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leather patina

What is leather patina?

The beauty in ageing…

Leather Patina Definition
leather patina
The Liliana Croco Small Bowling Bag

Definition: Patina • /ˈpatɪnə/

A soft sheen that develops through use and exposure on the surface of the material which provides a character, a personality, to the product.

Though patina can refer to many materials such as wood, waxed canvas, metal and stone, it is perhaps most desirable in regards to leather. This is due to the fact that patina is a hallmark of the highest-quality leather. It is merely a manifestation of the natural ageing process and is desired by many for its individual and ‘lived in’ nature. It tells a story. Time, then, is so crucial as with each step a Maxwell-Scott piece. As our leather is tanned naturally, without using chemicals to seal the material, it ages beautifully over time with wear and use. For the modern individual, leather patina suggests a timeless heirloom that maps its and your many adventures.

What Leathers Show The Best Patina?
Leather being stored before Production
Cowhides In Our Factory

Natural vegetable-tanned full grain leather in particular develops the best patina over time. This is because it absorbs the world’s elements over time, be that movement, sunlight, heat or the natural oils that your body produces. Full grain leather is the highest grade of leather and of the absolute best quality. It is considered the most durable and robust form of leather as it is made from the strongest part of the animal skin. In addition to this durability, it is often recognised for its attractive quality due to the close grain pattern. Totally undoctored, unlike split leather, it retains the natural markings of the cow. This is why, when it is also naturally rather than chemically tanned, it develops the perfect patina. All of this contributes to creating a characterful leather.

How To Speed Up The Patina Process

 

Exposure to the elements is the purest way for patina to thrive. Different elements, though, provide different finishes. For instance, sunlight and heat will bring out our leather’s golden tones whereas rain and sea water will leave splash marks and natural oils from your hands will cause darker patches to form. The best way then to speed up the patina process is to simply use your bag. Use it all the time, every time you leave the house without being delicate. The more the leather is exposed to the outdoors, the better.

leather patina
The Santino Small Mens Clutch Bag
What To Invest In

Continuing with the idea that leather is best when used all of the time, it is important to invest in pieces which will become constants in your life. At Maxwell-Scott, we aim to create pieces which will last a lifetime as an antidote to fast fashion. Patina, after all, signifies timeless, classic pieces which are investments built to be hard-wearing throughout the years.

The Perfect Work Bag

For everyday, in and out of the office, the ideal work bag is essential. For him, choose a briefcase with a classic aesthetic like the Paolo2. Such a briefcase marries functionality with a classic lock fastening and sleek design. Each of our briefcases is also available in our signature classic leathers: chestnut tan, dark chocolate brown and night black. These traditional colours adapt to all work wear, blending into your outfit whilst maintaining a smart look. Similarly, for her, practicality and a minimal aesthetic are key as is found in the Fiorella laptop bag. The Fiorella always provides a polished finish to any attire be that a tonal look in this season’s biggest colour, or with the more traditional navy, black and grey.

How To Style For Him And Her

leather patina
credit: mrporter.com
leather patina
credit: net-a-porter.com

A Classic Wallet Or Purse

In terms of accessories, a wallet or purse to last years will surely receive plenty of the required use to develop a patina unique to you. We offer a range of wallets and purses to perfectly suit your needs from the Pianillo breast pocket wallet with simply 12 credit card slots to the Gallucio trifold wallet which accommodates cards, notes and an ID or the Forino women’s square wallet and the Marcialla classic ball clasp purse. For every individual there is a wallet to suit style and practical preferences – once chosen your perfect wallet or purse will be with you, absorbing its surroundings, for many years.

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Weekend Bags For All Occasions

Now, from your work bag during the week to the weekend bag for all occasions. It is necessary to find a bag which can adapt to days running errands in the city and weekends relaxing in the country, all exposure which will aid in the development of a individual patina. For example, the Ravenna has a messenger bag design which is a true classic in any gentleman’s wardrobe whereas the Liliana small bowling bag handbag boasts plenty of space for the weekend essentials and more. A weekend bag should be as considered a purchase as a work bag, after all the perfect one can last you years of new places, people and experiences.

How To Style For Him And Her

leather patina
credit: mrporter.com

Sweater, Mr P. | Trousers, Mr P. | Coat, Mr P. | Derby Shoes, Tod’s | The Ravenna Soft Grain Messenger Bag

leather patina
credit: net-a-porter.com

The Liliana Croco Small Bowling Bag | Midi Dress, Chloe | Suede Knee Boots, Prada | Earrings, Ejing Zhang | Coat, By Marlene Birger

Luggage That Will Last

Patina is the story of the leather. So, it seems only apt that you map your many adventures with Italian leather luggage to last a lifetime. Be that the Piazzale suitcase, the Flero medium holdall carry-on or accessories such as the Duno medium travel bag – a luggage collection is a must for the frequent flyer. This way you can travel the world with the knowledge that the look of your luggage is being enriched at the same time.

How To Look After Your Leather

Our signature leather is sourced from the full-grain part of the cowhide, bearing the tightest and most durable structure. We believe, therefore, that you should leave our leather to breathe. However, if you do need to spruce up your Maxwell-Scott item, here is how you to do it…

– To clean your leather use a clean cloth in a simple soap and water solution and gently clean the surface of your bag.

– To condition your leather we recommend Skidmore’s leather cream which moisturises the leather when it needs a little care. Please do not use chemical products to clean your bag as chemical cleaners and conditioners can damage the surface of the leather, doing more harm than good.

– To help when it rains gently blot away any drops of water immediately and then let the bag dry naturally away from a direct source of heat. Do not place the bag next to a radiator or attempt to dry it with a hair dryer. It is possible to speed up the drying process though by filling the bag with newspaper to absorb the moisture.

Inspired to invest in a piece that will last a lifetime?

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