LEATHER – THIS NOBLE AND TIMELESS MATERIAL

Leather is a noble material that has been around for many decades. Although the fashion world is introducing new trend colors every season, leather remains timeless, regardless of its color. Whether you opt for a timeless black color, a brown that goes with everything or a brighter color, all options are possible for leather bag and leather accessory.

Even if the color of the year 2018 according to Pantone is ultraviolet, rich and deep tones are still as popular as those with surprising splashes of color. Although there is no longer what we call a ‘’seasonal color’’ for leather bags and accessories, more neutral shades always act as perfect every day essentials. With fashion nowadays, it is also possible to choose a leather bag that will accompany you in the different seasons regardless if you opt for bright colors, black, brown, cognac, and other colors.

Different textures and leathers ‘qualities are available on the market. Indeed, the leather’s texture will depend essentially on the leather’s grain. The grain can be thin or thick, small or wide, regular or irregular. A leather bag with a wider grain will have a more raw aspect while a leather bag with a finer grain will have a smoother appearance. Top grain leather is the most flexible and durable material.

Some definitions to better distinguish the different terms regarding leather:

• The term “full grain leather” means that the grain has not been altered. Overtime, this leather will look nicer and will develop patina. All the natural grain patterns and markings show. This is considered the signature of fine leather.

• Top-grain leather is a leather whose grain imperfections have been slightly sanded. The top layer has been removed to have a uniform look.

• Corrected grain leather is a leather that has been sanded more extensively to remove imperfections such as scars. An artificial grain pattern is applied which alters the appearance of the hide.

• Split Leather is leather made from the lower layer of a hide after being split in half. The top half is top grain and the lower half is called split. Same as corrected leather, an artificial grain pattern is applied which alters the appearance of the hide.

• Nubuck leather is a top grain leather that has been sanded or buffed on the grain side to create a velvet finish.

• Oily leather is a leather to which an oily finish is applied, this leather usually contains an amount of oil greater than 15% by weight.

• Vegetable Tanned Leather is a method of hide tanning which utilizes organic materials such as tree bark instead of the traditional chemicals. This is the oldest method used to tan leather.

• Chrome-tanned leather – A method using chromium salts. The hide becomes softer and more supple than vegetable-tanned leather and does not discolor or lose shape as drastically in water. Chromium-tanned hides are also more receptive to color.

• Drum Dyed – The process of coloring leather by tumbling it in a rotating drum immersed in dye to allow maximum dye penetration. This method dyes the hides all the way through.

A good quality leather will keep its flexibility, and therefore will not set wrinkles easily. It is important to favor a good quality of leather that can last over the years.