Fashion Business Inc - One Of A Kind

One Of A Kind

Los Angeles may be the largest apparel manufacturing hub in the US, but amid the scores of celebrated denim lines one unique manufacturer stands out. Remy Leather, according to CEO John Remeny, is not only the only leather company to manufacture in LA, it could very well be the only one in the country.

"I'd say we're the only one I'm aware that manufactures as a branded product possibly in the country," says Remeny. "All our competitors are either of European origin, or are American importers. But I don't know anyone who's actually cutting and sewing leather here." Founded in LA in 1971 by a Hungarian immigrant, Remy Leather is now third-generation owned and operated. The line consists of men's and women's leather jackets and coats made of imported European lambskin that retail for $800 to $2,000. There are about 25 silhouettes, plus 10 skins that come in three to five colors each. "The trend for the past year has been washed looks with a certain abrasion and patina to them," notes Remeny. "But over the next couple of years we see the trend going back to more classic clean, simple and elegant lines and skins."

Though the bulk of the line is contemporary and sophisticated, manufacturing locally shortens time-to-market and allows the company to offer trendier items designed close to season.

The company boasts over 100 employees with an average tenure of 16 years. Finding workers with leather experience is difficult, says Remeny, and they are paid better than local denim workers, for example.

This year John's son Justin was appointed COO and will someday become the third generation of the family to run the company. Grandfather Zoltan will be 90 this year. And he still comes to work three days per week.
In a convertible sports car.

Article by Christian Chensvold