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Leather in a new Light

Exploring how we can take leather out of its usual context to innovate an ancient craft.

Leather in a new Light — © Emma Werkhoven

“Leather in a New Light” explores the full potential of leather, using wet-forming techniques to create a unique shape language that no other material can achieve. The result is a series of sculptural wall lights.

The process

Through stretching and molding, the leather takes on an elegant, predetermined circular shape. This form was developed through extensive sampling, pushing the limits of the material. Thanks to its natural strength and tension, the leather structure is strong enough to support the round glass light on its own.

Using waste

The design demonstrates how even small, discarded pieces of leather can become beautifully strong and refined objects. These lights bring softness, warmth, and tactility to a space, revealing new aesthetic possibilities for leather in contemporary design.

Atmosphere

Suspending the glowing sphere in the center of the otherwise flat material creates a focused light at the front and a soft ambient glow on the surrounding wall.

About Emma Werkhoven

Emma Werkhoven is a Belgian–Dutch designer based in Eindhoven. Through experimentation and craft, she creates furniture that explores materiality and meaning. Her work with leather reflects on ethics and care, inviting conscious connection between maker, material, and user.

Leather in a new light — © Emma Werkhoben

Leather in a new light — © Emma Werkhoven

Leather in a new Light — © Emma Werkhoven