BEST CHOICE: THE MATERIALS
Genuine leather stands for quality and durability. It is naturally more tear-resistant, durable and abrasion-resistant than, for example, synthetic leather. At the same time it feels supple. For these and many other reasons, LES VISIONNAIRES chooses genuine leather as the basic raw material for the collections.
LEATHER IS LUXURY
LES VISIONNAIRES only uses leather that is 100 percent produced during food slaughter and comes from species-appropriate husbandry.
First, tanneries prepare the raw hides for further processing. The companies are located in New Zealand, Brazil, Tibet, Italy, the USA and Mongolia and all have a certificate from the Leather Working Group (LWG). The LWG stands for transparent, environmentally friendly and resource-saving leather production without harmful chemicals.
STANDARDS AND UPCYCLING
Other certificates are the Organic OCS and Recycled Claim Standard (RCS). LES VISIONNAIRES uses partially recycled materials, which GRS distinguishes for ecological, chemical and social aspects. For the RCS, an information and chain of custody verification is used to independently verify that a final product contains the exact amount of the claimed recycled content. The RCS thus enables the transparent, consistent and comprehensive independent assessment and verification of the accuracy of information on the content of recycled materials in a product. The linings at LES VISIONNAIRES are RCS-certified. They are made from 50 percent recycled polyester.
VEGETABLE TANNING WITHOUT CHROME
Tanning is a method of preserving raw hides. It connects the leather fibers to each other and thus strengthens the material. Different tanning agents can be used for this: the majority of leather products worldwide are tanned with chrome, which is quicker and easier than other processes - and can be harmful to the environment and health.
LES VISIONNAIRES mostly uses leather that has gone through the more complex and healthier vegetable tanning process.
HOW THE LEATHER VARIANTS DIFFER
Lamb nappa leather is at the forefront of luxury leathers. Lambskin differs from other animal skins in its special delicacy, lightness and breathability. In order for our bags to achieve and, above all, retain their fine and soft feel, they go through several processing steps: from sealing to brushing, painting or smoothing to ironing.
Yak leather comes from special cattle from Asia, whose skins are slightly smaller than those of other domestic cattle. Since both their surface and color remain unprocessed, they have a natural look. Still, they feel soft.
Calf leather comes from calves and is the classic among leather types. The structure of the leather is particularly even and firm. This makes the calf leather very robust and is used in many styles: whether as a shopper, shoulder bag or crossbody bag!
LES VISIONNAIRES only uses high-quality cowhide for leather with a crocodile look . The finish includes the embossing of the crocodile pattern, which gives the leather a high-fashion look.
Calf Suede comes from the calf. Because it is very different from smooth leather, it is often referred to as suede. But the difference lies in the unprecedented combination of a soft and rough touch. The suede leather achieves its unique quality through tanning, abrasion and softening processes.
Nylon is the only synthetic fiber at LES VISIONNAIRES. The material, or rather the patent, is over ninety years old. The fiber is characterized by robustness, lightness and washing machine resistance.
