Lance Avery Morgan
Family Ties And Perfect Stitches Are Created By Founders Rae Liu and David Liu
Portrait photography courtesy of Leatherology
In the wild, wonderful, and often very opinionated world of family business, there are cautionary tales, heartwarming success stories, and then there’s Leatherology. Founded in Texas by brother-sister duo Rae Liu and David Liu, the brand has become a go-to for buttery leather bags, sleek travel cases, and accessories so chic you almost hope someone asks about them just so you can casually drop, “Oh, it’s Leatherology.” In fact, when they collaborate on a pop-up with the Kendra Scott Flagship on South Congress from September 10 to 14, fans of both brands can shop from an assortment of Leatherology’s leather goods and have the pieces personalized with an exclusive Austin-themed stamp and traditional lettering. Here, our Lance Avery Morgan caught up with the Leatherology founders to learn more about their made-in-Texas success.
While some siblings bond over shared playlists or inside jokes, Rae and David’s connection runs through stitching, swatches, and the art of the perfect monogram. Their design sensibility is equal parts classic and contemporary, with the kind of quiet confidence you can only get from obsessive attention to detail, plus just a dash of Texas-sized ambition.
Rae brings a creative vision, with an eye for color, proportion, and that elusive X-factor that transforms an everyday wallet into an heirloom-worthy statement. David brings the strategy: a knack for making the business hum while ensuring every leather hide meets their exacting standards. Together, they’ve built a brand that’s as much about stories as it is about style; every bag, case, and cardholder feels personal because, in a way, it is.
Their partnership is stitched with mutual respect, occasional design debates (resolved, one imagines, over coffee or possibly barbecue), and an unshakable belief in creating things that last. Whether you’re a monogram maximalist or a minimalist purist, Rae Liu and David Liu have you covered, literally, in leather.
And now, as Leatherology continues to expand its influence from Dallas to destinations far beyond, we sat down with the Lius to discuss sibling dynamics, Texas inspiration, and why a great bag should be as smart as it is stylish, as we see in this exclusive interview…
The best career advice I’ve received is…
Rae Liu: Don’t be afraid to take risks. Comfort zones are overrated.
David Liu: Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you.
Three qualities that got me where I am today are…
Rae Liu: Creativity, curiosity, resilience.
David Liu: Discipline, adaptability, collaboration.
If I lived in a foreign city it would be…
Rae Liu: Tokyo. It’s a dynamic city where design inspiration is around every corner.
David Liu: Definitely London. My husband and I used to live there and miss it to this day.
What everyone should try in their lifetime is…
Rae Liu: Starting something of your own, even small.
David Liu: Traveling solo at least once.
If I could compete in an Olympic sport, or create one, it would be…
David Liu: Tennis.
If I weren’t doing what I do I would (be a…)…
Rae Liu: I’m an avid gardener. I’d love to one day own a farm or community garden and share it with others.
If I had a superpower, I’d want it to be…
Rae Liu: Time travel. My kids are growing up so fast. I’d love to go back, relive memories, and cherish every moment.
David Liu: Teleportation. I love traveling, and there’d be no faster or easier way to get around.
My personal style signifier is…
Rae Liu: A nice oversized blazer, clean lines, and comfortable shoes.
David Liu: All black, head to toe, with a baseball cap and my worn-in cowboy boots.
The classic designer I wish was still designing today would be…
Rae Liu: Cristóbal Balenciaga.
David Liu: Jil Sander in her original era.
The last meal that truly impressed me was…
David Liu: An amazing dinner at a Greek restaurant, OMA, in London. We shared so many delicious plates. I think we tried nearly the entire menu.
In my fridge, you will always find…
Rae Liu: Sliced fruits, snacks, and meals for my kids. My son is seven and my daughter is nine, and they just started a new school year.
My perfect day would end…
Rae Liu: With quality time with my family and some quiet time in my garden.
David Liu: With a great meal after a long tennis match.
The title of my autobiography will likely be…
Rae Liu: In the Details.
David Liu: On the Road.
