italian handmade leather

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.

 

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.

18
April
2018

News: the Agnese bag

For women who love vintage, there is a fantastic news.

It is the Agnese bag, capacious and suitable for any occasion, both for work and for travel and leisure in general. It looks like a bag, with both handles and shoulder strap, and with a good range of qualities: generous design, extraordinary versatility, timeless and remarkable elegance.

Generous design

Agnese is a bit “the bag of desires”. Whatever you are looking for or want with you, it is in here! Thanks to the particularly generous design, the Agnese bag will allow you not to give up anything and to have with you everything, but really everything, tat is necessary for your days and your travels. The zip will help you to put your order, without going crazy in the search when you are in a hurry.

Extraordinary versatility

The Agnese bag stands out for its exceptional versatility: available in different colors, it can be carried by hand or shoulder strap, combined with a skirt or trousers, jeans or a suit, with a day or evening outfit. It will not disappoint you because for every occasion it has an extra gear!

Timeless elegance

The vintage design and the processing of leather give it elegance. An elegance that has no time, a refined freshness that will give a touch of uniqueness to your look. The name Agnese for the Greeks meant purity. Here, this bag is pure femininity!

11
April
2018

The clutch bag in white leather

Bright and very tasty, the clutch bag in white leather is one of the recommended purchases for this spring / summer. Suitable for day and evening outfits, it is practical and elegant and gives a touch of class.

Do you want five good reasons to include this accessory in your wardrobe?

  • Versatility

The white leather clutch bag is versatile and adapts perfectly to spring and summer wardrobe, jeans and tops or a fancy dress or a more serious sheath dress.

  • Youth

It gives a jaunty and youthful appearance, despite being a fancy accessory, very chic and elegant.

  • Disengagement

The clutch bag can hold everything you need, without weighing, to accompany you in your outings with ease.

  • Perfume

Like all leather accessories, it has an acrid smell, so intense and unique, a scent that smacks of originality.

  • Softness

The leather clutch bag is soft, elastic and capacious. There are versions with multiple pockets, zip or button closures. The choice is up to you!

  • Brightness

The white leather is luminous in itself and gives a touch of light.

  • It is not delicate

Like all leather accessories, even if white, it is washable and resists stains well. A clutch bag for life? Maybe not, because fashion changes, but it is good to know that it will last over time.

4
April
2018

Unmissable accessory: the leather backpack

Resistant and stylish, it has an extra gear. The leather backpack is an unmissable travel companion for those who love practicality and elegance.

For those who follow fashion, but do not want to give up comfort at work, at school or in their spare time, the leather backpack is a capacious accessory, versatile and suitable for all ages. There is none: life is consumed with a backpack on your shoulder!

For her

The women’s leather backpack is very topical and has definitely passed the shoulder bag. Black or brown for the classic woman, colored or metal for those who want to be glam and loves to amaze, decorated or fantasy for the most ironic and cheeky woman. In its different styles and colors, and in different designs, the leather backpack has an extra gear and an answer for all tastes, even for the most demanding women, who never travel in lightness!

For him

Even the man does not give up the practicality and style of the backpack in leather, to carry by hand or on the shoulder pc, tablet, documents and what is needed to make the routine work. The convenience of the pockets, internal or external, depending on the various models, offers the possibility to distribute the content without going crazy during the search for keys or smartphone.

For everyone

In the many versions available today – with padded shoulder straps, vintage effect or more minimal design, fantasy or with visible stitching – the leather backpack is a “cool” accessory that can make everyone happy. The backpack gives the possibility to have free hands, to run when you are about to lose the train or the subway, to hug the friend met on the street, to casually shake the hand to the boss when leaving the office, to bring with you everything you need without feeling “unbalanced” and above all of being fashion, giving yourself a tone, in every day. And it is the leather that gives that touch of refinement!