Leather

Description

Leather is the most widely used animal skin in fashion products. Animal leather normally goes through cutting and tanning treatment and its application is decided by its thickness, grading and source. 

History

Leather has been used for thousands of years as a protective and useful material. Its evolution can be traced around the world and through the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, and into modern times. Leather applications have grown into tools, clothes, footwear, jewellery, and furniture. Leather can be made of any type of skin or hide. The chemical processes used to turn the skin or hide into leather is called tanning. The oldest and most intricate process is vegetable tanning; an organic method relying on natural tanning from plant tissues. Chromium tanning, invented in 1858 and adopted during the Industrial Revolution, is a significantly faster tanning method, but also toxic.

Artificial leather was gradually introduced during the second half of the 20th century to imitate real leather. However, like most material imitations, it is composed of several synthetic fibres, does not decompose and damages the soil as it remains indefinitely. Sustainable alternatives have been discovered, including but not limited to cork, mushrooms and pineapple leaves, although there are still in the experimentation phase with limited production. 

Properties

• Versatile material
• High tensile strength
• Water resistant
• Longevity

Care

Hand wash with mild soap or dry clean	Hang to air dry

• Store your bag flat using the original protective dust-bag provided. Do not fold or allow the handles of the bag to be pressed down onto the bag.
• Avoid contact with rain, water and other chemicals; if in contact with the latter or any of the above substances, gently clean with a dry, non-fluffy absorbent cloth.
• Entrusting cleaning by a professional craftsman. 

We always research suppliers who are committed to responsible sourcing and constantly try to find new techniques and ways to become more liable, including but not limited to high quality textiles, small quantities orders, environmental footprints, chemical free dyes, waste policy and ethical working environments.

Blum, P., Circular Fashion: A Supply Chain for Sustainability in the Textile and Apparel Industry, Laurence King Publishing (2021)

Textilepedia: The Complete Fabric Guide, Fashionary International Ltd (2021)