’t about guilt or blame – it’s about awareness and better choices.🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations and deep dives into the leather world!
S1 · E7
Jun 3, 2025 · 24 min
Leathertainment on the go! Episode 7 | Farm to Fashion: The True Story of Leather & Animals
This is a collaboration video with Smit & Zoon, a leading leather chemical company based in the Netherlands. In this special episode of our Leathertainment podcast, we’re diving deep to help people understand leather better – its origin, sustainability, and all the misconceptions around it.In this episode, we’re tackling the complex topic of animal welfare and ethical concerns in the leather industry. We’re recording from an organic farm in the Netherlands, surrounded by animals living their best lives.We discuss:✅ The reality of animal welfare in today’s industrial farming and why leather is often unfairly blamed.✅ How ethical animal farming can coexist with the leather industry when done responsibly.✅ Why it’s important to look at leather as a byproduct of meat and dairy – and not the cause of animal slaughter.✅ The growing demand for organic and regenerative farming practices that respect animals and the environment.✅ The problem with fast fashion’s demand for cheap leather goods and the labor and environmental abuses it can fuel.✅ How certifications and consumer awareness can drive real change in the industry.This episode isn’t about pushing an agenda – it’s about giving you the full picture so you can make choices that align with your values. Whether you’re a conscious consumer, an animal welfare advocate, or just curious about how leather fits into the bigger picture, this conversation is for you.🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations and deep dives into the leather world!
S1 · E8
Jun 3, 2025 · 23 min
Leathertainment on the go! Episode 8 | Leather Secrets Revealed: How to Spot Quality & Make it Last
This is a collaboration video with Smit & Zoon, a leading leather chemical company based in the Netherlands. In this special episode of our Leathertainment podcast, we’re diving deep to help people understand leather better – its origin, sustainability, and all the misconceptions around it: In this episode, we sit down with Noor Wentholt, a fourth-generation leather crafter from Amsterdam, to uncover the secrets behind leather’s legendary longevity and durability. We explore how family heritage and passion are woven into every handcrafted leather item, and why vegetable-tanned leather isn’t what most people think. Discover why real leather goods can last generations, how to tell the difference between high-quality and cheap leather, and what simple care tips can keep your leather items beautiful for decades. From heartfelt stories of 60-year-old leather bags to the exciting future of compostable, eco-friendly leathers – this episode is a must-watch for anyone curious about sustainable fashion and leather craftsmanship. 👉 Visit Noor Wentholt’s website here: https://www.noorwentholt.com/ 🔔 Watch now and join the conversation about the future of leather!
S1 · E21
Apr 8, 2024 · 1 hr 3 min
Master Craftsman & Serial Entrepreneur: "Creating a leather brand is tougher than I thought!”
Are you ready to be inspired by a true multi-craftsman? Meet Jonathan Ward, the mastermind behind two successful automotive brands and now, his own leather goods company. In this video, he shares his journey and insights as a serial entrepreneur and craftsman with a unique background in both cars and leather. Get ready to hear about his passion that drives him, the challenges he faced in starting his automotive brand, and how the game has changed when it comes to promoting your brand in our current digital era. With expertise, reliability, and true passion for his craft, Jonathan is definitely someone you don't want to miss hearing from. Get ready to be inspired and learn that passion truly is the key to success. Check out Jonathan Ward: ICON Website: www.icon4x4.com Instagram: @icon4x4 J.Ward Leather Website: www.jwardcollection.com Instagram: @jwardcollection Campfire Coats Website: www.campfirecoats.com Instagram: @campfirecoats
S1 · E20
Dec 29, 2023 · 1 hr 18 min
How to get started with Leather Crafting | Leathertainment Podcast EP20
Welcome to the world of leather crafting with the incredible Marianne Amore! In this video, we dive into who Marianne Amore is and how she became a master of her craft. From starting out as a hobby of leather crafting to now running her own business, Marianne shares her journey and insights with us. So whether you're an aspiring leather craftsman or simply looking for a new hobby, this video offers valuable information from someone who truly knows their stuff. Tune in now to become a master of anything with Marianne Amore's expert guidance!

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