Interviews
EARL OF EAST MEETS | KATE SHERIDAN
Known for her timeless leather goods and commitment to local craftsmanship, designer Kate Sheridan has built a brand rooted in sustainability, simplicity and longevity. Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of working together and have created custom Earl of East x Kate Sheridan pouches, available exclusively at Earl of East. We caught up with Kate in her Clapton studio to talk about her journey with leather, the role scent plays in her creative world and why thoughtful design is always at the heart of her work.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey into working with leather? What first drew you to the material and how has your relationship with it evolved over time?
My journey with leather began during my time studying footwear and accessories design at Cordwainers College. It was there that I first discovered a deep appreciation for the material. Over the years, that early fascination has grown into a lasting relationship. Leather is such a beautiful, tactile material - it evolves and changes with time, much like the pieces we create. Working with it continues to inspire me every day.
Scent profiles and leather share an intimacy in their interaction with people in that they both sit close to the body. Does that intimacy play a part when designing pieces that people will live with daily?
Absolutely - it’s something we’re always conscious of when designing. Our customers often form strong connections with their bags, especially as the leather ages and develops a patina unique to their use. There’s something very personal about that transformation. We intentionally design with longevity in mind - simple, minimal silhouettes that feel timeless. We want our pieces to be the kind you reach for every day and still love years down the line.
How does scent play a role in your own life day to day?
Our stores have their own distinct atmosphere. A rich blend of leather and scented candles that our customers often comment on as soon as they walk in. It’s always a great conversation starter and helps create a welcoming, memorable space.
Is there a particular memory (perhaps a place or person) that you associate with the smell of leather?
The scent of leather instantly takes me back to the storeroom at college. I remember finding it completely intoxicating. It still brings back that sense of excitement and creativity every time I smell it.
We’re burning our Elementary fragrance in your studio today, which has notes of leather, tobacco and amber - quite a fitting pairing for your studio. Beyond the leather itself, if you were to create a signature brand scent what notes would it include?
Besides leather, I’m really drawn to the smell of fresh rain and cut grass - there’s something so grounding and nostalgic about those scents. I’m not sure how they’d combine with leather, but I’ll happily leave that to the experts!
Sustainability and longevity seem absolutely central to your work and we love that everything is made in-house. Why is keeping production local and in-house so important to you?
I’ve lived in Hackney since my early twenties and have a real affection for the area and its creative community. Supporting local makers and keeping production in-house allows us to stay connected to our craft. All of our team are trained in leather-working, and our customers really value being able to see the care that goes into each piece. It also means we can offer repairs and adjustments, encouraging a longer life for every product. Producing in the UK using high-quality, vegetable-tanned leather helps us reduce waste and tread more lightly on the environment, which is incredibly important to me.
You've successfully built a brand centred around traditional craftsmanship. How do you continue evolving creatively without losing the essence of your traditional methods?
We’ve been fortunate to work with the same makers, factories and suppliers since the beginning, and those long-standing relationships have been essential. They understand our values and processes inside out. That foundation gives us the confidence and flexibility to explore new ideas, knowing we’re staying true to our roots.
What’s next in store for the Kate Sheridan brand - is there an end goal or dream?
We’re always looking for ways to grow thoughtfully - whether that’s through new collections, collaborations, or finding more sustainable ways of working. The dream has always been to create meaningful, lasting pieces, and as long as we’re doing that, I feel we’re on the right path.
Discover Elementary
Leather - Tobacco Leaf - Amber