“Why is leather still beautiful years later and part of vintage fashion? Just look at the proportions and you will automatically get the answer. Maybe it’s an icon?”
In our Magazine Leather Academy interviews, we had an interview with Hanneke Kramers, founder of LEATHER FASHION ACADEMY operating in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on “Leather craft, garment and Education”.
Ms. Hanneke Kramers, can we get to know you and the Leather Fashion Academy?
With our passions as leather artisans, we have been operating as an independent couturier specializing in leather for over thirty years under the brand Hanneke Kramers Couture. Our work is featured in the collections of various important Dutch couturiers and designers such as Mart Visser, the late Edgar Vos and Frank Govers. I am also a first degree qualified art education teacher. We share our knowledge with a passion and mission for leather. For years I have given lectures, teaching modules and professional lessons in various fashion courses for secondary and higher vocational education, interested and advanced professionals. After years in this field, I thought it was the right time for a school where I could express and teach all aspects of my passion. And as a result, for anyone who really wants to learn something about leather, the Leather Fashion Academi is a great opportunity!
The Lfa: with us you go from unconsciously skilled to a consciously skilled craftsman/woman. We let your talents flourish. You will gain a wealth of knowledge and skills that will allow you to progress independently and help you translate your own creativity into beautiful results.
The Leather fashion academy offers you personal guidance and artisanal mastery. It goes without saying that we teach you to work at a high technical level. By keeping the lesson groups small, we can guarantee the best individual guidance for everyone.
The Lfa was created from: a lifelong passion for and extensive knowledge of the material leather. Leather working is a craft almost as old as humanity itself, and out of respect for this craft, the bar for craftsmanship in the Lfa is high. Supplemented with more than thirty years of experience with leather couture, years of experience and a 1st degree qualification in education.
What do you think can be said about leather without being a fashion icon?
There’s a lot that can be said about “leather”, got a minute? For me personally, it is the most beautiful and finest material there is. It is of course important that you know where it comes from and how it was made, and which tanning agents were used. If you process your “leather” correctly, you will have a super durable and fantastic product or article that will outlast you.
What does Leather Fashion Academy produce in terms of leather and leather products?
The Leather Fashion Academy is a vocational training course, where you can learn at a high level how the material should be processed into beautiful products, likes clothes, accessories, shoes, bags etc. The main specialization of the Lfa is in the field of clothing. From pattern drawing to manufacturing all kinds of clothing in “leather”. So there is the work of the students, which remains their property. But on special request there is the possibility for people to have your own garment crafted and tailor made my Hanneke Kramers herself.
Do you have any collaborations with universities in terms of education?
The Lfa is often asked to provide guest lectures at various educational institutions and trade associations, such as at the:
- Hoge school van de kunsten Utrecht, Netherlands
- Meester opleiding coupeur, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Styling academy Artemis, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- B-fashion Netherlands
- ‘Branche mode en ambachten’ Netherlands
- Cursustassen maken Den Haag,
- AMFI, Amsterdam
What are your opinions about Leather Fashion becoming an icon in the fashion community compared to the 80s?
Personally, I don’t care for Icons. Actually you first have to ask the question “What is an Icon”? to answer. An Icon in fashion could be something or someone who is a role model or figurehead, positive or negative. If something is good and beautiful for me, it has everything to do with proportions. Why is something still beautiful or good years later and one day part of beautiful vintage fashion? Just look at the proportions and you will automatically get the answer. maybe that is an icon?
Besides being a fashion icon, how can we evaluate leather in terms of sustainability?
For me, sustainability has to do with where and how and with what it is tanned. If you process, maintain and store it in a sustainable way, it can last for hundreds of years.
Do you offer training on design and finishing as a course at the Academy?
Yes we do, within the Leather fashion academy we offer all kinds of training and courses that go from design (pattern making) to finishing a complete garment/product. But we also offer 1-day workshops, such as Learning Recognition.
Have you ever been sent to various major companies in the world for work or student internships?
Personally, I have several work experiences both in the Netherlands and abroad. With the Leather fashion Academy, there is no requirement that students gain experience abroad or do an internship at a company. This is something that often arises organically.
Who can join the academy and how?
The Lfa is a professional training course and anyone who is motivated to learn more about the correct way to process the material is welcome. An intake interview always takes place before the training and courses. No prior knowledge is required for the 1-day workshop. All information can be found on the website;
Finally, what would you like to say to young minds who are just starting out in the craft of leather and leather products, and to people who are devoted to the profession?
To all young people who have been touched by the material ‘Leather’, I give the advice to learn as many different techniques as possible with as many Masters as possible. Travel a lot and dare to make mistakes, that’s what you learn from. This will give you a broad education and ultimately your specialty within the “leather sector”. My advise: choose a specialization that makes you eyes shine, your drive and passion will eventually make you become a Master.
Ms. Hanneke Kramers, thank you for your precious time.
Thank you and I wish you success in your publications.