Meet Rae Liu of Leatherology
Rae Liu, co-founder of Leatherology, has built a brand that's both accessible and luxurious, opting for timeliness over trendiness for her carefully crafted and customizable leather accessories. Image: Rae Liu
When Rae Liu and her brother David Liu founded their company, Leatherology, Rae knew she wanted to create products that didn’t ask consumers to choose between quality and accessibility or beauty and functionality. Drawing on her experiences working with big-name designers like Alexander Wang, Rae has built Leatherology into a Dallas-based direct-to-consumer brand that elevates the everyday with luxury. Meet our newest FACE of the South, Rae Liu of Leatherology.
What inspired you and your brother to start Leatherology?
The philosophy behind Leatherology really came from my time working in the fashion industry, especially during my years working on accessories at Alexander Wang. I loved being surrounded by great design, but I couldn’t ignore the disconnect between quality and accessibility. As a young professional, I couldn’t afford the very nice but expensive pieces I was helping to create.
On top of that, there was this constant pressure for newness — designs were often rushed out the door before they felt fully realized. I left that experience wanting to build something more thoughtful, lasting, and grounded. David and I have always shared a natural, creative rhythm, and over time, our conversations kept circling back to the bigger vision for Leatherology.
Our backgrounds — mine in fashion, his in tech — are different but deeply complementary. That contrast has been key to our growth. It’s allowed us to build something together that’s not only beautiful and functional but truly sustainable over time.
Can you talk more about your commitment to offering high-quality designs at accessible prices?
Making luxury more accessible has been part of our DNA from day one. We built Leatherology to challenge the idea that luxury must come with a steep price tag. By staying vertically integrated and selling directly to our customers, we’re able to invest where it matters: materials, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design, without the traditional retail markups.
We use full-grain leather from some of the best tanneries in the world, including Italy and Germany, and we obsess over every detail, from the stitching to the functionality of each product. Being vertically integrated also allows us to respond and pivot in real time to the ever-changing retail landscape. One thing that remains true in 2025 is that customers today are more informed and more intentional. They want value, but they also want there to be meaning behind their purchases. We’re here to respond to that with premium pieces that feel as good as they look, that people can truly make their own.
Why does Leatherology focus on classic pieces rather than following trends?
We’ve never been interested in chasing trends. Before Leatherology, I worked in New York fashion and saw how fast the industry moved — how often “new” was prioritized over well-made or thoughtful, which I struggled with. At Leatherology, we’ve taken the opposite approach: we focus on creating timeless pieces that feel complete and thoughtful from the start. That’s why we avoid flashy logos or trend-driven details. Instead, we emphasize clean design, functionality, and personalization — elements that let each customer make a piece their own. It’s about creating longevity, both in how a product is made and in how it’s loved.
What else do you feel sets Leatherology apart?
I think it comes down to our intentionality. From the materials we choose to how we engage with our customers, we put a lot of time and thought into the brand experience. We also put a huge emphasis on personalization. Whether it’s monogramming, color selection, or small custom touches, we want people to feel like they’re getting something one-of-a-kind.
Our e-commerce model gives us a constant feedback loop, so we are always listening, learning, and refining. Some of our most unique pieces, like leather magnets, cord keepers, toothpick holders, and bookmarks, exist because customers asked for them. We love elevating those small, everyday moments and giving them a sense of quiet luxury.
What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of working with your brother?
The biggest advantage is trust. I know David always has my back and is fully invested in what we’re building together. Of course, working with a sibling comes with its own challenges, but overall, I feel incredibly lucky to have a true partner. We each bring something different to the table, and our shared values keep us grounded.
What do you and your brother do to make the whole team feel like family?
As small business owners, we’ve always run Leatherology with intention and authenticity, and we treat our team the same way. We often say we’re building the house we want to live in, not flip. That mindset influences how we make decisions, how we communicate, and how we foster a culture where people feel seen and valued.
What’s something people are surprised to learn about you?
I’m a big hobbyist! Even in my downtime, I love working with my hands. I’m a passionate gardener. It’s one of my great joys, and where I spend a lot of my free time. I could talk for hours about growing conditions in North Texas, the best seeds to start and when, or which plants do and don’t thrive in the heat. I’m also really into ceramics and knitting — I make an absurd number of hats for friends every holiday season.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
“You do you.” It’s simple but powerful. Trusting your gut, staying true to your values — that’s everything, especially when building something. What works for someone else isn’t necessarily going to work for you, so look inwards, not around you.
Lightning Round!
Bucket list travel destination? Antarctica
Recent book or podcast you loved? I’m a huge fan of the Acquired podcast. I’m constantly recommending it to friends. It’s such a deep dive into how great companies are built and the people behind them.
Favorite “hidden gem” in your city? There’s this incredible Buddhist Thai temple tucked away in Dallas. On Sunday mornings, they host a Thai food market. Everything is delicious, and for a moment, you feel like you’ve traveled halfway around the world without ever leaving home.
Go-to birthday present to give? A fresh-cut flower bouquet from my garden, or a hand-thrown and poured candle.
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Southern women are doing remarkable things. Meet more of them in our FACES archives!
Javacia Harris Bowser
Javacia Harris Bowser is a Birmingham-based freelance writer and the founder of See Jane Write, an online community and coaching service for women who write. With over 20 years of journalism experience, Javacia has received awards from the National Federation of Press Women, Alabama Media Professionals, Alabama Press Association, and the Alabama State Council on the Arts. When she’s not writing, she’s usually practicing Pilates, getting her 10K steps a day, or watching crime shows. Follow Javacia on Instagram @seejavaciawrite.