The Journey of Luxury Luggage: The Life of Leather

While the world around us is going fast, there are still some things that are timeless, no matter what. And, one of the things that just live longer than anything else are fine leather goods. Luxury luggage, made out of fine leather, is not just an accessory, but rather a memory carrier. For many people, a leather item will outlive the original owner, and it will pass to their loved ones. This article is going to talk about the journey of leather; how does rawhide becomes a luxury accessory?

The Origins of Luxury Luggage: Life in the Fields

As you already know, the life of any leather item starts in the field. If we are talking about high-quality leather, we’re talking about cows that lived a stress-free life. Believe it or not, but everything in the life of a cow will affect the quality of the leather. A great diet means healthy skin, and healthy skin looks amazing. Also, the less blemishes the cow has, the fewer the compromises during the tanning and cutting process. As with anything, if you want a high-quality result, the whole process must be done carefully. Therefore, obtaining a luxury leather product implies having access to top-quality leather.

Ethical sourcing is fundamental. Reputable tanneries partner with farms that view the hide as a by-product of the dairy and meat industries. Transparency is increasing, and top-tier brands are quick to tout their eco-conscious sourcing as part of the narrative. Also, if the brand cares about sustainability, the tanning process can also be done in a sustainable way. If this is something that you care about, you should check how your favorite brands are sourcing their materials, and how the tanning process is going. Sustainability is something that’s not important to everyone, but it should be. And, it’s an amazing thing that some brands choose this route.

The Power of Tanning

A rawhide is useless if you want to create luxury luggage, or anything else really. In its raw state, the hide is prone to decay; it’s also stiff, and therefore, it cannot be of much use. That’s where the tanning process comes into play. Tanning can breathe back life into the hide! It seems like magic almost; that’s how insane the tanning process can be. There are two main dominant methods:

• Vegetable tanning – This is the slow and traditional process, and it’s highly appreciated in the world of fine leather goods.

• Chrome tanning – This is the least environmentally friendly option.

In Tuscany, Italy, vegetable tanning has been passed down for generations. Using tannins extracted from tree bark and water, artisans transform hides into leather that develops a rich patina, unique to each owner. It’s this patina that makes the product so much more valuable than the many other options on the market. Vegetable tanning, especially if we are talking about cow leather, is the highest quality and most durable combination that exists. In the world of leather, the brand that manages to combine the two, especially in a sustainable way, is very appreciated and respected. Why? Because it seems like most brands want to do cheap things, as quickly as possible.

Designing Something Nice and Functional

Now that we made sure that everyone is aware of the importance of materials, the designing process is as important! It does help if the leather is high-quality, but if the finished product doesn’t look good, and it’s not functional, it’s just a waste of material. With a luxury item, every stitch, every cut, and every compartment must be thought through. The ones designing often discuss with the artisans, to make sure that the item can be actually brought to life. Aesthetics and durability must be top priorities when creating a leather item.

The design is more than just aesthetics, it’s also culture. For some countries, a bag needs to be as minimalist as possible; for other countries, people like a lot of zippers, and accessories. Every leather product that is created, like luxury luggage, is a statement for both the wearer and the brand that created it. If you want to find out how leather evolved in fashion, you should check this article published by Fiber2Fashion ( fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/9561/leather-in-fashion-how-has-it-evolved ). There are many brands of which you can recognize a piece of theirs, without seeing the tag. It’s about the identity of the brand, and buying from a brand with identity is a win!

What are Fine Leather Goods?

Compared to mass-produced accessories, the ones we are talking about have a personality. Perfect stitching, high-quality leather, and attention paid to every single detail. Basic luggage from a store will maybe last you a few trips; and it will look just like any other luggage in the airport. You might even find yourself in one of those movie scenarios, when someone mistakes your luggage for theirs. This could never happen to you if you have luxury luggage ( us.maxwellscottbags.com/ ). Also, the more you use it, the more unique it looks. No one could ever mistake your luggage for theirs.

Based on everything that you have already learnt, you can clearly tell that fine leather goods are a combination of craftsmanship, design, and quality materials. Whether it's a wallet, a bag, or a briefcase, each piece is designed to age beautifully, developing a unique patina. Emotions are also a big part when talking about life-long items. If you buy a wallet today, and you have it for your life, it’s going to be a very important item in your family. Your loved ones will hold it close to their heart after you are no longer here. So, it’s also about memories.

Conclusion

If you are thinking of purchasing some fine leather goods, just know that it’s a good decision! Fast fashion is on the rise, but we must remain loyal to the materials that have been alongside us for hundreds and thousands of years. Quality over quantity!