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 can come from the lower quality layers beneath.
In its raw state, Vachetta leather is often a pale beige colour, but it can be dyed in many different hues. It has spiked in popularity in recent years and features prominently in the classic handbags from Louis Vuitton, where the monogram of the luxury goods maker as well as the handles and trimmings are made from untreated Vachetta leather.
A notable feature of this type of leather is that due to the tanning process it darkens with age – it develops a rich patina – making every piece of Vachetta unique. Here at Atelier D. James we offer a range of Vachetta leathers that go into making our watch straps. Among these you’ll find Badalassi Carlos Minerva Box, which is incredibly smooth to the touch as it’s finished off with a rich blend of waxes, another characteristic feature of Vachetta. If you’re looking for a luxurious strap that will develop a stunning patina over time, Minerva Box will deliver every time you glance at your watch.