Information leather
At Isabel Bernard, we pride ourselves on offering a wide selection of premium leather products, including bags, shoes, wallets, and gloves. Our commitment to quality ensures that every piece is crafted from high-grade leather. In this guide, we will explore the different types of leather we use and their unique characteristics.
Understanding Leather: A Timeless Material
What is Leather?
Leather is a durable and flexible material derived from animal hides and skins through a process called tanning. This process stabilizes the protein structure, preventing decay while enhancing the leather’s strength, suppleness, and resistance to environmental damage.
A Brief History of Leather
Leather has been an essential material for humans for thousands of years. Early civilizations used it for clothing, shelter, and tools, making it one of the first fabrics ever created. Over time, advancements in tanning techniques allowed for a greater variety of leather products, adapting to both practical needs and evolving fashion trends.
The Isabel Bernard Leather Production Process
Our leather production begins with raw animal hides, which undergo a meticulous tanning process to ensure durability and longevity. This is followed by retanning to further enhance softness and flexibility. Finally, the finishing stage includes dyeing, texturing, and water-resistance treatments. By combining automated techniques with skilled handcrafting, we maintain the highest standards of quality and refinement.
Types of Leather Used by Isabel Bernard
Calfskin: The Epitome of Luxury
What is Calfskin?
Calfskin is a premium leather sourced from young cattle under three years old. It is known for its fine grain, exceptional softness, and strong yet supple texture. Lightweight yet durable, calfskin is a preferred choice for luxury accessories such as handbags, wallets, and shoes.
Special Features of Calfskin:
- Smooth and refined texture
- Highly durable yet soft to the touch
- Lightweight, making it ideal for high-end fashion items
Suede: The Velvety Sophistication
What is Suede?
Suede is a luxurious type of leather made from the lower split of animal hide, which undergoes a specialized sanding process to achieve a soft, velvety finish. It is prized for its natural warmth, refined elegance, and unique texture, making it a favorite for fashion accessories and stylish upholstery.
Special Features of Suede:
- Soft and inviting texture
- Develops a rich patina over time, adding character
- Durable, breathable, and flexible
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
Goat Leather: The Perfect Balance
What is Goat Leather?
Goat leather is recognized for its distinct natural grain, which provides durability and an authentic feel. It strikes the perfect balance between sturdiness and flexibility, making it resistant to folding and ideal for a variety of applications.
Special Features of Goat Leather:
- Thinner than cowhide but more substantial than lambskin
- Naturally textured surface for a unique aesthetic
- Cost-effective and durable
- Perfect for premium leather goods and high-performance apparel
Lambskin: Unparalleled Softness
What is Lambskin?
Lambskin is celebrated for its incredibly soft, lightweight, and thin qualities. It undergoes various treatments such as washing, dipping, turning, or vegetable tanning to achieve different finishes, making it a top choice for high-end garments and luxury accessories.
Special Features of Lambskin:
- Buttery-smooth and velvety feel
- Exceptionally gentle to the touch
- Naturally lightweight for a barely-there experience
- Fine grain with minimal imperfections, creating a sleek, refined texture
At Isabel Bernard, our commitment to quality ensures that every piece of leather is carefully selected and expertly crafted. Whether you choose a calfskin handbag, a suede wallet, or a lambskin accessory, you can trust in the enduring elegance and superior craftsmanship of our leather products.