The Material
The leather
This is vegetable-tanned leather. Tanned with plant extracts, without synthetic coatings, without surface sealants. Open-pored. Alive.
It carries what the hide carried before it — scars, grain variations, subtle differences in colour and texture from one piece to the next. These are not flaws. They are the record of a living material. No two pieces are identical.
The leather is firm at the beginning. With use, it softens. With light, it deepens. With time, it becomes something the factory version never could.
This is what we mean by Future Vintage.
On oxidation
Some pieces carry an iron oxidation finish. This is a chemical process — iron reacting with the tannins in the leather. The result is never fully predictable. Depth, distribution and tone vary from piece to piece.
In the first weeks, the finish may transfer slightly onto light fabrics. This settles on its own.
On care
Wear it. That is the best care.
Once a year — or when the leather starts to look dry — a small amount of animal-based oil is enough. Neatsfoot oil, mink oil, tallow. Apply sparingly. Less is always more.
No sprays. No synthetic conditioners. No aggressive cleaning.
Water stains can be treated by lightly misting the area and letting it dry slowly at room temperature. Scratches on the surface usually disappear with the warmth of your fingertips.
On return
If a piece needs more than that — bring it back.
Every ESDE object can be refreshed in the atelier. Not as a service. As part of how these things are meant to work.