Introducing Dolce Vita Leathers: A New Chapter in Luxury for Sekers

Long celebrated for its expertise in high-performance textiles, Sekers has built a reputation as a trusted partner for designers and specifiers seeking premium, durable fabrics with a refined aesthetic. Now, the brand is turning a new page with the launch of Dolce Vita Leathers—its first real leather collection—marking an exciting expansion into the world of natural materials.

In an exclusive conversation with Design Insider, the Sekers team shared the inspiration behind this bold move into leather, the exceptional craftsmanship that sets Dolce Vita Leathers apart, and how the collection was thoughtfully designed to perform in demanding contract environments. Rooted in Italian heritage and driven by a commitment to sustainability and timeless design, this new range promises to bring richness, depth, and enduring character to interior spaces—whether on land or at sea.

Sekers is known for its expertise in high-performance textiles. What inspired the decision to expand into real leather with the Dolce Vita Leathers collection, and what sets this range apart from other leather offerings in the market?

Sekers has a long-standing reputation for high-performance textiles, offering designers and specifiers premium fabrics that balance durability with elegance. The decision to expand into real leather with the Dolce Vita Leathers collection stemmed from a desire to provide a more comprehensive offering for luxury interiors. Leather has a timeless appeal, renowned for its rich texture, natural patina, and exceptional longevity, which are all qualities that align seamlessly with our brand ethos.

What sets Dolce Vita Leathers apart is the combination of Italian craftsmanship, superior quality hides, and a sophisticated colour palette curated for contemporary and classic interiors alike. Sustainably sourced and meticulously finished, the collection offers a luxurious, supple hand feel while meeting high industry standards for performance. These leathers elevate interiors with enduring style and character in every setting.

The collection features four distinct designs—Como, Pompeii, Roma, and Sorrento—each with its own unique character. Can you talk us through the inspiration behind these textures?

For the Dolce Vita Leathers collection, we wanted to create something that truly captured the essence of Italian craftsmanship and heritage while offering a timeless, luxurious feel. Each design—Como, Pompeii, Roma, and Sorrento—was carefully developed to reflect the textures and spirit of Italy’s most iconic landscapes and artistry.

• Como is all about modern sophistication, with its smooth, polished surface offering a sense of understated luxury—perfect for sleek, contemporary interiors.
• Pompeii draws inspiration from ancient Italian architecture, featuring a richly textured, natural grain with delicate creases and veins, creating an antique, characterful aesthetic.
• Roma pays tribute to timeless elegance, with a soft, slightly distressed grain that evolves over time, developing a beautiful patina and showcasing natural markings for an authentic, lived-in look.
• Sorrento channels the coastal beauty of Southern Italy, with its structured, embossed texture offering a refined yet contemporary appeal, ideal for modern spaces.

With 40 curated colours—10 per design—this collection strikes the perfect balance between timeless neutrals and bold statement hues. Whether for hospitality, leisure, or marine settings, Dolce Vita Leathers brings Italian artistry to life through impeccable quality, sustainability, and enduring style.

Colour plays a crucial role in upholstery selection. With 40 thoughtfully curated shades across the range, how did you approach the colour palette to ensure versatility and timeless appeal?

When creating the colour palette for Dolce Vita Leathers, my goal was to design a range that felt both timeless and flexible, catering to a variety of interior styles. Colour is such an important aspect of upholstery, as it sets the mood and defines the overall look of a space.

I began by choosing classic neutrals—like warm taupes, soft greys, and rich browns—because they provide a solid, sophisticated foundation that works seamlessly in both traditional and modern settings. I then incorporated earthy tones and muted pastels, drawing inspiration from the natural landscapes of Italy—think sunbaked terracottas, soft olive greens, and dusky blues. Finally, to add some depth and drama, I included shades like burnt amber, midnight navy, and deep burgundy—perfect for creating bold accents.

With 10 shades per design, I wanted this collection to give designers the flexibility to create elegant, characterful spaces, all while staying true to the craftsmanship and heritage of Dolce Vita Leathers.

Dolce Vita Leathers is designed to meet the demands of the contract market, including hospitality, leisure, and marine sectors. How do these leathers perform in high-traffic environments, and what testing processes ensure their durability?

When designing Dolce Vita Leathers, our primary focus was ensuring that each leather not only has the aesthetic appeal we envision but also delivers the performance and durability required for high-traffic environments like hospitality, leisure, and marine sectors.

We’ve taken great care to ensure that the leathers are not only visually stunning but also built to withstand the demands of high-use settings. Each design undergoes rigorous testing, including abrasion resistance and colourfastness tests, to guarantee durability and longevity. Additionally, we ensure compliance with UK, USA, and IMO standards for upholstery to make sure the leathers meet the stringent requirements of commercial applications.

This comprehensive testing process ensures that Dolce Vita Leathers performs beautifully and stands the test of time, even in the most demanding environments.

Sustainability is an increasingly important factor in material selection. Can you share more about the eco-friendly production processes behind Dolce Vita Leathers and the significance of its UNI11427:2015 certified tannery?

Sustainability was a key focus for us in the development of Dolce Vita Leathers, we worked closely with the tannery to ensure the production process aligns with our commitment to environmental responsibility. The tannery is UNI11427:2015 certified, meeting strict environmental standards that promote sustainable practices.

A key aspect of our commitment to sustainability is the entry control of all chemicals, following guidelines from the ZDHC, REACH, Inditex, and AFIRM lists. This ensures that only safe, regulated chemicals are used throughout production, minimising environmental impact. Additionally, we’re proud that 98.2% of the water used in production is purified and returned to the environment, demonstrating our commitment to water conservation.

Real leather itself is a sustainable choice because it is a natural, renewable resource that, when properly sourced, has a long lifespan. Unlike synthetic materials, which rely on petroleum-based resources and can take hundreds of years to decompose, real leather ages beautifully over time, developing a unique patina, and can be repurposed or recycled at the end of its life. When responsibly produced, leather offers a low environmental impact over its lifecycle, making it a more sustainable option.

By choosing a tannery that adheres to these eco-friendly practices, Dolce Vita Leathers reflects our dedication to both quality and sustainability, ensuring we create beautiful products with a minimal environmental impact.

Authenticity and craftsmanship are central to this collection, with each leather evolving over time to develop a rich patina. How do you see this natural aging process adding value to interior spaces?

The natural aging process of Dolce Vita Leathers is one of the most beautiful and unique aspects of the collection. Over time, each leather develops a rich patina, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and adding character and depth to interior spaces. This evolving quality ensures the leather becomes more distinctive, creating a one-of-a-kind piece that tells its own story as it matures.

As the leather ages, its natural markings and texture become more pronounced, adding a sense of authenticity and history to the space. In high-end hospitality, leisure, or marine settings, this evolving look elevates the atmosphere by introducing a timeless, organic element. The depth and warmth that develop in each leathers surface contribute to a feeling of luxury, making the space feel more inviting and sophisticated.

This natural transformation means the leather doesn’t wear out—it wears in. Over time, it becomes an integral part of the space, holding memories and stories. As a lifelong piece, it grows with the environment, ensuring its presence continues to enhance the design for years to come.

With Dolce Vita Leathers positioned as a luxury collection, what feedback have you received from designers and specifiers so far, and how do you envision it being used in standout projects?

The feedback from designers and specifiers has been overwhelmingly positive. They’ve really embraced Dolce Vita Leathers for its ability to combine luxury with durability. Many have highlighted how the distinct textures across the collection allow for creative flexibility, making it perfect for a variety of high-end commercial applications. The collection’s aesthetic appeal, combined with its resilience, is especially appreciated for high-traffic areas where longevity is key, without compromising on style.

As for standout projects, I see Dolce Vita Leathers being used in hospitality spaces where luxury and sophistication are paramount—think high-end hotel lounges or exclusive resorts. The collection’s timeless appeal also makes it ideal for marine interiors, where materials need to be both durable and stylish. I believe it’s a collection that can elevate any space, offering a lasting impact that only improves with time.

Looking ahead, how do you see the use of premium leathers evolving in the contract interiors market, and what’s next for Sekers in terms of material innovation?

Looking ahead, I believe the use of premium leathers in the contract interiors market will continue to grow, particularly as more designers and specifiers focus on sustainability, luxury, and longevity. There’s a rising demand for materials that not only deliver superior aesthetics but also meet the durability needs of high-traffic commercial environments. Leather, with its timeless appeal and natural aging process, is perfectly positioned to meet these demands, providing both beauty and resilience.

For Sekers, we’re always looking to push the boundaries of material innovation. While Dolce Vita Leathers marks a significant step into the world of real leather, we’re constantly exploring new textures, finishes, and eco-friendly production methods to expand our ranges. Our goal is to continue offering products that reflect the evolving needs of the contract market—fusing high performance with timeless design. We’ll also continue to stay ahead of trends and focus on sustainability, ensuring our materials meet the highest standards for both quality and environmental responsibility. We’re excited for what’s to come in the future as we continue to innovate and shape the future of premium materials in the contract interiors market.

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