Have you had an experience where you took out your leather wallet from your pocket, and you felt so proud to say to your friend “ It is my beloved leather wallet.” It doesn’t look shiny or new; it has its own ineffable style. That is the beauty of the leather patina ! High quality leather simply appears to get more beautiful with time, much like aged scotch. This is why leather patina is so fascinating, because it varies from person to person; it also takes time to hone, it can’t be imitated or artificially made.  Each leather accessory you own will reveal a story and become a part of you. A story that is unique to you. It documents your life. It reminds you of the time you were at the airport holding your passport cover after a long journey waiting to go home. It reminds you of the time you enjoyed college or the several special occasions when you took your watch out from your favorite leather case gifted by your lover or parents when you landed your first job. The beauty of the patina is found in these moments. The leather patina has no beginning or finishing point. It is intended to be a living experience that evolves with you that speaks of your adventures, happiness, and grief. This is why you love your leather goods so much and you just can’t put a price tag on them.

What exactly is leather patina?

Patina is a natural aging process and is a product of the environment. It is closely related to the environment you live in and the living habits of each individual .For example, the colors produced by leather patina such as sun exposure, love of sports, etc. will all have their unique expression. It’s the buildup of dust, body greases, moisture , sunlight, and regular exposure that gives leather items their outstanding character and natural leather look. Sun exposure causes leather to lose some of its original colors. The longer you use your leather products, the more unique they will seem. The unique thing about leather patinas is that each one is distinctive. There will be no two patinas that are alike. Also, embracing a leather patina offers many benefits, including increased suppleness of the leather.

What is the best leather for a patina?

Not all leather can develop a patina, the patina is proof of good material and superb quality.  It is most noticeable in full-grain and natural vegetable-tanned leather. Full-grain is regarded as the strongest and most durable leather since it is made from the strongest part of animal hide. Once it is appropriately tanned, the leather absorbs and interacts with the sun, heat, air water, body heat, and fragrance or your body’s natural oils.

At Cuir Elixir

The true heart of our crafts is the soul of our leathers and every premium leather accessory has its unique story to narrate.  The Lustrochetta and Tanchetta series are crafted with a full grain Vachetta leather in Cuir Elixir’s signature sienna brown, from Tuscany, Italy. The Tanoso series is crafted with a full grain, vegetable tanned leather from Tolentino, Italy. The Veaudora series is crafted with a buttery smooth, supple, double-tanned calfskin from France. Cuir Elixir’s sumptuous creations exude casual elegance while carrying a classic cowhide aroma, which patinas well over time and ignites your leather obsession. At CuirElixr, every moment is right for having finer things that last for a long time.