LEATHER Quality
Quality encapsulates the careful selection of materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and the adherence to time-honoured processes, all designed to produce a durable and aesthetically pleasing product that will stand the test of time.
Quality is one of the two crucial determinants for certification in our organization, the other being Sustainability.
Our organization has established four objective criteria for evaluating the quality of vegetable-tanned leather. Each criterion must be met before the product can advance to the next stage of the certification process:
Type and Source of Raw Hides
Our vegetable-tanned full-grain leather is crafted exclusively from the hand-picked hides of Bos taurus cattle, raised on the best grasslands of Western Europe (France, Germany, Switzerland). These pastures are rich and nutrient-dense, enhancing the unique collagen structure of the hides, ensuring exceptional durability.
The hides from Bos Taurus cattle in these locales benefit from the temperate weather and ample grazing grounds, which result in a consistent hide thickness and minimal blemishes. The cattle are typically raised on small farms where they have substantial space to roam, ensuring not only the well-being of the animals but also contributing to the durability and aesthetic quality of the leather. The tanning process for these hides is also rigorously controlled, adhering to strict European standards for environmental safety and sustainability. Each hide is carefully selected, with full traceability from farm to final product, to ensure that only the highest quality leather is used for manufacturing luxury goods. This traceability is not just a mark of quality but also an assurance of ethical sourcing.
FULL-GRAIN LEATHER
The leather must be full-grain, which is the strongest outer layer of the hide. This layer maintains the complete structure of the animal’s skin cells, which is renowned for its durability, breathability, and strength.
The uppermost layer of the hide, full-grain retains its natural grain, which includes inherent imperfections and texture, signifying its authenticity and excellence. This premium leather type is sought after for its remarkable ability to acquire a patina over time—a testimony to its life and experiences—which gracefully enhances its appearance and value. Full-grain leather is synonymous with luxury, preferred for crafting goods where sophistication meets toughness, such as in high-end footwear, bespoke upholstery, and heirloom-quality handbags. It is not merely a material but an investment; with meticulous care, full-grain leather goods transcend mere accessories to become storied treasures, growing more splendid and characterful with every passing year.
TRADITIONAL ITALIAN ARTISANAL TANNING
Cuoio Superiore leather is tanned in the Tuscany region of Italy, renowned for its incredible heritage in leather craftsmanship. We’ve handpicked the finest tanneries in the region, that adheres to our strict technical requirements.
During the tanning process, we use natural plant-based tanning agents, absorbed over 48 to 72 hours—far slower than the typical 8-hour tanning process. This extended duration, compared to the 8 or even 2 hours often used by other tanneries, allows for deeper penetration of the tannins, resulting in a stronger and more durable bond between the tannins and the leather’s collagen fibers. This approach enhances the leather’s strength and texture. At the same time, tanneries that use quick tanning methods may produce leather that looks good on the outside but is of poor quality on the inside.
Our special conditioning process, true to Tuscan traditions, uses only natural oils and tallow to nourish and protect the leather, avoiding the synthetic oils and other harsh chemicals commonly used in the industry.
As the hides are tanned, they take on a unique patina that grows more lustrous with time, reflecting the individual character of each artisan’s touch. The result is a product that not only stands the test of time but also tells a story of heritage and artistry that is woven into every fiber.
PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
The finished product must exhibit high durability, flexibility, and resistance to surface scratches. These characteristics are essential, as they enable the leather to mature gracefully over time, leading to the development of a unique patina.
Additionally, the product should maintain its structural integrity even under varying conditions of use, showcasing a robustness that is particularly crucial for daily wear items. The leather’s ability to withstand different weather conditions without significant degradation is a testament to its quality and craftsmanship. This resilience, paired with an elegant aging process, should give the leather an appealing aesthetic that enhances with use, embodying a blend of timeless elegance and practical longevity.
