District Leathers is a full service leather supplier based in NYC. Our mission is to supply designers and artisans with the finest premium leathers, furs, shearlings, and exotic skins available. From everyday essentials to rare, one-of-a-kind pieces, we are dedicated to providing exceptional quality, style, and durability.

District Leathers was founded in 2016 with the simple principle that all people should have access to the finest leathers from around the world. With a deep passion and generations of experience, the Bass family set out to collect what we believe to be the best, most innovative, and cost effective leathers. We’ve searched five continents, drew upon our knowledge and relationships, to create an ever developing collection of styles and articles for our customers to choose from.

District Leathers opened their showroom in the heart of New York City’s Garment District. Our hope is that by working closely with our customers, we will gain insights into their needs. Our showroom also serves as a place to learn, explore, and be inspired. Never before have such diverse and innovative leathers been collected under one roof.

As our business grows, we have been encouraged by the diversity of our customers to expand further and reach out to places where access to leather may be limited. In that spirit, we decided to endeavor on our e-commerce website - www.districtleathers.com. Here, we have made leather accessible to people throughout the country and the world.

If leather is our primary product, knowledge is our next best seller. We pride ourselves in our knowledge of our materials and of the industry. Our customer service is the cornerstone of our business. Our customers come back because we make the process as fun, educational, and successful as possible.

Executive Profiles

Alex Bass

Founder / CEO

Alex Bass is District Leathers’ President and CEO. He is fourth generation in his family to work in the leather industry. He is responsible for the creation of District Leathers as well as determining the company’s direction and values.

Two years prior to creating District Leathers, Alex worked in the leather sales industry in New York City, developing relationships with many of the top cliental in the apparel, accessory, and furniture business. He learned firsthand about the needs of customers in regards to communication, service, and most importantly leather.

Alex has extensive experience and relationships in the world of digital marketing. He worked for over four years for Landmark Ventures, a leading firm in the space. He personally oversaw an extensive portfolio of client relationships, making sure their goals were met.

Alex has a deep passion for leather and for the relationship he develops with his clients. There is nothing more important to him that their seeing that his customer’s designs and inspirations become a reality.

Stephen Bass

Vice President / CFO

Stephen Bass is District Leathers Vice President and CFO. He started his career in the leather apparel business in 1973 starting in his family business Avanti Outerwear. In 1984 he purchased the business and became the President and CEO.

During his years of running the company he took it from being a domestic manufacturer to being one of the largest leather apparel companies to start manufacturing internationally. He developed and worked with manufacturing facilities in South America, Europe, and Asia. He also developed long term business relationships with leather tanneries globally.

One of his most important accomplishments was becoming the first leather outerwear company to start designing, manufacturing, and marketing leather apparel under license agreements with Guess, Jones New York, True Religion, and XOXO sportswear.

In 2006, Stephen sold his business but continued to use his knowledge and expertise in to help his new employers, first Herman Kay Coats and then S. Rothschild Co., build leather into their branded businesses. These brands include Michael Kors, Anne Klein, Miss Sixty, London Fog, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Eli Tahari, DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger.

Stephen retired in 2015 to spend more time on his other passions…family, reading, travel, and golf. He came back into the leather business in September 2016 to work with his son, Alex, at District Leathers purchasing, merchandising, and selling some of the most beautiful and creative leather skins produced throughout the world.