A R T I S T I N T E N T I O N

Harkin was founded by Courtney Phillips with an intention to marry function to design. Fashion that embraces community and honors the earth harkens us back to a time when materials were harvested directly from one's region. Each Harkin piece is constructed by Courtney from start to finish and made to be useful for generations until it can be returned to the soil for a flourishing garden (a process called Soil to Soil).

L E A T H E R

Harkin materials are sourced with the above intent. All ready made products are created with vegetable tanned leather made by Pergamena in New York. The animal skins are all derived from the U.S. as a byproduct of the meat industry. Traceable leather is used as much as possible (learn about traceability below). Vegetable Tanning is the oldest method of leather tanning, using tannins from tree bark or vegetables, resulting in a toxic free process with no harm to the people tanning the leather. Additionally, all leather scraps from these products are composted in the Harkin Studio, returning all excess material to the soil.

T R A C E A B I L I T Y

Traceable leather means the material can be traced back to the farm where the animal lived. Harkin uses traceable leather from regenerative farms in the U.S. Most Harkin products are traceable, with the goal of making that standard for every product. Traceable materials ensure that there are no mysteries at any step of the process. Partnering with regenerative farmers who care for the animals, the soil, the food, and the people is connecting farm to fashion. Investing in traceable products honor the history of the material, the life of the animal, the hands and hearts that have been a part of the process. When the product has lived its full course, it can be returned to the soil–this is circular fashion. Learn about the regenerative farm Harkin sources its leather from at the link below.

STONE BARN CENTER, New York

FLYING DOG FARM, Vermont

C A R E

Leather care is vital for the longevity of your Harkin product. Here are some tips:

  • Condition your leather. Just as your skin needs to be lotioned, your leather hide needs to be conditioned periodically to avoid becoming hard, cracked and dry. 

  • Storage. If you are not using your leather product for a while, store it in a dust bag that can be placed on a shelf. It is best to not hang a bag with leather straps on a hook for more than several days because it can hold shape to the drape that is being created.

  • Avoid ink exposure. Ink is impossible to remove from leather, it is like tattooing skin. Keep your pens in a pouch to avoid ink stains.

V I S I T

Come say hello!

  • Harkin is located in a shared studio space called Antonym Collective in the lower ramp of 78th Street Studios. Schedule an appointment to visit the studio and shop in person (friends welcome). Email ohhello@harkinstudio.com

  • Third Friday is an open studio event held at 78th Street Studios from 5—9pm on the third Friday of every month.

  • Keep up with other Harkin events by subscribing to the newsletter at the bottom of this page.