05/12/2025
STATUS OF CHANGE: SHIFT INTERRUPTED
Partoem is cancelling its planned shift from genuine vegetable tanned leather to a bio based leather alternative and will unfortunately come to a close in the near future.
A year ago, I did a retrospective of my journey since I launched my brand. I announced that change was needed and coming. This change was to be a shift from genuine leather to a certified vegan bio-sourced leather alternative.
A year has passed and I still have not birthed a new collection. My disappointment is real but what I have learned is that creativity should not be forced. I felt resistance in the process which took the form of concrete obstacles such as difficulty working with my new material and new suppliers but there were also psychological obstacles such as a worry relating to the geopolitical climate, the sales decline, the imminent recession, my smaller tolerance for financial risk and honestly just the fear that this collection was not going to be profitable.
As honorable as it is, slow fashion involving local manufacturing is challenging, marginal and an act of rebellion against a predominant capitalist culture. Going against the grain, especially if you have difficulty making a decent living, can wear you out. I tip my hat to all my fellow friends and acquaintances who persist against all odds. After 8 gratifying years of resilience and work that aligns with my values, I am deciding to let go of Partoem.
I will not renew my studio lease in November, making this a 5 1/2 months countdown until my official business closure. If you want a Partoem bag, wallet or dog accessory now might be the only time to do so. If there is enough interest, I might take preorders on soldout bags such as my favorite Atrium or Arena tote bag. If you are an artisan, there might be a beautiful shared studio, a few precious tools/machines and leather available. If you are an investor and you wish to make my designs live on, I am open to discussion feel free to contact me in private.
(Conclusion in the comments section)