SKIIM - Responsible Leather From The Young Fashion Label

Skim, the young label, decided to specialise in responsible leather, made from skins sourced exclusively from the meat industry.

SKIIM began in 2016 when Caroline Sciamma-Massenet recognized a gap in the market for modern and versatile leather that could be easily incorporated into a woman's daily wardrobe. Designed with longevity in mind, the brand ethos is on craftsmanship, zero waste, and as little impact on the environment as possible.



Beginning her career as a model, and then a Stylist with French Vogue and CR Fashion Book, Caroline says she learnt what women love to wear.

Picked up in its first season by prestigious stockists like Le Bon Marche Paris and Browns London, the brand has grown exponentially and quickly expanded its product offering to include accessories and ready-to-wear in eco-friendly natural fibres. But leather remains core to the brand. The commitment to craftsmanship ensures that when a customer buys from SKIIM they are buying for life, so collections are not trend-led. There is a style nod to the sex appeal and rebellion of 60's and 70's ingenues of French cinema and music.



Being a leather brand is of course controversial. Many people believe that livestock is responsible for causing climate change. SKIIM work closely with Leather Working Group and The Sustainable Angle accredited suppliers to source the fabrics, leather and suede.

Farm animals play an important role in the solutions to climate change when they are raised outdoors versus in a concrete floor factory, where they are heavy emitters of methane. When livestock is grazing, methane emissions are no longer a problem because it is a heavy duty greenhouse gas which grass loves to absorb.



Using leather also helps to reduce waste by avoiding non-biodegradable resources such as polyurethane, PVC or polyester - found in most vegan leather.

They work with tanneries that use organic vegetable tanning. Buttons are made using recycled paper, zips have been made using organic cotton tape. They also use compostable and recyclable packaging.



SKIIM has an in-house repair service, and up-cycles deadstock into new garments and smaller goods.

The Knitwear collection includes polo necks, skirts and neck vests. The wool used is verified by both Woolmark Certification and The Responsible Wool Standard.

Extra content comes from the online magazine 'Under My Skiim'.

By Anna Bance
March 2024