Leather Q&A’s
Do we use the best leathers?
Our leathers are hand selected for their quality and charm. They are 100% natural which means that they haven’t been, ‘corrected’ or perfected. This means that the yield and usage of each hide is more selective and not as high as that of a corrected grain leather.
Cheaper leathers can include split leather, where the hide is literally sliced in half through the middle resulting in two thinner hides. The bottom layer is less elastic, drier and more prone to splitting and the hides themselves are thinner and of a much lesser quality. We do not use these!
What is a semi aniline leather?
Our semi aniline leathers are 100% natural like our aniline leather and are finished differently with dyes that sit on the surface of the leather to give a more stable finish. They have the luxury look with some added protection of luxurious wax treatments to aid longevity.
Why would a customer like a semi aniline leather?
Our semi aniline leathers are 100% natural, like our aniline leather – and are finished differently with dyes that are pigmented to give a more stable finish and colour. A semi aniline leather offers the best of both worlds. This leather combines the benefit of being natural and luxurious with differing levels of practicality according to the style. We have many different types of semi aniline leather which have different looks and feels. Some of these leathers are more practical for family living and will be more hard wearing than others. Some have more continual colour and smoother textures. There is literally a leather for everyone!
What is aniline leather?
A full aniline leather is usually finished with soluble dyes which soak into the body of the leather, leaving an, ‘unfinished’, highly natural, soft and matt look. The effect has an unstable finish which means the leather will wear differently in different places, potentially over time. This is part of the charm, along with scuffing and imperfections.
Why would a customer like an aniline leather?
The look and feel is the most natural and referred to as a sauvage leather which means wild! It has a warm feel more akin to a suede effect and it denotes luxury and quality. These leathers tend to be thicker and more expensive.
Where are our leathers from?
Our hides are sourced from a mixture of South American and European herds.
What about the impact of leather on the environment and the animal’s welfare?
It is important to note that no cow is killed for its hide. The hides are merely by-products of a cow raised for its usual production of food. The use of leather in no way contributes to any increase in cattle farming and utilises the hides that would otherwise create a huge wastage problem.
Fabric Q&A’s
Where are our fabrics from?
Our fabric stylists source from around the world, according to trend direction, quality and style. We curate the best fabrics from leading mills in Britain, Europe and Asia and have long-standing relationships with all our suppliers.
Why are there different grades of fabric?
Price will be dictated by complexity of design and composition. Natural wools and cottons are luxurious materials and are priced accordingly.
Why are there different grades of velvet?
We have a great entry level velvet called Plush – which is 100% polyester, available in a spectrum of trend led shades. It feels and looks luxurious and represents amazing value for money. Other velvets may have additional printed and finishing techniques which would increase the price and also the addition of cotton to the mix would increase the opulent nature of the fabric and the price.
Is velvet a practical choice for your customer?
Our Plush Velvet is an ideal choice for the customer who wants a fashionable and vintage look. The pile can look uneven when naturally brushed in differing directions but this is part of its silky charm. It is relatively hard wearing and most spillages can be dealt with by a damp cloth.
Are your fabrics fire retardant?
Yes all are protected by a back coating which complies to British Standards.
Can you protect the fabric with a specialist finishing treatment?
Protection plans can be purchased separately.