T H E L E A T H E R S T O R Y
What is Leather?
We all have a good idea of what leather is and where it comes from; that it is created from the tanning of the hides of animals – mainly cows. But what turns an animal hide into a fine accessory such as a supple leather glove or a robust briefcase?
The Science of Leather
Firstly, animal skins are obtained as by-products of the meat industry in the animals’ country of origin. Then, the hair is removed and the skins are tanned. This vital process converts the skins into a stable and consistent condition so that they can be further treated to produce different leather types.
After tanning, the resulting product is a distinctive blue colour, known as ‘Wet Blue’ – the outcome of the Chrome III salt used in the tanning process. The skins are then put through a selection process – according to type, weight and quality. It is this process that ensures that only the best material is used for manufacturing specific products – such as gloves, purses, shoes or belts.
After this, the leather is dyed to its required shade and is then dried and worked further to improve its suppleness. It is therefore no surprise that the skills required to undertake these processes are highly-valued, blending modern technological developments with traditional craftsmanship.
What makes some leathers more luxurious than others?
Black uses highest-quality full-grain Nappa, Belting and Hair Sheep leather in its Leather Collection. These types of leather are most commonly used in speciality and luxury products owing to the coupling of softness with durability – meaning that these leathers can withstand the knocks of daily use.
Meanwhile, lower-grade leather or top-grain leather is made from inferior raw materials, with the natural grain removed and an artificial grain applied. Products made from this ‘top-grain’ leather are less hardwearing.
Leather Luxury – Nappa
Nappa leather is extremely soft to touch, with an almost silky feel – a feature that makes it the perfect material for accessories such as cosmetic bags, toilet bags, purses, shoulder bags and office bags – all of which are included Black’s Classic Nappa range. These products are delicately smooth and supple yet hardwearing, meaning that they can be used day after day.
Leather Luxury – Belting Leather
This form of full-grain leather was traditionally used in machinery to operate pulley systems. It is therefore extremely robust and as such can keep its shape without needing a supportive frame.
In the luxury accessories industry, belting leather is ideal for wallets, briefcases and of course clothing belts, as it is also soft, sleek and smooth to touch. The leather from Black’s belts comes from Spain and Italy – regions renowned for the quality of leather.
Specialist-designed leather – for example woven, printed and patent (leather with a high-gloss finish) – is selected from Italy, whereas our more conventional and classic belts are made from Spanish leather. Some of our belts are made from suede leather, which is produced from the underside of animal skin and has a distinctive nap. It is also very soft to the touch.
Leather Luxury – Hair Sheep Leather
 Hair Sheep leather is recognised as the superior gloving leather because it has all the desirable glove features such as dexterity, flexibility, comfort and durability. Hair Sheep leather comes from the Cabretta or Hair Sheep – an animal indigenous to Ethiopia and other sub-Saharan regions.
Black’s Hair Sheep glove leather is produced by the internationally-renowned leather tannery and manufacturer, Pittards, which has a team of resident staff in Ethiopia that ensures the continuity and supply of this luxurious leather. The skins purchased are all by-products of the meat industry in the animals’ country of origin.
Black’s glove range includes delicately soft cashmere-lined, silk-lined and unlined leather gloves for men and women, as well as driving gloves, long ‘musketeer’ gloves and stunning long-length ladies’ evening gloves .
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