Leather goods have long been synonymous with luxury brands, with humble beginnings as luggage and saddle makers. At the heart of every ultra-luxury handbag, wallet, or accessory lies a story of meticulous craft and exceptional materials. In this post, we’ll explore the artistry behind luxury leather like pebbled, smooth, saffiano, or exotic leather, care tips to extend the life of your leather pieces, and an overview of the iconic leathers used by Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel.
The Craft of Luxury Leather
Much of the beauty in leather comes from the craft. Leather can be made from any animal hide or skin. Most ultra-luxury brands use leather crafted in Italy or France, where artisans have passed down hundreds of years of leather knowledge.
Italy is renowned for its tradition of vegetable tanning, which uses natural tannins from bark and leaves to create leather with rich color and a supple feel. This eco-friendly method produces leather that ages beautifully, developing a unique patina over time. This artisanal practice is often associated with a buttery softness that’s ideal for leather goods, as seen in brands like Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Prada, and Fendi.
French leather is prized for its precision and luxury aesthetic. While vegetable tanning is also used, French tanneries are particularly known for chrome tanning, which results in leather with a smooth, consistent finish. Chrome tanning, which uses a solution of chemicals, acids, and salts, is faster than vegetable tanning. he focus on French luxury leather features a refined, noticeable texture, as seen in brands like Hermes and Louis Vuitton.
Popular Leather Types
Natural Leather
Common as a trim, natural, untanned leather develops a unique patina over time, further enhancing its character. While beautiful, it is typically very delicate, prone to scratches, and can develop water stains if carried in the rain. Popular natural leathers include Louis Vuitton’s vachetta leather that trims Monogram bags, and Hermes’ Vache Hunter leather, which accents Hermes’ range of Herbag bags.
Smooth Leather
You’ll see several kinds of smooth leather when shopping at FASHIONPHILE, like matte lambskin and glossy box calfskin. The leather is supple, with a finish much like your own skin. Popular smooth leather bags include Hermes Birkin Bag and Celine Box Bag.
Quilted Leather
Two pieces of leather are “quilted” together, containing some other type of fabric or insulating material sandwiched in between. Many designer brands have created signature quilted patterns like Chanel’s diamond quilting on the Chanel Classic Flap and Christian Dior’s Cannage quilting on the Christian Dior Lady Dior.
Embossed Leather
Embossed leather has been stamped with a pattern during the tanning process to create a unique, textured finish. Popular embossed leathers include Louis Vuitton Epi Leather, Hermes Epsom Leather, Prada Saffiano Leather like on Galleria bags, Saint Laurent Grain de Poivre Leather, and Chanel Caviar Leather. Many brands create unique embossed leather to mimic crocodile and snakeskin leather.
Patent Leather
Patent leather, often made from calfskin or goatskin, has a shiny plastic coating. Store it in a dust bag away from sunlight to keep its color and avoid scratches. Common patent leathers include Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis.
Suede
Suede is a type of leather from the underside of animal hide. Its signature texture, created through a careful buffing process, produces a soft, fuzzy surface. For a deeper dive into this luxury material, reference this comprehensive Guide to Suede.
Nubuck
Nubuck is a type of leather from the top of the animal hide with a surface gently brushed and buffed to create a soft texture. Nubuck is more durable than suede.
Exotic Skins and Furs
Many brands have banned the creation of fur and exotic materials, but you can still buy them through resale. Exotic leathers include alligator, crocodile, python, ostrich, snakeskin, lizard skin, and mink fur. Hermes is known for its exotic bags, especially its famous Himalayan Birkin.
Iconic Leathers of Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel
Each luxury brand has developed distinctive leathers that define its aesthetic and reputation. Here’s a closer look at the different leather within Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel.
The Most Popular Hermes Leathers to Know
Leather is the heart of Hermes, and with so many options, each leather type possesses its unique set of characteristics and allure. After all, Hermes got its start in artisan saddlery and fine leather goods designed for the carriage trade. There’s the glossy smoothness of Box leather, the embossed grain of Epsom, or the distinctive grain of Taurillon Clemence; each Hermes leather type possesses a unique character and showcases the brand’s unparalleled dedication to leather quality and artistry. For a complete list of Hermes leathers, reference this comprehensive Guide to Hermes Leathers.
Box Leather
The smooth, glossy Box leather is a Hermes classic, known for its refined appearance and ability to develop a rich patina over time. It is delicate and prone to scratches, so extra care is essential. Renowned as one of Hermes’ oldest and most cherished leathers, Box calfskin leather has an unmistakable luster. Revered for its impeccable smoothness and a noticeable sheen that catches the light, Box leather epitomizes elegance and sophistication. Hermes creates most items in Box leather, like the Kelly, Birkin, and Constance, plus the popular H belt and Oran sandals.
Clemence Leather
Clemence leather is crafted from the hide of baby bull calfskin, known for its exceptional softness and supple texture. Clemence has a unique-grained finish that not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also adds to its durability. The slightly slouchy appearance of Clemence makes it an ideal choice for casual styles, providing a relaxed yet sophisticated look. However, it’s worth noting that this luxurious leather can be on the heavier side, especially on a Birkin.
Epsom Leather
Epsom leather is known for its distinctive embossed grain, which gives it a unique three-dimensional texture. This type of leather has a structured, sturdy nature which allows it to maintain its shape over time. The standout features of Epsom leather include its impressive resistance to scratches and water resistance, making it an excellent choice for everyday bags, as it can withstand spills and even rain. Just wipe it clean if it gets wet.
The Most Popular Louis Vuitton Leathers to Know
Louis Vuitton got its start in leathermaking from the creation of luggage. For more information on all the Louis Vuitton materials, reference this comprehensive Guide to Louis Vuitton Textiles.
Vachetta Leather
Found on the handles and trim of Louis Vuitton’s monogram pieces, Vachetta leather is an untreated cowhide that develops a deep honey patina over time. It’s sensitive to water and stains, requiring careful handling.
Monogram Empreinte Leather
This embossed monogram leather is made from supple calfskin and features the Louis Vuitton monogram. It’s durable, lightweight, and has a soft, luxurious feel, suitable for modern styles. First introduced in 2010, Louis Vuitton Empreinte is made from soft, durable calf leather that is easy to care for. It might be the perfect “practical” pick for anyone who doesn’t want to worry about overly delicate materials like those with vachetta leather detailing.
Epi Leather
This embossed leather is made from durable calfskin that’s been deep-dyed and then printed with a wave-like pattern. Epi is loved because it’s sturdy and easy to care for. I’ve had my own Epi Leather Alma BB for nearly a decade, and it’s still in great condition! For more information about Louis Vuitton Epi leather, reference this comprehensive Guide to Epi Leather.
Monogram Vernis Leather
Louis Vuitton Vernis adds a luxurious element to any look. Vernis leather is calfskin coated with a heavy plastic finish and stamped with the LV monogram. It’s essential to keep your Vernis leather bags away from direct sunlight when not in use to prevent color fading or damage. Since Vernis leather is coated with plastic, it’s prone to color transfer and indentations. Store your LV Vernis bags in your closet inside a dust bag to safeguard them. Be mindful of potential ink stains from paper, newspapers, or magazines. For more information about Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Leather, reference this comprehensive Guide to Monogram Vernis Leather.
The Most Popular Chanel Leathers to Know
Chanel’s first leather bag was the 2.55 flap bag. For the full details on Chanel’s leather, reference this comprehensive Guide to Chanel Materials.
Caviar Leather
Caviar leather is textured leather made from calfskin that is embossed with a pebbled finish to resemble the texture of tiny caviar beads. The result is a leather type resistant to scratches and scuffs, making it a popular choice for handbags and accessories intended for everyday use.
Lambskin Leather
Chanel’s lambskin leather is known for its ultra-soft buttery texture, epitomizing luxury, and elegance in every piece it adorns. This high-quality leather feels incredibly supple to the touch, giving it a plush, refined appearance that elevates any accessory or garment. However, its delicate nature comes with significant considerations; lambskin is more susceptible to scratches and scuffs than sturdier leather types like caviar.
Iridescent Leather
This metallic leather is deserving of its own category because of how awesome it is. Iridescent leather can look like different colors depending on the light, which really shows the mastery of Chanel’s craft. Iridescent caviar can exhibit a suede-like appearance with a matte finish, though prone to color transfer if not stored away correctly. Read more about Chanel’s iridescent leather in our comprehensive guide.
Caring for Luxury Leather
Care for your leather bag depends on which kind of leather you have. For example, Chanel Caviar and Louis Vuitton Epi leather are more durable and can be wiped clean with a damp towel, while untreated vachetta leather requires special cleaner. Owning a luxury leather item is an investment; proper care ensures longevity. Here are some general leather care tips:
Avoid Excess Moisture
Leather is prone to water damage. If your item gets wet, blot it gently with a soft, dry cloth and let it air dry naturally.
Store Properly
Keep your leather goods in their dust bags and away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Stuff your bag with tissue paper or cloth to maintain the shape of your bags. A helpful tip is to keep your bags stuffed and avoid stacking them in the closet to hold their shape.
Rotate Usage
Avoid using the same leather item daily. Rotating usage allows the leather to “rest,” reducing wear.
Spot Clean Gently
For minor stains, use a damp cloth.
FASHIONPHILE Loves Luxury Leather
Whether you’re captivated by artisanal leather techniques or in love with the iconic leathers of Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel, these pieces deserve care and appreciation. When you’re ready to explore the captivating world of luxury leather, enjoy the various leather goods you can shop for at FASHIONPHILE.
Not sure which leather is for you? Let us help! Contact our Personal Shoppers by emailing personalshopper@fashionphile.com or at (332) 777-7113.
