Bags by Lefance: Leap® as the Key Next-Gen Material

A few days back, we had a chance to speak with Andrea Benítez Gutiérrez, founder of Lefance, to explore the inspiration behind choosing Leap as the key material for their newest bag collection. During our conversation, Andrea shared the story of Lefance, elaborated more on how Leap aligns with their dedication to thoughtful design, and talked about the ways it’s shaping the future of their collections.
So, get ready to be inspired and see how a bag can foster a meaningful connection with its user when crafted with the right material.

‍Can you tell us a bit about Lefance and the inspiration behind your bags?

‍‍''Lefance was born out of a desire to challenge the way we perceive fashion. We wanted to create something that not only looked good but also had a clear purpose and a meaningful connection to our environment. Our approach demonstrates that luxury doesn’t have to be at odds with a more sustainable approach. At Lefance, our philosophy is all about simplicity: we believe that "less is more"—both in design and in consumption. A bag should be durable, functional, and reflect the values of the person carrying it.''

‍What drew you to choose Leap^® as the main material for your collection?

''For us, Leap^® represents more than just a material; it symbolizes a movement toward smarter, more conscious resource use. Choosing Leap^® was a decision that combined practicality with symbolism; we wanted our bags to represent thoughtful design and, at the same time, innovation. Since Leap^® is made with upcycled apple waste, it gives the user a special meaning. This transformation reflects our philosophy of creating products with a positive impact, showing that it is possible to do things differently.''

‍Was this decision influenced by industry trends, or was it a natural step for Lefance?

‍''We believe that these decisions shouldn't be driven only by trends, but by a genuine commitment to creating products that offer real value. Choosing Leap^® as our main material was a natural step in that vision, regardless of current market trends. We’re not disconnected from the industry, and we recognize the growing interest in next-gen materials. But still, our decision wasn't really about following trends—it was more about our genuine desire to align with our principles and carve a different path forward.''

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‍What features of Leap^® stood out to you during the design process?

‍''Leap^®’s versatility is what caught our attention from the start. Its strength and durability made it ideal for our bags, as we needed a material that could withstand daily use. Leap^® also has a soft texture, making it comfortable to touch and pleasant for the user. It is very easy to work with, allowing us to experiment with different shapes and finishes without compromising the integrity of the design. This combination makes Leap^® meet all the requirements we value at Lefance: functionality, quality, and a design made to last.''

‍‍‍Leap^® is made with apple waste, which might lead some to question its durability. How does it compare to traditional leather in terms of performance and workability?

‍''Durability is a common concern, especially when discussing next-generation materials. However, Leap® has proven to be strong and durable, its performance is really comparable to traditional leather. From the outset, we knew that if we were going to use Leap^®, it had to meet both our expectations and those of our customers regarding quality and durability. We have tested the material, and it has passed our daily use and wear tests.
When it comes to workability, Leap^® is quite versatile, allowing us to use processes similar to those we would use with leather, though it has also led us to adapt some other techniques to better leverage its qualities. We are very satisfied with Leap^®'s performance and believe it is a completely viable alternative.''

‍Are there any attributes of Leap^® that have enhanced the quality or unique features of your bag collection?

‍''Due to its origin and characteristics, Leap^® adds a level of exclusivity to our collection that we couldn't have achieved with traditional leather. Leap^® has allowed us to reduce the carbon footprint associated with our products, which is a value we deeply appreciate.''

‍‍‍‍‍‍‍Cost is always a consideration. How does Leap^® compare to traditional leather in terms of pricing?

‍''We need to consider cost from a broader perspective. The environmental impact of traditional leather is significant, and the associated costs, even if not directly reflected in the product price, are still there. Leap^® is competitive, especially when factoring in the added value it brings in terms of innovation and reduced impact. While there may be cost differences, we believe the benefits far outweigh any initial challenges. Leap^® has helped us to stand out in a saturated market, adding long-term value.''

‍Can you share how customers have reacted to your Leap^®-made bags so far?

''Customers have reacted positively, which reflects the emotional connection that can be created with a product that has a clear purpose. We've received feedback from people who not only love the design but also appreciate the use of Leap^® and how Lefance is redefining the way fashion is made. For many, this is their first experience with a next-generation material as an alternative to traditional leather, and the fact that it comes from apple waste amazes them. I’d say they are impressed with the bag's durability and quality, which reinforces our belief that Leap^® is the right choice.''
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If you’re a fashion brand considering Leap® as an alternative to traditional leather, Lefance’s collection shows what’s possible. The texture is soft, the durability is spot-on, and the finish is every bit as premium as you’d expect from leather. Curious how Leap® can elevate your designs? Get in touch—we’d love to help you!