“Glow-in-the-dark leather has been used in various industries, fashion and art as well as automotive, furniture and lighting.”
As Magazine Leather Publishing, we find ourselves in the picturesque Ortaköy, Istanbul, on a sunny day, privileged to meet once again with Mrs. Evrim Kadıoğlu Marriott, one of the world’s first nine leather engineers. Known for her groundbreaking innovations, including glow-in-the-dark leather, Ms. Kadıoğlu Marriott has continued to revolutionize the leather industry since our last interview two years ago. This time, she shares exciting updates on her journey, her pioneering projects, and her advice for the next generation of designers.
Editor: Ms. Evrim, it’s an absolute pleasure to reconnect. To start, could you reintroduce yourself for our readers?
Evrim Kadıoğlu Marriott: Thank you for having me again! I am Evrim Kadıoğlu Marriott, one of the first nine leather engineers in the world. I graduated from Ege University’s Department of Leather Engineering and bring over 20 years of experience to the field. My journey began in Turkiye, where I spent the first decade mastering every stage of the leather supply chain. Following that, I gained valuable experience in France before moving to London to work with Burberry. For the past decade, London has been my professional home.
I am the inventor of glow-in-the-dark leather and the co-founder and CEO of Virtuo Design. Over the past two years, much has changed. We have rebranded our consultancy firm, Evolution Leather Consulting, and launched Virtuo Design, which focuses not only on leather innovation but also luxury brand consultancy and creative networking.
Our work spans three main divisions: Laboratory, Creation, and Academy. I’ll elaborate on these in a moment.
Editor: Let’s dive into that. Could you tell us about your recent projects and their impact?
Evrim Kadıoğlu Marriott: Certainly! Our laboratory division focuses on innovative leathers, including glow-in-the-dark leather and its newer versions—glow-in-the-shade and glow-in-the-light. These advancements are the result of extensive R&D, and we’ve recently applied for global patents to protect these unique materials. Glow-in-the-dark leather has proven versatile, finding applications in fashion, art, automotive, furniture, and even lighting.
One highlight was at the Auto Madness supercar show in Dubai, where we unveiled the world’s first Corvette adorned with glow-in-the-dark leather. The feedback was extraordinary, sparking new collaborations and orders from the Middle East.
In our creation division, we partnered with Gallery Marquess and Bretz Furniture to hold a furniture and art exhibition in London’s Mayfair. The response was overwhelming, with over 500 attendees and a significant interest in our glow-in-the-dark furniture and exotic leather collections. These included materials like python, crocodile, stingray, and ostrich, with python garnering particular acclaim. We’re already exploring their use in the interior designs of supercars.
Our academy division handles consultancy and educational initiatives. For instance, we’ve collaborated with Uzbekistan on luxury branding. Additionally, we continue to publish books aimed at inspiring future generations. Our latest works include Secrets of Working in the Five Continents, Değer and an upcoming release on “Transmission”set to launch in France next year.
Editor: Your progress is truly inspiring. Could you share advice for young designers aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
Evrim Kadıoğlu Marriott: Absolutely. My journey has been about setting clear goals, dreaming big, and persevering through challenges. Life is not linear—it’s a series of ups and downs. The key is to remain patient during setbacks and humble during successes.
Curiosity is essential. Innovation stems from curiosity, and I encourage young designers to create original products rather than replicate trends from other markets. In Turkiye especially, fostering creativity and supporting local brands are crucial for global impact. My door is always open to collaborate with designers and brands working towards innovative projects.
Editor: Given your experience in both Turkiye and the UK, how do you see innovation being supported in these regions?
Evrim Kadıoğlu Marriott: Turkiye has organizations like KOSGEB that aim to support innovation, but I’m not entirely familiar with their operational ease. In the UK, however, there are exceptional resources for startups. Programs like Innovate UK and NatWest Bank’s accelerator programme offer comprehensive mentorship and funding opportunities for innovative businesses. Such support is invaluable for fostering growth, and I hope similar programs become more accessible in Turkiye.
Editor: There’s been a growing debate around alternative leather materials. What’s your take on this trend and its impact on real leather?
Evrim Kadıoğlu Marriott: Alternative materials are gaining traction, particularly in markets like the USA, where bio-fabricated leather and mycelium-based products are emerging. However, their performance and sustainability claims often don’t hold up against real leather. Leather’s durability, repairability, and timeless beauty remain unmatched.
It’s vital for the industry to address misconceptions. Real leather is a sustainable material when properly sourced and cared for, and its versatility ensures it will continue to lead in quality and performance for years to come.
Editor: How can the industry educate end consumers about the true value of leather?
Evrim Kadıoğlu Marriott: Awareness is key. Over the past five years, I’ve noticed a shift with more initiatives aimed at educating consumers about leather’s benefits. A recent manifesto highlighted its advantages, but there’s room for innovative campaigns to reach broader audiences. It’s not just about countering the narrative—it’s about showing leather’s value as a sustainable and premium material.
Editor: Thank you, Ms. Evrim, for sharing your journey and insights. We look forward to seeing your future projects flourish. Perhaps our next interview will take place in London!
Evrim Kadıoğlu Marriott: Thank you! It’s always a pleasure to connect. I’m grateful for your support and look forward to sharing more exciting developments. Until next time!
This interview is a shining example of how innovation, passion, and perseverance can drive meaningful change in traditional industries. Ms. Evrim Kadıoğlu Marriott’s work continues to inspire the global leather and design community, paving the way for future pioneers.
