My First Red Carpet Event in Paris: A Reflection on the Journey

Written by: Tanner Leatherstein

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Time to read: 8 min

Tanner Leatherstein at Business of Fashion 500 event in Paris – A collage featuring Tanner in a tuxedo at a red carpet event, surrounded by industry figures, the BoF 500 logo, and snapshots of his leathercraft journey, reflecting on his first major fashion event.

I have a confession to make—my very first red carpet event was something I never imagined would happen to me. Last Saturday, I found myself walking the red carpet at a gala in Paris during Fashion Week. It was all because of an email I received a couple of months ago, informing me that I had been included in the Business of Fashion's list, recognizing the voices shaping the global fashion world. To be honest, I didn’t really know what that meant at first. But now, after this surreal experience, I’ve gained a whole new perspective on what it means to be part of this industry. So, let’s talk about it.


In this blog, we will answer the following questions:


  • What was my reaction to receiving the invitation to the red carpet event during Paris Fashion Week?
  • How did my conversation with Imran Amed influence my perspective on my content and its impact on the fashion world?
  • What reflections did I have on my journey from leather reviews to being recognized by the fashion industry?

The Invitation: A Surprise I Didn't See Coming


When I received the email from Business of Fashion, my initial reaction was surprise, mixed with a little confusion. I thought, "What exactly does being one of the top 500 voices in global fashion mean?" My journey started far from the glitz and glamor of high fashion. I've always been focused on peeling back the layers, quite literally, when it comes to leather craftsmanship and product reviews. Fashion wasn't even something I consciously set out to be part of. So, when the invitation came, I wasn’t sure how I fit into the equation.


The Gala: A Scene Straight Out of a Movie


Fast forward to last Saturday night. The event was held at one of the most luxurious hotels in Paris, packed with fans, photographers, and what felt like a who's who of the fashion elite. It had the vibe of a Hollywood movie—one of those red carpet events you see on TV but never imagine yourself attending. Walking up to the entrance, it hit me: I was about to step into a world that was very different from my usual day-to-day life of analyzing leather bags and tearing down wallets.


Inside, the atmosphere was electric. The venue was filled with designers, models, celebrities, authors, and entrepreneurs. I have to admit, I felt like a fish out of water. Here’s the thing—I don’t follow the news, and I rarely consume social media. So I had no idea who most of these famous people were. For instance, I learned later that Kylie Jenner was there, but if I had walked past her that night, I wouldn’t have known.


Meeting Imran Amed: A Conversation That Changed My Perspective


Despite feeling a bit out of my element, I did have some incredibly meaningful conversations that night. One that stood out was with Imran Amed, the founder of Business of Fashion himself. He told me how much he appreciates the educational content I create, especially how it empowers luxury consumers to make better-informed decisions about the brands and products they choose. Hearing that from someone who has such a deep understanding of the fashion world was eye-opening.

It made me reflect on the responsibility that comes with creating content that reaches so many people. I’ve always approached my reviews with an educational mindset, but now I feel a deeper obligation to ensure that the information I’m sharing helps people make truly informed choices. The conversation with Imran left me with a sense of purpose that I hadn’t quite tapped into before.

Reflecting on the Journey: From Leather Reviews to Shaping Fashion

After the event, I took some time to process everything. How did I get here? How did someone like me, who never set out to be part of the fashion industry, end up walking a red carpet in Paris? The truth is, I never imagined that what I do—making raw, unfiltered reviews of leather products—would resonate so deeply, not just with everyday consumers, but with industry insiders too.


This experience made me realize how important it is to be recognized in this way. It wasn’t just about attending a glamorous event; it was about being acknowledged for making an impact. Talking to people that night helped me understand that what I’ve been doing—what we’ve been doing together as a community—is truly making a difference. And that’s something I’ll never take for granted.

Staying True to the Mission: Authenticity Matters

Here’s the thing—I've never been drawn to the glamor of the fashion world. In fact, it’s that very lack of interest that pushed me to create the kind of raw, unfiltered content that has resonated with so many of you. I’ve always taken my work seriously, but now, after seeing how much it’s appreciated even within the fashion world, I feel a renewed sense of responsibility. It’s not about chasing trends or jumping on the bandwagon; it’s about continuing to provide honest, transparent, and educational content that cuts through the noise.


But now, I’m committed to diving even deeper. I’m going to educate myself more about fashion trends and the industry as a whole—not because I want to change who I am, but because I want to offer you better, more informed content. I’m still the same guy who loves dissecting leather products and giving you the real deal about their value. But now, I have a clearer sense of the impact we can have together.

A Call to My Community: Keep Me Accountable

Here’s where I need your help. If at any point, you feel like my content is losing its authenticity—if it ever seems like I’m being influenced by the tricks of the fashion world—please let me know. You, my community, are the reason I got here in the first place. Your trust in my honest evaluations is everything to me, and I want to make sure that I stay true to that. Together, we can continue to make an impact by staying focused on what matters: quality, craftsmanship, and transparency.

Until Next Time, Stay Leathertained

In closing, I just want to say how much I appreciate the support that has brought me to this point. Being included in the BoF 500 is an honor, but it’s also a responsibility—one that I’m excited to embrace. This journey has only just begun, and with your feedback and support, we’ll keep pushing boundaries and making an impact.


As always, until next time—stay leathertained!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I submit my product for the Leather Bureau of Investigation, and what happens after submission?

To submit your product, please complete this form. Once submitted, we'll review the details to determine if your product fits our project. If accepted, you'll receive an email within seven days. In return for your donation, we’ll send you a free product from our PEGAI catalog, and all information provided will be kept confidential. If not selected, you’re welcome to submit other products in the future.


This project is only for leather goods customers. If you're a brand, please refer to the Chopping Block / Rip My Bag Challenge FAQ.

How can I suggest a brand for review?

You can view all the brands currently on our list here: Brand List.


If the brand you want to see reviewed isn’t listed, simply leave your suggestion in the comments section! We’ll gather all suggestions and add them to the Suggestion Box in Tanner Leatherstein's website's Forum for voting, where the most requested brands have a chance to be featured next.

Does Tanner offer advisory services?

Yes! Tanner offers advisory services specializing in leather selection, manufacturing, and prototyping-related inquiries. The fee is $300 per hour.


The consultation process includes:

  • A complimentary 30-minute initial call to understand your needs.
  • A 30-minute follow-up call to review findings and gather feedback on your objectives.
  • A final 30-minute call to present recommendations.

If you're interested, please let us know so we can send the scheduling links.

Is Tanner available for media interviews?

Yes, Tanner is open for media interviews! If you'd like to collaborate on a feature or interview him, please email him directly at tanner@pegai.com.


Whether it's about leather crafting, brand reviews, or the business side of PEGAI, Tanner is happy to share his insights and expertise.

How can my brand participate in the "Rip My Bag" Challenge / Chopping Block?

Here's a quick overview of the process:


  1. Product Selection: You provide a list of products; Tanner selects one for review.
  2. Anonymous Purchase: The product is bought anonymously to simulate a real customer experience.
  3. Independent Review: A review video is created and shared across social media platforms (excluding YouTube).
  4. No Prior Screening: You won't see the video before it’s posted, and no pre-approval is allowed.
  5. Reimbursement: After publishing, you’ll receive an invoice for the product cost.
  6. Video Fee: A $1,000 production fee covers review, filming, and editing costs. This is separate from the product reimbursement.
  7. Transparency: The video will be marked as "paid collaboration" to ensure honesty.

Watch the video disclaimer here. For complete details, please email us at tanner@pegai.com.


IMPORTANT NOTICE:
At this time, participation is limited to brands based in the US and EU due to logistical challenges. If we expand to more countries, we’ll reach out to those interested. In the meantime, we’re happy to add your brand to our list for potential future reviews, though we can't guarantee a timeline. Thank you for your understanding!


NEXT STEPS:
If you're interested, please complete our Intake Survey and pay the video fee. We’ll confirm your slot within 48 hours.

About Tanner

Tanner Leatherstein poses for the camera.

Tanner Leatherstein

Known as the "butcher of leather bags," Tanner has amassed over 2 million followers and 301 million views, with features in outlets like The New York Times and Financial Times. PEGAI, Tanner's brand, embodies his passion for crafting premium leather goods with unmatched authenticity and precision.

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