I have long admired individuals who, in finding that one thing that lights them up, become immersed in it. Or maybe a better word for it is obsessed, as in “make an obsession of that which you most desire in life.”
If you haven’t already figured it out, my greatest obsession is with books — writing feature stories about them; engaging in everyday conversations about nonfiction works; wandering through eclectic bookstores; reading a new read at an independent coffeehouse while imbibing a dirty chai.
Author and thought-leader Grant Cardone in his book “Be Obsessed Or Be Average” says the surest indication that one is ready to become obsessed with something is a deep frustration with settling for average. The good news with this is you are ultimately the one who gets to decide whether you’re going to settle for less or become obsessed with seeking more out of life. It’s here where obsession becomes the accelerant that gives you that “do whatever it takes attitude to succeed” attitude.
In fact, I’m discovering that the older I get the more obsessed I become with what I desire to manifest. As I chase “elite, world-class” status with what I do and deny average, the infinite nature of my potential continues to be revealed.
So at this point, you are probably wondering what all of this has to do with leather. Well, let me introduce you to d.e.n.i_c, author of the book Power of Leather which chronicles her passion for this strong, flexible, durable material in the fashion world.
Shall we call her love for leather an obsession when she calls it an addiction? Well, I’ll let you be the judge.
Responding to my questions from her home in Paris, d.e.n.i_c says that her obsession (or shall we say addiction) with leather and subsequent decision to write a book about it came progressively and naturally:
“Wearing leather literally changed my life and I wanted to share this story to inspire and encourage others to eventually take the same path. I originally started with a blog and once I saw the interest growing, I decided to push my limits and I went for the next level through this very personal project.”
Elaborating on her passionate relationship with leather, she says it all started when she saw the impact it had on others.
“Leather has changed the perception that others have of me from"beautiful girl" to "respectful woman.” When this happened, I knew my life was finally about to go in the right direction.”
Leather, notes d.e.n.i_c not only changed the perception she had of herself but it also changed her behavior and mindset.
“People's reactions when I wore leather led me to become more curious and even more self-aware. I also started to cut back on buying fast fashion as I became much more eco-responsible.”
Continuing along this same thought process, d.e.n.i_c adds:
“I would say that before wearing leather I was counting on others to make me happy and set directions for my life. I didn’t have any personal drive and I had an easy and simple life. Leather helped me strengthen my personality and helped me realize the positive impact I could have on others. It helped me realize I can decide about my future, and it acted as some kind of catalyst at the right moment in my life.”
When I asked d.e.n.i_c to share some of the common perceptions people have about leather, she offered this:
“The biggest one is probably the belief that animals are killed exclusively for their skin. To a certain extent, it is true, as this is the case for exotic species, which I never wear. Nevertheless, 99% of leather used in fashion is a secondary product of the food industry. In that sense, leather is part of the oldest circular economy system in the history of humanity. This resonates very much with me as I was raised by a mom who has strong values against wasting.”
In terms of what makes leather so practical and exciting to wear, leather, says d.e.n.i_c, has many great advantages.
“It keeps you warm. It is fire-resistant. It ages with grace and it can last a lifetime if you treat it with a minimum of care. It’s practical because it doesn’t need to be washed regularly. Then, it’s exciting for the way it looks, the way it shapes your body, and the way it feels when you touch it. It is no surprise that leather is one of the most common fetishes and the reason that many people, especially men, are attracted to it.”
Curious as to the reactions she receives in public when dressed in leather, I asked d.e.n.i_c to describe her experiences:
“The feeling that this exceptional material provokes makes women stand out. At the same time, leather, as a material which protects can be seen as an armor. When I am in public, people always notice me but they don’t dare to comment [laughter]. I love the feeling of being protected by my leather armor and standing out at the same time. It’s this mix of attraction and intimidation that I find the most exciting.:
d.e.n.i_c says she now wears leather all the time, saying that irrespective of the situation and the occasion, she will always come in a leather outfit.
“Because you can find any type of clothing in leather, you can adapt and fit into any environment with a leather outfit. Some people tell me they wear leather when they need to be lifted up or when they need to have an impact during a meeting. There is actually a chapter in my book about the first time I wore leather in an office environment…..”
To this point she says that heels and leather boots serve as an ideal way to express one’s personality:
“The impact of heels and boots is very similar to leather’s broader impact. First it’s a confidence booster as it enhances one’s silhouette, helping the person to stand out in public. Then there is a fetish attraction factor which encourages a woman to feel encouraged and free to express their personality in front of an audience who is already captivated. How you express this, depends on styling. With there being so many shapes and styles, the higher the heel or the higher the boots the greater the effect.”
Concluding, I asked d.e.n.i_c what was her greatest hope in terms of how readers will feel as a result of reading your book. She offered this in closing:
“I know some people will very much enjoy watching the pictures in my book. I worked hard on those pictures with two talented photographers which was very satisfying. But in the larger scheme of things, I truly hope my story can help people. It is a testimony of how to take control of your destiny and there are many ways to get there….
…..In my case, leather helped me a lot and I trust it can help others as it boosts your confidence by making you visible and stronger. I also hope people will just enjoy the book for what it is, a very nice object full of positive energy that they can find a nice place for in their home.”
