Last week we got a rembordé strap back in the post from a client who wanted to change the stitching colour. After wearing it for a few months on his Jaeger-LeCoultre, he’d grown tired of the contrast stitching and instead wished for it to blend with the dark blue Pueblo leather.
Of course we were happy to accommodate his request. In a time when so many things are destined for the dustbin, it’s really nice to know that we made something that someone cares enough for to send back to us for alterations.
What struck me about this strap was how beautifully it had aged from wear during the months our client had it on his wrist. Badalassi Carlo’s Pueblo starts out with a rustic nap when the leather is brand new, which somewhat resembles Nubuck to the touch.
A brand new Pueblo strap without patina
As you handle the strap, the friction from your hands and the natural oils they give off gradually polish the raised fibres, but rather than resulting in a high-gloss finish, a more subtle, low-lustre satin sheen emerges which gives the leather a rich glow. In short, the patina of our client’s strap was stunning and revealed a much deeper blue colour than before.
Our client’s strap set against a backdrop of the piece of leather it was initially made from
Pueblo starts out the same as Badalassi Carlo’s signature leather Minerva, undergoing the Vachetta process, but unlike the smoother variant, it also goes through a tumbling process to create the textured surface finish. In contrast to smooth leathers, which show every initial scuff on a strap, Pueblo’s textured grain beautifully conceals and absorbs minor scratches. This forgiving nature makes it perfect for everyday wear.
If you’re in the market for a Pueblo strap or wallet, it’s worth noting that the leather will go significantly darker as it ages. This also happens very quickly – Pueblo will start to patina within weeks. A bright purple will turn deep aubergine and a light cognac can morph into a rich brown. For us, this is a characteristic that makes the leather truly charming.