Fashion design student Laura Juslin from Helsinki is creating an all-reindeer collection as her final school project. She praises the versatility of the material, which she says can be both dyed and printed.
”It’s strong and super soft,” says Juslin, adding that reindeer suede can even be transformed into lacy garments.
Rebirth of traditional values?
Reindeer suede is also seen as an ecologically friendly alternative—rekindling traditional virtues of not allowing any animal parts to go to waste.
“Reindeer suede is popular for its exotic quality and limited supply,” says managing director Carita Pöntiö of leather goods producer Ahlskog, "economic gloom has not dampened orders for reindeer hide."
The Sámi have traditionally used reindeer skin for their clothing and tents. Now a Sámi education centre in Inari, in the Finnish far north, is looking to turn reindeer hide treatment into a minor industry in the area.
Virpi Jääskö of the centre says they use traditional chemical-free methods to treat hides.
In her opinion, catwalk reindeer suede is anything but ecological, as fashion giants use chemicals to give the fabric its luxurious feel.
Ahlskog Leather meanwhile says it sticks to EU-approved chemicals and dyes.
“EU monitoring is very strict,” says Pöntiö.
Reindeer suede is said to be both supple and warm.
“It looks like regular fabric until you get a closer look and realise it’s leather,” says designer hopeful Juslin.