Today we’d like to introduce you to Claire Harper.
Hi Claire, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I began working with leather in 2012, when I apprenticed at Artemas Quibble in Brooklyn and learned the basics of working with the material and how to think about designing for it. I founded Harper the Label in 2019 because I couldn’t find a leather bag that met both my high expectations for aesthetics and for ethical integrity. I loved the Everlane model of apparel, which provides insight into how products are made, who makes them, and the impact of a purchase, but the same metrics didn’t exist in the leather industry. Essentially, I couldn’t find a bag I would feel good about wearing, so I decided to use my understanding of leather and manufacturing to make my own.
I first sourced leather that I could feel good about selling, which led me to the hides I’m currently using. They are all certified by the Leather Working Group, a consortium of tanneries that rate and oversee environmental practices in the leather industry, and my softer leather is also a recipient by Germany’s Blue Angel certificate, which is an even stricter marker of sustainable tannery practices. I then found a woman-run factory in New Jersey to produce my designs, and am thrilled to work with a manufacturer that treats their workers fairly, pays them a living wage, and maintains a safe work environment.
I partnered with Terrapass to calculate the methane produced by the average cow during its lifetime, as well as the carbon emissions associated with my shipping and manufacturing, and I continue to buy carbon credits to cover these emissions.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think any entrepreneur in fashion has a smooth road! Since I started developing the brand in 2019, it’s been a series of pivots, edits, and iterations – and I don’t think that will ever not be the case, it’s just that the problems to solve change in scope. My first challenge was finding leather that met my standards, that was vegetable tanned, buttery soft, and beautifully colored. I drove myself to DTLA’s garment district to try and find what I had in mind, but didn’t have any luck, so I booked a flight to New York. Over a couple of days, I pounded the pavement in Manhattan, walking into every single leather wholesaler and retailer I could find in the garment district: pretty much anyone who had “leather” in their name. I struck gold that trip, and found both my first manufacturing partner and my leather supplier.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At heart, I’m an artist. I studied painting and printmaking, and I find myself referencing my fine art background when I’m designing for Harper the Label, whether it’s in the organic shape of a ceramic vase or a textural detail of a painting. I see Harper as unique in its focus on the artist’s way. I hope to continue featuring and working with artists that I admire: I see the brand growing in a way that reflects and emphasis this commitment to art, inspiration, and creativity (in a way that’s hopefully approachable for non-artists too).
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’m not naturally very good at taking risks, but it’s something that I’m pushing myself to do more of! Starting a business is a huge gamble in financial ways and otherwise, but I’ve been looking at it as an investment in myself instead of a risk. I do believe that risk is mitigated by hard work, and the way I’ve engaged with the riskiness of entrepreneurship is by committing myself to my brand’s success and staying true to my bigger ideals.
I also put emphasis on my intuition, which has played a part in every major decision I’ve ever made, whether personal or professional. I try to listen to my gut, and it’s worked so far!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.harperthelabel.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/harper_thelabel
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/harperthelabelleather
