To ensure the highest quality of our products, we source our leather from reputable Tuscan tanneries, such as Conceria Walpier and Badalassi Carlo, both members of The Genuine Italian Vegetable-Tanned Leather Consortium. We also use leather from the Horween Leather Company, one of the oldest tanneries continuously running in the United States. Our atelier is located in the heart of Europe, a few steps away from Prague’s Old Town Square. We ship internationally with excellent postage rates. Feel free to contact us via e-mail with any inquiries you may have. Thanks for stopping by!
The Buzzword in Luxury Goods: What is Vachetta Leather?
Vachetta leather derives its name from the French word for cattle, but its heritage is actually from Italy and it’s produced mainly in Tuscany. It is always vegetable-tanned and full-grain, which means it comes from the top layer of the hide, where the fibers are the most dense, which distinguishes it from genuine leather that…
Pure Elegance: The Beauty of Badalassi Carlo Wax
The Tuscan tannery Badalassi Carlo has been in the business of producing top-quality vegetable-tanned leathers for over four decades. They’re highly respected for their expertise in making Vachetta leathers which go into the handbags of luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and their most famous leather, Pueblo, is a timeless classic that combines ruggedness with…
The King of Straps: Introducing Rembordé
The most common variety of strap is the cut edge where the strap leather gets cut to size either in a press or, as here at Atelier D. James, by hand with a knife. The edge then gets burnished or painted.On a Rembordé strap the top layer of leather gets wrapped around a natural cotton…
Gentleman’s Suede: A Vote for Nubuck Straps
Nubuck leather derives its name from “new” and “buck”, in reference to the young deer hides initially used for its production. It was first created in the 19th century by Swedish craftsmen who in addition to deer used the hides from moose available in the local forests. As time passed, production of nubuck shifted over…
Shell Cordovan: The Leather That Defines Luxury
Shell cordovan is one of the world’s finest leathers. Historical records indicate that its origin dates back to Spain in the 7th century, specifically to the city of Cordoba where it was first made by the Visigoths. During the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula that followed, Cordoba became a renowned leather working centre. This…
Vegetable-Tanned vs Chrome-Tanned Leather: What is the difference?
The process to get something from a hide that may dry out or rot to leather that is long-lasting is called tanning. It derives its name from tannins – the natural substances in tree barks, leaves and fruits. Tanning makes skins more durable, flexible and beautiful. It is one of our oldest known industries with…