Leather history

Leather is one of nature's most sensual materials. It offers comfort and durability in a variety of designs, textures and colors. We know leather. Its characteristics. Its value. The way it makes you look good and feel good like any luxurious item should.

Leather has been made in various locations around the world for more than 5000 years,and the first tanners guilds have been traced as far back as twelfth century England.

Although tanning methods have changed with new technologies, the end result is aproduct that has been valued for centuries.

The first step in the modern tanning method is to apply a protective treatment
to the hides(whole pelts from cattle) or skins (the pelts of younger or smaller animals). Next they areput through a chemical process to keep them soft and flexible.
Now the tanners can workwith the leather to adjust the thickness, color and
apply a variety of finishes. The end product is sent to manufacturers,
who cut and sew the leather into finished products.

When most people see leather, their first reaction is to touch it. The way leather feels is called its hand. In general, the softer the hand, the higher the cost.The raw material, which is a determined by genetics, greatly influences the quality ofleather. Every hide and skin has sections that are naturally wrinkled, softer
or thinner in certain areas. Environmental factors, including climate and food supply, also affect the finalproduct. Since leather is a natural material,
it is never uniform. Its small surfaceimperfections create a unique beauty
that can never be duplicated.

Shopping Tips

• Consider the cut, style and lining that work best for your lifestyle.
• The price of leather is mostly determined by the quality of the raw materials and style

Leather Facts

• Leather is tear and puncture-resistant.
• Leather protects from heat, cold and wind; and it repels moisture.
• Leather items are available in a variety of weights and made with different linings for comfort in warm and cold weather.
• Leather apparel stretches and molds to your body, yet at the same time retains its shape.
• Leather breathes -- that's what keeps it soft and supple.
• Leather is an agricultural by-product of the food industry.
  We purchase the skins and transform them into beautiful leather products.

Leather Protection and Care

• Avoid using cleaning fluid, shoe cream, saddle soap and mink oil.
  These products containingredients that may damage leather.
• We recommend that you test any protection and cleaning products
  on a hidden area of the leather.
• Don't keep heavy objects, such as key chains, in your pockets.
  Doing so will stretch theleather.
• Avoid applying hair sprays and perfumes while wearing leather.
• Don't attach pins, adhesive badges or tape to leather.
• Repair hems with a small amount of rubber cement.

Cleaning

• Gently blot liquid stains with a clean cloth.
• Winter salt stains your leather, wipe with a clean, damp cloth and dry naturally.
  
  Normal dry cleaning methods will remove essential oils, causing the leather to crack, fade and shrink. A cleaner who specializes in leather care will use a different method to clean and condition the leather.
  Even this special process may cause slight variations in color, texture, and shape; so it is important to clean matching garments together.

When wet

• If your leather becomes wet, allow it to dry at room temperature. (Never put leather in thedryer.) Then buff suede with a soft towel to restore the nap.

Storage

• Store your leather coat or jacket on a wide wooden, plastic or padded hanger to helpmaintain its shape.
• Store leather in a well-ventilated, cool, dry place. Avoid hot areas,
  such as attics; or dampareas, such as cellars.
• Cover your leather with breathable cloth, like cotton sheets,
  when storing. Plastic bags orcoverings will cause excessive drying.
• Wrinkles and creases in leather should hang out. If ironing is necessary, place heavy brown paper over the leather and use a cool to medium iron. Take care not to overheat theleather, which will cause it to shine.
• Avoid exposing leather to direct sunlight or heat for prolonged periods
  of time.