Episode 1: Why is Italian Leather so highly regarded?

 

This is a question we are often asked – why do people consider Italy the capital of leather making in the world. So first, It’s important to note that the term “Italian leather” is typically used as a catchall phrase. When people refer to Italian leather as the best, they mean more than just the leather itself. They are also referring to the heritage of craftsmanship in Italy. Particularly in Tuscany where leather making is a lifestyle and a generational business. In Tuscany, leather making truly is a way of life. Techniques and skills are passed down through families, leading to a mastery of leather making. When leather making is a lifestyle, not just a job, the craftsmanship naturally excels.

All that said, when it comes to the leather itself, Italy is also highly regarded as one of the best, or depending on who you ask, they may say, it is the best leather in the world. 

So it’s important to note, leather comes from all over the world. What most people refer to as leather is Bovine leather, otherwise known as leather derived from cattle. Cattle leather can be made anywhere in the world where there is cattle. The reason that Italian leather is more popular and usually regarded as the preferred leather in the world for high end fashion houses is due to a process called the Tanning process.

So what is tanning? You may have heard of the term, tannery. What tanneries do, and what tannin refers to is the process through which the animal hide is used to produce what becomes leather. During this process, the protein fibers in the hide are stabilized to prevent decomposition, or else, the hide would simply rot. They first clean the skin removing things like fat, hair, any kind of animal waste etc, then they use tanning agents known as tannins to convert it into leather. By the way, if you’ve ever visited a tannery, the smell.. ooof. Much respect for people that work in tanneries – its not an easy job. Ok, back to Italy. Italy is best known for its vegetable tanning process using natural tannins attained from plant sources like tree barks. This process preserves the leather well and helps it develop a natural patina over time as it ages. It is also the most expensive process hence why many tanneries use chrome tanning with chromium sulphate or salts or synthetic tannings using chemical. But as you can imagine, vegetable tanning is preferred and also seen as better for the environment.

Because Italians have mastered the art of vegetable tanning, they have been able to claim the reputation of the best leather producers in the world. Which is not to say other countries don’t have good leather or have not tried to replicate the Italian tanning process, but the depth of the heritage of the Italian leather making industry as well as the regulation and environmental standards, which we’ll get into in a bit, is why Italy still reigns supreme.

 

What did you think of Episode 1 and are there other topics you’d like to see? Here's what's coming up in this first part of the series.

Episode 2: Why and How I Chose to Produce in Italy

Episode 3: The Vegan Leather vs. Real Leather Debate: Ethics, Sustainability, and Regulation

Episode 4: Understanding the Different Types of Leather

Episode 5: What to Look for When Shopping for Leather

Episode 6: Why Some Leathers Are More Expensive Than Others

Episode 7: Stay Tuned

What did you think of Episode 1 and are there other topics you’d like to see?