13
June
2018

The history of leather tanning

With the term tanning, we mean those operations to which the skins of animals are subjected in order to make them imputrescible and transform them into leather, in practice, in order to preserve them and work them.

Tanning is one of the oldest activities, which dates back to prehistory, when men realized they could use the skins of the hunted animals to cover themselves and protect themselves from the cold and rain.

The only problem was that the material tended to decompose after a few days…

The origins of tanning

Perhaps by chance, the man realized that if the skin had been exposed to the smoke of the fire or immersed in water, then it lasted longer. This was the discovery of “aldehyde tanning” (of which the smoke of fresh woods is rich) and “vegetable tanning” (contained in wood and in all plants).

Aldehydes, tannins and lime (the limescale of the stones due to the effect of heat is transformed into lime, which with water forms lime off) are substances that still today, even if with different methods, are part of modern tanning processes.

From artisan practice to industrial activity

 

For many centuries the tanning technology had remained substantially unchanged, until the second half of the 19th century, when the drum was introduced, a machine consisting of a cylinder rotating around its axis, which marked the transition from craft to industrial activity. Water, skins and chemicals were introduced into the drum.

The mechanical action of rotation greatly favors the penetration of the products inside the skin; therefore the tanning process, which previously lasted many months, turned out to be quite accelerated.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the real turning point took place with the introduction of chrome tanning, – thanks to the tanning capacity of the trivalent chromium compounds – which is able to bind permanently to the skin making it imputrescible.

Various types of tanning processing

 

Before going on to the actual tanning operations, which tend to give the leather the greatest resistance, the maximum impermeability to water and the maximum porosity to air and water vapor (sweat), there are some preliminary steps for the preparation of leather, the so-called “beamhouse” operations: soaking, liming, unhairing and scudding, deliming and bating, pickling.

To get even more in detail and know what are the various types of tanning, we mention a few:

  • Chrome tanning, this mineral makes the leather particularly soft.
  • Aniline tanning, a type of tanning based on the use of aniline that gives the products a particular luster and color transparency.
  • Vegetable tanning, a process consisting in transforming skin into leather with the use of peel of plants that produce natural tannic juices in water; this treatment is carried out in pits and serves to obtain sole leather.
  • Mineral tanning, made with chromium or aluminum salts, which produces light, soft and tough leather.
  • Mixed tanning, a vegetable tanning in pits, tanks or vats and then drums, with the use of tannic extracts more concentrated than the juices derived from the peels.

 

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6
June
2018

Men’s bag, practicality and elegance

Who ever said that the bag is only a female accessory? For work or for a trip, practicality and elegance are essential for him too. Certainly a bag does not affect masculinity and does not reduce the charm of a man, on the contrary! If the bag is of quality and elegant, its presence makes the man even more interesting!

Shoulder bag or bag with handles?

It depends on the style and on how you prefer to move: the shoulder strap is more casual and ensures greater flexibility in movements; the hand bag is more classic and elegant and can be used as a document, PC or tablet holder, perfect for the office.

Even men, in fact, have to bring with them keys, mobile phones, maybe newspapers and documents, let’s add a bottle of water (especially in this season), maybe the lunch and who knows what else … Reason why even men need a bag.

Which color and size?

The advice is to opt for the classic colors: black, brown, gray, cachy, military green.

Smooth bags are better, without too many logos and decorations, suitable for different occasions. A leather bag is the best choice, perfect for any occasion, travel or work.

When choosing the size, do not hesitate to try the bag in front of the mirror, in order to carefully see if it fits your style, if it is the right size, if it has the right capacity for your needs.

The right choice

Do you have doubts? You have to know that the leather bag is the right choice between the canvas bag, more informal and casual, and the classic bag, which is not for everyone.

The best thing of the leather bag is that it matches perfectly with a pair of jeans, as well as with jacket and tie. It gives character to the look, it is roomy, functional and resistant, like all the accessories made with this material.

In short, choosing genuine and quality leather, you will have practicality and elegance in one fell swoop!

 

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30
May
2018

Tips: how to clean your leather backpack

A holiday at the sea, a bike tour or a motorbike excursion: the summer days are more and more dynamic and funny and, if you count to bring your “faithful” leather backpack with you, it is good to know that in case of unexpected stains, there is no need to despair because everything can be solved. Moreover, to keep the leather in good condition, do not forget a little “maintenance”, which means to hydrate it periodically.

 

Three tips

 

Here are three practical tips to clean your backpack or your leather bag.

  1. Do not use water, in order to avoid worsening the situation. For instance, on the leather, we could create halos that are difficult to remove.
  2. Much depends on the type of stain: if it is a slight trace of dirt, you can take a cotton swab or a white rag soaked with neutral detergent milk (the one you use to remove make-up on your face).
  3. With the cotton swab gently rub the stain and let the backpack dry, avoiding direct sun, if possible.

 

Ordinary maintenance

How to do the “ordinary maintenance” of your leather backpack?

Sometimes the leather needs to be hydrated – especially in the Summer, when it is more exposed to the sun, heat and wind – just like the skin of our body, you can use a fairly solid moisturizer, not overly greasy.

For polishing, you can use an old grandma’s remedy: rub a pair of nylon stockings to make the backpack shinier and ready for the whole Summer.

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23
May
2018

Towards the sea: travel bag in leather

Capacious, practical and always fashion! It is the travel bag in leather, the best choice for the holidays, the best companion that allows to take with you everything you need, to the sea and to the mountains, and to travel with an extra gear. Spacious and comfortable, the leather bag is a perfect ally for your adventures and your summer travels. Whatever the goal is, its functionality is right for every situation!

You will make a great impression arriving at the hotel or the holiday village with your leather bag, which will not only resist the signs of aging and effort, but will give you that extra touch of charm!

For every need

Whether for an outdoor weekend or for a longer and more demanding holiday, if you are going to the sea, opt for a leather bag, strictly made in Italy, generous in the spaces, vigorous and with a sober but decisive style.

With shoulder strap or reinforced handles, inside and outside pockets in classic, vintage or more modern style, in the trolley or bag version: its capacity will allow you to organize everything for the travel and facilitate transport by car, by train, by plane…

Elegance and high quality

 

The travel leather bag offers a mix of functionality, elegance and design to those who choose it. The style is unique, as well as the resistance. That’s why you can not live without it!

Italian craftsmanship is characterized by valuable materials and class products that stand out and can make the difference, especially when you have to undertake a longer journey, you need space and you are looking for durability and resistance.

16
May
2018

The beauties of the San Lorenzo market

It is difficult to think of describing the many beauties of the San Lorenzo market in an article of a few lines but we try, because this exhibition space deserves at least one visit, if you are in Florence, and is one of the most particular and typical places where you can meet flavors and genuinely Tuscan perfumes, shopping and having an exceptional setting for your last selfie!

 

The two sections of the market

 

The San Lorenzo Market is exactly divided into two parts: one inside, known as the Central Market and dedicated mainly to food, shops, restaurants and fast food, and the other outdoor section, organized around to the Central Market building, a glass and cast-iron structure built towards the end of the 19th century by Giuseppe Mengoni, the architect of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan.

 

A taste experience

 

Fruits and vegetables, bread and pastry, chocolate and honey, fresh fish, fried meatballs, meat and sausages, cheese, pizza and fresh pasta, wine shop, lampredotto, sorbets and ice creams … All the activities of the Central Market are conducted by artisanal traders that have in common the passion for their profession. Going from here is a real dip in tradition, in good Tuscan and Italian cuisine, with its quality ingredients, a place for gourmets who want to experience a unique, tasteful experience.

It can be a good idea, between a museum and a church, to put on your march the visit to the San Lorenzo Market, perhaps at lunchtime or even for dinner, so as to taste the delicacies of Tuscan cuisine (they are about 500 seats available inside) and let yourself be tempted by the various tastes.

 

The paradise of the skin

 

Outside, among the streets that wind around the covered market, you can indulge in admiring leather objects, mostly ceramic artifacts and other local products, clothes, scarves, small ornaments, stationery objects, magnets and all kinds of cadeau to take home as a souvenir of your tour in Florence. But do not forget that at the San Lorenzo Market you can find many leather goods to complete your favorite look: bags, clutch bags, belts, wallets, jackets and jackets. The local craftsmanship here is really on display, it does not seem a gamble to call it “the leather’s paradise”.

 

You just have to choose

 

Allow us a tip: if you are willing to make serious purchases, first make a list of what you are looking for, if you need to give gifts, and allow yourself enough time to take a look at the various stalls before deciding what to buy, and plan a “extra budget” for a last deal, just for you!

There are so many options to choose from and without spending too much money, you will certainly find very tasty souvenirs for you and your friends. This part of the San Lorenzo Market is open every day, from Tuesday to Saturday. Enjoy your visit!