Welcome to District Leathers, your premier leather supplier based in the heart of New York City. Since our founding in 2016, our mission has been simple: to provide designers and artisans with access to the finest premium leathers, furs, shearlings, and exotic skins from around the world.

At District Leathers, we believe that everyone deserves access to exceptional quality, innovative designs, and durable materials. The Bass family, driven by a deep passion for leather and generations of experience, has traveled across five continents to curate a collection that includes everything from everyday essentials to rare, one-of-a-kind pieces.

Our showroom, located in NYC’s Garment District, is more than just a place to shop; it’s a space for exploration and inspiration. We work closely with our customers to understand their unique needs, fostering a collaborative environment that fuels creativity. Here, you will find an unparalleled selection of diverse and innovative leathers—all under one roof.

As our business continues to grow, we are inspired by our diverse clientele to reach even further, ensuring that access to high-quality leather is available to all. Our e-commerce website, www.districtleathers.com, makes it easy for customers across the country and around the globe to discover and order our products.

While leather is our primary offering, we believe that knowledge is our next best asset. Our commitment to exceptional customer service sets us apart. We strive to make every interaction enjoyable, educational, and successful, ensuring that our customers return time and again.

Executive Profiles

Alex Bass

Founder / CEO

Alex Bass is the Founder and CEO of District Leathers, proudly carrying on a legacy as the fourth generation in his family to work in the leather industry. He is the visionary behind District Leathers, shaping the company’s direction and values to ensure it meets the evolving needs of designers and artisans.

Before establishing District Leathers, Alex honed his skills in the leather sales industry in New York City, where he built strong relationships with top clients in the apparel, accessory, and furniture sectors. This experience provided him with valuable insights into customer needs, particularly regarding communication, service, and, most importantly, leather quality.

In addition to his expertise in leather, Alex has a robust background in digital marketing. He spent over four years at Landmark Ventures, a leading firm in the industry, where he managed an extensive portfolio of client relationships and ensured their goals were met.

Alex’s passion for leather is matched only by his dedication to his clients. He believes in the importance of nurturing relationships and is committed to helping his customers turn their designs and inspirations into reality.

Stephen Bass

Vice President / CFO

Stephen Bass serves as the Vice President and CFO of District Leathers, bringing a wealth of experience from his long-standing career in the leather apparel business. He began his journey in 1973 with his family business, Avanti Outerwear, and took the helm as President and CEO after purchasing the company in 1984.

Under Stephen's leadership, Avanti Outerwear transformed from a domestic manufacturer into one of the largest leather apparel companies globally, pioneering international manufacturing. He established and nurtured relationships with manufacturing facilities in South America, Europe, and Asia, as well as developed long-term partnerships with leather tanneries around the world.

One of Stephen's notable achievements was becoming the first leather outerwear company to design, manufacture, and market leather apparel under license agreements with renowned brands such as Guess, Jones New York, True Religion, and XOXO Sportswear.

After selling his business in 2006, Stephen continued to leverage his expertise to help new employers, including Herman Kay Coats and S. Rothschild Co., integrate leather into their branded offerings. His contributions supported the success of esteemed brands like Michael Kors, Anne Klein, Miss Sixty, London Fog, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Eli Tahari, DKNY, and Tommy Hilfiger.

Though Stephen retired in 2015 to focus on his passions—family, reading, travel, and golf—he returned to the leather industry in September 2016 to collaborate with his son, Alex, at District Leathers. In this role, he is dedicated to purchasing, merchandising, and selling some of the most exquisite and innovative leather skins produced worldwide.