Watson & Wolfe was born from a desire to reimagine men’s accessories for a modern, more conscious world. Founded by Helen Farr-Leander, an experienced professional in the luxury leather industry, the brand began with a deep respect for craftsmanship and timeless design. But through her work, Helen discovered the hidden costs of leather and its impact on animals, people, and the planet. This prompted her to look beyond tradition and imagine something better.
Shortly afterwards, Helen adopted a vegan lifestyle and boldly decided to rethink everything. Driven by a belief that accessories should reflect contemporary values, she set out to create a brand that would honour timeless design while forging a more ethical and sustainable path forward.
From Materials to Meaning
Helen began researching innovative alternatives to leather and traditional linings—looking for solutions that didn’t sacrifice quality or style. After testing dozens of options, she selected a corn-based vegan leather from Italy and rPET linings made from recycled plastic bottles. Both offered performance, durability, and a significantly lower environmental impact.
She partnered with artisanal factories in Portugal and Turkey, known for their luxury craftsmanship and ethical standards. Ensuring each product would be handmade using traditional techniques, without the legacy of animal leather.
Today, our supply chain reflects our values: thoughtful, transparent, and constantly improving. Right from how we produce and transport, we always have sustainability and quality in mind.
"We set out to do better—without compromising on quality."
Helen Farr-Leander
The Leap, the Doubt, and the Proof
Launching a vegan men’s accessories brand wasn’t met with instant support. Friends and colleagues questioned whether there was a market, if men even cared about fashion ethics, or if customers would value vegan materials.
But Helen’s vision never wavered. And the response proved the doubters wrong: rave customer reviews, a PETA award for Best Vegan Accessories in year one, and a Highly Commended nod from Marie Claire for Best Sustainable Accessory Brand soon followed.
Today, Watson & Wolfe is trusted by people across the world who want more from their accessories—more meaning, more integrity, more intention.
Luxury, Reimagined
Watson & Wolfe is more than a brand. It’s a movement toward conscious evolution. Helen named the brand after her family dog, Watson, and the strength and adaptability of the wolf. Two symbols of loyalty, intelligence, and transformation.
We believe luxury isn’t defined by material alone. True luxury lies in craftsmanship, longevity, and ethical intent. It's not about excess, it’s about making better choices and creating things that last.
That’s why every Watson & Wolfe product embodies our five founding principles: design, craftsmanship, responsibility, ethics, and environment.
