About Onar Studios

  

Established in 2014 and based in Helsinki, Onar Studios is at the forefront of ecological leatherwork through a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability. The brand celebrates founder Irene Kostas’ family’s craftsmanship tradition while embracing avant-garde design, bringing a fresh perspective to the fashion industry.

Onar Studios is proud to offer a stunning collection featuring 100% shearling and lamb nappa leather, sourced exclusively from by-products of the food industry. This ethical approach not only minimises waste but also aligns with the principles of a circular economy, ensuring that every piece contributes to sustainability.

Each item is handcrafted in Greece, reflecting the brand’s rich heritage and dedication to quality craftsmanship. Onar Studios’ designs have caught the attention of fashion icons such as Lily Collins, Tessa Thompson, Simone Ashley and Miley Cyrus, establishing a growing international following.

As the brand continues to innovate within the realm of ecological leatherwork, Onar Studios remains committed to protecting the environment while delivering avant-garde designs without compromising on quality or ethics.

 

 

Onar Studios’ sustainable foundation is built on the principles of a circular economy and the innovative use of ecological shearling. The idea for Onar Studios was born from founder and creative director Irene Kostas’ ambition and passion for better use of resources, and as an antithesis to fashion’s ever-increasing use of synthetic and plastic-based materials: always cruelty-free, as no living creature is exploited for the brand’s garments. The aim is to consistently deliver the highest quality in both materials and craftsmanship.

 

 

Onar Studios uses only premium shearling sourced as a by-product of the food industry: materials that would otherwise go to waste. Every piece of shearling is traceable to Europe, coming from Britain, Italy, Iceland, Spain, and Greece. The company adheres to a strict zero-waste production policy and collaborates exclusively with tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group, which ensures sustainable practices across the leather industry.

As a made-to-last sustainable luxury label, Onar Studios places the highest priority on material traceability, ethical sourcing, and full transparency, combining timeless craftsmanship with conscious design.

 

 

Onar Studios remains true to its heritage: Irene comes from a family of artisans. Raised in Finland, she became accustomed to leathers and shearlings from a young age, guided by the knowledge of her family rooted in Greece. A deep understanding of shearling and leather allows Irene to push the boundaries of finishing, design, and material experimentation, while combining centuries-old traditions with contemporary forms.

All Onar Studios' products are responsibly and locally handcrafted in regions in Greece known for their leatherworking traditions by highly skilled artisans. This region has a rich history in leather craftsmanship dating back to the Silk Road and is renowned for its exceptional manufacturing traditions. The artisanal skills and knowledge have been passed down from generation to generation, and family members continuing the work of their ancestors take immense pride in their craft.

Respecting the traditions and specialised skills involved in working with these materials, Onar Studios advocates a sustainable yet pioneering approach to craftsmanship. Each piece is handcrafted from beginning to end to ensure the highest quality and long-lasting value for the wearer.

When you place a made-to-order piece with us, every step is carried out with intention and care. Each garment is made individually, with materials sourced by hand and production guided through daily contact with our artisans.

 

Onar Studios upholds a culture of respect in every facet of its work. From material sourcing to handcrafting, innovation is guided by a responsibility to exist in harmony with the wider environmental and social landscape.

 

Respect towards people

Onar Studios is proud to collaborate with skilled artisans to create pieces of exceptional quality. The garments are produced by experienced leather craftsmen who deeply respect the materials they work with. The result is a traceable luxury product designed to last for generations.

Respect towards the environment

The vivid leather colours are achieved using vegetable dyes, and all shearling products are made using chrome-free tanning. The vegetable tanning process preferred by Onar Studios is slower and more specialised, ensuring garment durability without the use of environmentally harmful chemicals. This process results in biodegradable products.

Shearlings are 100% ethically sourced and the garments are handmade in Greece. Onar Studios is committed to a zero-waste policy, creating its pieces using only secondary and existing materials.

Respect towards the shearlings - cruelty free

In working with shearling and lamb leather, Onar Studios ensures that the natural beauty of the wool is respected, and that no living creature is exploited or harmed for its products.

Onar Studios works exclusively with suppliers who guarantee that sheep have lived freely and not in confinement. Garments are made solely from lamb leather that is a by-product of the food industry and would otherwise go to waste. 

 

For a long time, personal requests and customisations have been offered as part of this journey. As we move forward and carefully scale, custom work will no longer be complimentary. This allows us to strengthen the resilience of the company, and build a more sustainable way of working, without ever compromising our core values of craftsmanship, care and integrity.

Onar Studio offers an approach to leatherwork that values time, skill, and conscious design. Each garment tells a story; of heritage passed through generations, of materials respected rather than exploited, and of design created to endure beyond seasons and generations.

By choosing Onar Studios, you choose fewer, better things. You choose conscious luxury, timeless design, and craftsmanship that honours both people and the planet.

Thank you for choosing Onar Studios.