THERE IS LEATHER ... AND THEN THERE IS LEATHER
We use certified, premium full-grain, hand-dyed and vegetable tanned Italian cowhide (Vachetta Leather), sourced from a family-run tannery in the heart of Tuscany.
You'll know from the moment your senses are delighted by the smell and feel of the leather that your Republic of Florence purchase is authentically, classically and beautifully Italian.
Republic of Florence leather goods are not accessories for a season but a companion for life.
1.IT’S REAL
Mass produced leather today is coated or corrected to minimise defects. Our full grain leather will last longer and will be easier to maintain as it has not been sanded, buffed, coated or altered.
2.IT’S ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
Mass produced leather production often relies on harsh chemicals (eg. chrome), dyes and finishes that can be harmful to human health and our planet.
Our vegetable-tanned leather tanning process uses exclusively natural tannins of vegetable origin. It's more durable and it develops a beautiful patina over time, enhancing its appearance, and increasing durability.
3.IT’S ETHICALLY SOURCED
A by-product of the meat industry, our leather ensures a more holistic and sustainable approach by reducing waste and utilising the entirety of an animal. No animal is raised for the purpose of our leather production.
4.IT’S SUSTAINABLE
One of the most significant advantages of vegetable-tanned leather is its ability to naturally biodegrade over time, unlike chrome-tanned and many vegan alternatives that spend centuries in landfill sites and cause microplastic pollution.
5.IT’S AS UNIQUE AS YOU ARE
Our leather has been hand-dyed, meaning that a pair of human hands has passed the dye over the hide with a sponge. With this old technique the dye is absorbed unevenly, creating rich patterns and colour tones on the hide. This process will also ensure that the colour penetrates deeply into the hide, making the leather more resistant to scratches.