There is no doubt CEO Mary Barra of General Motors (GM) knows and understands the luxury, durability, and sense of style that real leather brings to the party. In fact, she’s personally captured the power of leather and turned it into her “signature” look, replacing the stodgy, corporate blue blazer with the strength of a leather jacket. Kudos and cheers to Mary. It is a GREAT look that exudes power, strength and a bit of yes, rebellion too!

Yahoo Finance captured this growing trend beautifully (see link below) and chronicled the uprise of Leather growing into the “go-to” style among many high-profile female executives – paving the way for its acceptance in the board room and beyond.

And while we cheer Mary on for her taste and love of leather, it brings the curious question: “how is leather the preferred personal choice for the CEO, but not the best choice for their customers looking for the same luxury, durability and style in their automobiles?”

Ah Caesar, it’s a slippery slope when looking down from the throne – adorned in the world’s finest leathers- and tell us “commoners” we can’t have the same luxury because of some greenwashed excuses like fake leather is better for the environment or it helps deliver better fuel economy or battery range. If you are going to deprive your customers of choice at least be honest about it Mary – She is shifting away from real leather to increase its profits and to placate the activists, period. And while we may not like the answer – at least we would respect the honesty.