BURNED : Leather Collection

This project showcases the development of a material story through the CMF design process at ECCO Leather Studio, where innovation meets commercial and aspirational market needs. The studio is a recognized material trend leader, frequently referenced by global trend forecasting agencies for newness and innovation.

This leather collection was designed by me, following the industry CMF modus operandi—balancing trend insight, market analysis, cost considerations, and customer targeting. The materials were developed to be spec-proof and applicable across footwear and bag categories, forming a versatile range spanning outdoor to luxury market segments.

Role
Material Designer

Year
2025

pROCESS

Formulating a kick-off manifesto

Material Sketching / Technique Familiarization

Sampling treatments onto the staple-material of our customers assuring familiarity

Weekly reviews together with team

Sampling / Review in Collaboration with ECCO Footwear Design team

Asset creation for go to market, requiring art direction and concept copy

Defining product needs

A study of the visual appeal and aesthetic identity of the BURNED material concept, where traditional visual cues inform surface expression and create visual tension

Research further expanding into abstract visual appeal, emphasizing emotional and non-literal material expression

Selection: Sales + Design team

Revamping existing on going materials in coordination with Sales and customers to ensure easy adoption

Collaborating with Product Development for scaling / industrialization

Vetting the creation of the so called “Design Master”

Adoption Fashion/Luxury customer

Adoption Workwear-Heritage customer