Leather
There are thousands of choices of leather, differentiated between animal, tanning process, finishing process, colours and the individual tanneries themselves. We have carefully selected a range of leathers for our made-to-order products based on the premium nature of the leathers and our philosophy of a focus towards vegetable tanned leathers and sustainability and environmental care. If there is a particular leather that you would like used in your product, please CONTACT US and we will be happy to discuss.
Over time, our leather offerings and colours are expected to grow as we continue to introduce new leather goods and the best leathers associated with those goods.
Cowhide - Concernia Walpier "Buttero"
Founded in 1974 in Ponte a Egola, one of the Tuscan towns that is part of the only Italian district with high-quality vegetable tanneries. Vegetable tanning is an ancient process that uses exclusively plant-based tannins and requires time and artisanal skill to transform raw materials into a completely natural leather suitable for any type of product.
The history of the WALPIER tannery began over 40 years ago, from a long family tradition begun by Gino Ciampalini, father of one of the current owners. His son Valter and grandson Michele have continued the tradition, making their products sought-after internationally. Thanks to their commitment, respect for tradition, and constant attention to environmental protection, the Walpier brand is synonymous with reliability, quality, and authenticity. Walpier is a member of the exclusive PELLE VEGETALE CONSORTIUM certifying they tan leather using the strict traditional vegetal methods.
Buttero is quite unique in its characteristics. It is more firm than a vacchetta leather, this stiffness provides a nice rigidity to projects. It is full vegetable tanned and will patina nicely over time. This is their top grade and it is full grain. The colors are very nice and rich, it is full aniline meaning dyed with no color correction ensuring the leather has that natural look and feel to it. It is some of the most versatile leather we have found.
There are 17 colours available, with the 8 below regularly kept in stock.
Goatskin - Allran "Sully"
Founded in 1903 in the South of Tarn, France and set in the beautiful surroundings of the “Montagne Noire” (the black mountains), the tannery ALRAN S.A.S. has developed a vast expertise in the tanning of goat skins. They are well renown in the community and have many articles used for handbags, small leather goods and watch straps
Chevre “Sully” is one of Alran’s top articles and is produced in a special 23-step process which takes 4 weeks to produce. One of the most critical processes involves hand boarding each hide to increase the depth and structure of the grain, providing a unique and distinctive look.
This goat leather is their top grade. The leather is tanned in a full veg-tanned crust and then re-tanned and dyed with some mineral tannage to add softness and strength at thinner thicknesses. This process is the key to achieving its distinct grain, soft yet structured feel and even consistent color.
When you combine the unique grain, great temper, durability and beautiful consistent colors across the entire hide, you will see why it is a staple amongst the top brands.
There are 46 colours available, with the 8 below regularly kept in stock.
Calfskin - RMG Pomari - "Swift"
RMG POMARI is a leader in tanning high end calf leather. Tanned in Italy, they have perfected the combination of dense, yet soft leather articles in all types of bright and classic colors. RMG Pomari is a key supplier for some of the most famous luxury brands. Their quality of selection combined with the beautiful bright colors is unrivaled.
The Smooth Calf article (also known by many as “Swift”) is sourced from top grade alpine hides where there are less bug bites and defects. The hides have a incredible soft luxury touch preserving that natural feel. It is perfect for every day use like handbags, wallets, clutches and watch straps. Its combined characteristics and beautiful colors are a key reason it is trusted by the top luxury brands.
There are 63 colours available, with the 8 below regularly kept in stock.
Belts - Wickett & Craig - English Bridle and Traditional Harness Leathers
Founded in 1867, WICKETT & CRAIG is a world premiere vegetable tannery. A labor-intensive method that requires skilled workers, veg-tanning is a natural, eco-friendly process that produces durable, exquisite leathers recognized for their depth of color and rich patina. Simply put our leathers not only endure, but get better with age. Originally from Toronto, Canada, today Wickett & Craig calls Curwensville, Pennsylvania home, making it one of the only specialty vegetable tanneries in the U.S.A. that produces light and heavy-weight leathers. The former are used to craft luxury goods, like shoes, bags and belts, while the latter are used to make traditional equestrian gear, including saddles, bridles and straps. We are committed to making leathers “that work for you” and offer different options of weights and customization. The Wickett & Craig tannery has been audited by the LEATHER WORKING GROUP for ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION.
English bridle leather is an authentic vegetable tanned cowhide/steerhide that is made from the highest quality English animals and products. It is dyed in drums in order to develop deep, consistent colors with waxes and tallows. After the dying process, the leather is then hot stuffed with pre determined amounts of spew on the grain and flesh, giving it the English feel. Upon completion the leather will be stiff, though with the proper care and an ample amount of break-in time it will become soft and supple with a lot of strength.
There are 13 colours available in English bridle.
Traditional harness leather is known for its unique blend of waxes, oils, and tallows, which are hot stuffed into the leather. The beautiful look and feel of traditional harness leather is achieved in part due to a process called jack glazing, during which the oils come to the surface. The result is a glossy yet natural finish, with the leather’s true grain still visible. On the back side, Traditional Harness leather is refinished and gum pasted, giving it a waxy, smooth texture. It can be used for leather goods, belts, bags, accessories, and many other practical applications where both durability and a natural process are important.
There are 9 colours available for traditional harness.
