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Synthetic Leather: Modern Luxury

Consumers who still choose leather do so because they are attracted to the advertising or to the look and feel of leather, not to the fact that it comes off the backs of tortured animals. Thus, if automakers decided to use a material that looked and felt just like leather (or better), they would be praised as progressive, compassionate, ethical, and environmentally conscious and would still win the business of all consumers, including those who are attracted to the look and feel of leather.

Synthetic leather has been manufactured in the U.S. since 1963. Since then, technology has advanced, and these days, its often impossible to tell the difference between leather and synthetic leather without looking at labels. Synthetic leather is now widely used because of its uniformity, ease of care, versatility, breathability, ability to hold dye, durability, and many other advantages.

Leather and synthetic leather. Which is which?

BMW and Audi already offer 'pleather' (synthetic leather) in some models. Jaguar UK offers synthetic leather and fabric options for all its vehicles. These days, there is a variety of luxurious synthetic leather options, so car companies can choose non-leather fabrics based on their appearance and durability. Ultrafabrics makes beautiful, soft faux leather for cars that is up to six times more durable than leather.

Textile Fabric Consultants, Inc., reports that pleather now represents the most daring and cutting-edge textile available. It is a predominant fabric in designs by Tom Ford of Gucci, Moschino, Prada, FUBU, Sean Jean and others. Top designers like Stella McCartney and Todd Oldham refuse to use leather in their designs and, in doing so, represent the sentiments of millions of consumers. Many celebrities - such as Sir Paul McCartney, Pamela Anderson, Moby, Alicia Silverstone - also refuse to use leather.

Even the world's top shoe manufacturers - Nike, Reebok and Adidas - are using increasing amounts of synthetic leather in their products, and PETA just gave trendy shoemaker Steve Madden an award for his line's huge variety of non-leather shoes.

In addition to fashion, cars and shoes, pleather is widely used for furniture, toys, luggage, handbags, boat interiors and more. Pottery Barn has its own line of luxurious faux suede, and Carol House Furniture, the largest independent furniture chain in Missouri, has gone totally leather-free. Todd Oldham is designing a vegan line of furniture for La-Z-Boy. Taiwan makes millions of dollars by selling its synthetic leather handbags worldwide, with the US and Europe purchasing the majority of the products.

• “Proggy-Award für Toyota Prius” —Krone.at

• “Automakers Getting a Taste of Vegan Values” —Los Angeles Times

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