The Sterling Leather story began in 1958 when founder Cecil Douglas Ellis graduated from the London City College after training as a tailor on the prestigious Savile Row. He quickly mastered his trade and was the chief pattern cutter for Vanguards Raincoats, which was made historic by the then Prime Minister Harold Wilson.
With his fast growing family and his creative mind ever evolving, he decided it was time to start his own business. He could see a gap in the market for quality leather items so he decided to mix his tailoring skills with the different materials and he set up in a small factory in the heart of East London. Sterling Leathers was born.
It was in the late 1970’s that Cecil Ellis was approached by the UN and asked to be involved with their project to help make factory conditions in the undeveloped world more suitable for their workers. Cecil Ellis travelled to Bangalore in India, setting up factories that mirrored the successful model he had established in the UK, pioneering to bring standards into a modern age.
As Cecil Ellis continued to be a strong ambassador for the UN in India, back home the business continued to expand. Sons Laurence, Michael, Steven and Jeff had joined their father at Sterling and their diverse customer base continued to prosper.
Across Europe manufacturing costs were high and factories were rapidly closing, Sterling Leathers however continued to innovate and evolve. Business remained strong in India and during this time the company expanded into China, whilst keeping their base in Great Britain.
Today Sterling Leathers continues to innovate and expand.. The brand was born from a passion and a love of leather and for creating high quality garments and accessories, which embodies the functionality and understanding of our rapidly changing world.