TIME SHAPED BY HAND

The Heritage Collection

Each piece in this collection features a unique patina, offering the elegance of aged leather with a distinct character.

A collection of handcrafted leather wallets in various sizes and designs, featuring color gradients ranging from light brown to black on a wooden surface.

The Art of Patina

The goal isn't perfection; it's the emotion evoked by hand-patinated leather.

It requires a high level of experience, subject matter expertise, and a genuine artistic sensibility.

I create each patina using carefully selected pigments on vegetable-tanned leather to ensure a vibrant and long-lasting finish.

The idea is to layer the elements, carefully balancing the shades and playing with transparency, shadows, and light. 

A brown and black leather wallet with engraved details, laid out on a wooden table.

The secret behind my patinas

The patina is part of the magic of leather. It tells not only the leather’s story but also that of the person wearing it.

I treat the patina as a true hallmark of craftsmanship, but it’s important to remember that even without human intervention, leather already has a natural ability to change over time.

Brown leather wallet on a white background with a shadow

My traditional patina technique

Taking inspiration from the natural patina of objects (metal, wood, leather, stone, etc.), I have developed my own artisanal patina technique in my studio.

It involves transforming raw leather—light in color and uniform in texture—into a piece rich in nuance and depth. 

By applying thin layers of dye to the leather, we can achieve shades that are impossible to obtain through industrial dyeing.

Visit the gallery to see my creations:

A meticulous process involving several steps:

A pair of scissors resting on a wooden board.

1. Prepare the leather

Before applying any dye, I start by thoroughly cleaning the leather.

Two metal forks resting on a wooden surface with a circular pattern

2. Choose the equipment

I select the dyes that match the desired shades, and sometimes I create my own blends to achieve the perfect shade.

A stone surface with a leather wallet, two brushes, a bottle of cleaning solution, and a bottle of oil—all related to the repair or maintenance of the wallet.

3/ Apply the coats of stain

The patina is built up in successive layers: I apply the dye, let it dry, and then apply another layer. Each layer adds depth to the color and creates beautiful shades.

Various empty, open honey jars on a wooden table.

4/ Set and develop the colors

I then apply a special topcoat to set the colors.

A wooden shoe brush, a jar of Saphir Médaille d'Or shoe polish, and a white cloth.

5/ Nourish and add shine

Finally, I apply a nourishing balm thoroughly to the leather, restoring its suppleness and vitality.

A work table with craft supplies, paintbrushes, tools, paint cans, and potted plants in the background.

To learn more about my patina techniques, visit the workshop: