Real leather vs PVC

EVANNA FASHION COLLECTION IN REAL LEATHER

Real Leather Jacket

Real Leather Trousers 

 

Introduction
In this report I have  researched and document the process of Leather tanning and Tanneries, I have defined  the origin of popularity of fur and leather in fashion. I have identified designers who have made significant contributions through their handling of furs and leather in their carriers in fashion.
Traced the origins of the popularity of PVC and rubber in fashion. I have identified designers who have made significant contributions through their handling of PVC and rubber in their carriers in fashion.
I have examined, Are the chemicals used in the production of PVC and rubber ecologically sensible. I am morally opposed to the use of PVC and rubber. and I have justified it through a valid conclusion.
I have designed a collection of 6 looks utilizing both Fur, Le

• LEATHER TANNING

Leather starts as a raw animal hide at the slaughtering house where it is put into a shipping container packed with salt. The salt is enough to preserve the hide for an almost indefinite amount of time. These containers of raw hide are then bought by tanneries on the open commodities market.In order for the hides to be of any functional use, they need to be preserved through the process of tanning.
Tanning is the act of preserving a hide by removing all of the flesh, hair, moisture and oils and soaking the hide in the tanning solution of choice. There are 3 main types of tanning processes and only one that is used for 80% of leather produced:

• CHROMIUM SALT TANNING (“CHROME TAN”)

Chrome tan is the most common modern tanning method. It results in a very supple, slightly stretchy leather that is resistant to water damage. It can be dyed and finished in a multitude of colors and finishes and is used for most applications from upholstery to clothing and shoes. However, chrome tan leathers don’t wear or patina as well as other tanning methods, such as veg-tan.

• VEGETABLE TANNING (“VEG-TAN”)

Vegetable-tan is considered the original, “true” tanning. The leather is tanned in vats with the extracts of bark and leaves from a variety of tree species, mainly oak. The reason it is considered “true” tanning is because the word “tanning” actually derived from the process of using the tree “tannins” to treat the hide.

Unfinished and untreated veg-tan leather is a light tan/pink colour that has a look of “raw” leather. It is a lot stiffer than chromium salt tanning and can also be sensitive to water.

Vegetable-tan leather is most suited to applications where very heavy-duty leather is required such as saddler and horse tack, belts, luggage, baseball gloves, medieval costuming, and high-end wallets.

• OIL TANNING
• Oil tanning is a rare practice that was originally derived from using the oil in the brain of the animal to preserve the hide, as per the saying, “Every animal has enough brains to save it’s own hide.”
• Oil tanning, typically, also involves using smoke to “lock” in the tan and to preserve the hide’s stretch.
  This type of leather is common among hunters and home-tanning enthusiasts but rare for commercial supply. When smoked, it is easily distinguished by the strong, acrid smoke smell the leather has.
• Many types of “oil tanned” leather on the market are actually veg-tan leather that has been impregnated with oil to make it supple and water-resistant.
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   Origins of the popularity Of PVC and Rubber
  
  
  
  
  • Patent Vinyl Cloth backed in polyester is called “2-way stretch” PVC. This is the standard offering of most PVC dealers. It has a 12-15% stretch only along the crosswise grain (perpendicular to the selvage). Patent Vinyl Cloth backed in Lycra is termed “4-way stretch”, and stretches 12-15% along both the crosswise and lengthwise grains.
  • PVC is one of the hottest new fabrics on the market. It is supple, stretchy, and has a hi-gloss finish that’s sure to attract attention -- whether worn uptown, downtown, on in the bedroom.
  • Its ultramodern look has graced the big screen in the hit film The Matrix, is a favorite of the gothic and rave club scenes, and has become the latest fashion in contemporary interior design. Today, designers use this unique fabric for everything from outerwear to intimate apparel, from accessories to home decorating. Originally named for it’s chemical makeup, Poly-Vinyl Chloride (PVC) has come to be called “Patent Vinyl Cloth” by the garment industry to differentiate it from the PVC pipe used in household plumbing.
  • On the fabric right side, PVC’s slick Polyurethane surface is reminiscent of the patent leather shoes worn by schoolgirls, but with the flexibility only a medium weight fabric can offer. On the wrong side, the stretch knit backing provides a comfortable, touchable self-lining. The knit may be polyester or Lycra, and is typically black for dark PVC colors, white for bright and light colors.
  • Trench coat, duster, or jean jacket pattern in shiny PVC! Swimwear patterns constructed of 4-way stretch PVC become exotic lingerie. 2-way PVC makes great rainwear for children! Cat suits, leotards and other dance wear patterns become up-to-the-minute fashion statements in 4-way.
  
  

  Conclusion

  
  

  • Invest in real fur and leather  is the most ethical choice. In Canada, there are number of responsible fur harvesters. It's a more sustainable economic activity than many of the other manufacturing activities that produce fashion materials (such as petroleum based plastics and other polluting processes to create technical fabrics, polyesters and PVC). I always wonder why those concerned with ethics in fashion don't further dissect the materials whose manufacture contributes to climate change, pollution and habitat destruction - in effect causing more deaths (and eventual extinctions) of fur-bearing animals than the fur industry could hope to achieve.
  • No matter how hard you try, you will find yourself using animal products in some aspect of your life. Do a little research and you’ll find out just how much you depend on animal products to get you through the day, even if you believe you live a pristine vegan lifestyle.
  • Surprise, you’re just a “guilty” as the rest of us. So unless you enjoy being a complete hypocrite, stop with the self righteous preaching and educate yourself
  • Natural materials (plant and animal fibers along with fur) are in general less destructive than fake fur and other synthetic materials