Leather Guide
Understanding the material before you choose
A Living Heritage
Leather is one of humanity’s oldest materials, used for clothing, tools and protection since prehistoric times. Across cultures it has carried both function and symbolism and has long been regarded as a mark of prestige and luxury. What makes leather unique is its ability to change with use. It naturally oxidizes and develops a patina, deepening in tone and texture. This slow transformation is seen as an art of cultivation that rewards each owner with pride and a sense of achievement.
Natural Character
Unlike industrial PU leather, genuine leather carries the marks of life. Subtle scars, grain variations and small natural impressions are part of its identity. From raw hide to tanning, transport and handcrafting, each step leaves a trace that ensures no two pieces are ever identical. These details are not flaws but signs of authenticity.
Types of Leather We Use
Vegetable-Tanned Leather
Made from the finest top-grain cowhide and processed with natural tannins from plants. This leather is skin-friendly and free from heavy metals. Rich in oils, it gradually darkens and gains a warm gloss with time. Our studio sources premium Italian hides for their durability, breathability and refined hand-dyed finish.
Lizard-Embossed Cowhide
Full-grain cowhide pressed with high-pressure molds to replicate the fine scales of lizard skin. It combines the strength of cowhide with an exotic textured surface that feels refined and striking.
Japanese Shell Cordovan (Shinki Hikaku)
One of the rarest leathers in the world, cut from a small part of horsehide. The tanning process takes nearly a year and is enriched with oils and waxes for density and resilience. Hand-polished to a mirror-like shine, cordovan matures beautifully and reveals depth and glow with every wear.
French Goat Leather
Renowned for its velvety softness and fine grain. Goat leather feels like a second skin, light and breathable, and it never becomes sticky. It stays smooth even after months of use, offering structure without bulk and easy care without special treatment.
Horween Oil Wax Leather
From the historic Horween Tannery in Chicago, this leather is tanned using a mix of chrome and vegetable methods, then infused with oils and waxes. Its surface lightens with scratches or bends, showing its oily richness. Over time it builds a strong patina that makes each piece personal. It is a classic choice for boots, wallets and long-lasting accessories.
Caring for Leather
Caring for handmade leather goods is simple and rewarding.
Wipe away dust with a soft cloth, apply a neutral conditioner every few months and keep them away from direct sunlight or excess moisture. Store pieces in breathable bags with balanced humidity to prevent cracks or mold. Each leather type evolves in its own way. Vegetable-tanned leather develops a rich patina, cordovan reveals a natural shine, and embossed textures hold their definition with light upkeep. With the right care, every piece becomes more beautiful, more durable and more expressive over time.