A living material
Leather is a skin. Like ours, it needs to be cleansed, moisturised and nourished to stay supple and radiant. It is a living material that gains character over time when it is cared for. Well looked after, a leather bag develops a patina, softens and goes through the years without losing its allure.
That is why we designed all our leather care products as true cosmetic treatments, formulated in Tuscany by a leather specialist with a century of expertise. Each material has its own gestures: smooth or grained leather is not cared for in the same way as suede or nubuck. This guide expands on the advice printed on the card slipped into every Vôtres order, material by material.
Brush and cloth, the first steps
Every Vôtres creation comes with a brush and a cloth. Our brushes, made of wood and natural crepe or horsehair, are crafted by artisans in the Black Forest; our cloths are made of white cotton.
A light brushing removes everyday dust before it settles in. The cloth is used to apply care products in a thin layer, then to buff. Before using a new product, always test it on a discreet area, such as the underside of the bag, and read the safety precautions for our care products.
Smooth and grained leather
How to clean a leather bag
Start by brushing the leather to remove dust. For a light stain, apply a fine mist of cleaning lotion, then wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Formulated for suede and nubuck, this lotion also suits smooth or grained leather: it removes everyday dirt while respecting the softness and colour of the hide.
Shield your piece from water, intense heat sources and oily substances: they are the three enemies of smooth leather.
Smooth and grained leather
Nourish leather with the revitalising balm
Several times a year, apply the revitalising balm with a soft cloth, then let it dry. This water-based polishing cream, enriched with natural waxes and formulated without solvents or metals, deeply nourishes the hide and restores its suppleness.
For maximum shine, brush the leather before and after applying it.
Smooth and grained leather
Polish and protect: neutral or black polish
Polish maintains the finish of the leather and protects it with a thin layer of wax. First brush the piece, apply the cream thinly and evenly with a cloth, let it dry, then buff to a shine with a clean, soft cloth. For an optimal result, then apply the revitalising balm over the polish.
The neutral polish suits every shade, from Bianco to Nero; the black polish revives the depth of black leather. Polish must never be used on patent leather, suede or nubuck.
Suede and nubuck
Waterproof suede before first wear
With their velvety touch, suede and nubuck are more sensitive to water and stains than smooth leather. Before first use, spray the waterproofing mist evenly over the whole surface of the piece and let it dry for about fifteen minutes.
PFAS-free, this water-based solution repels both water and grease. Reapply every two weeks during damp weather.
Suede and nubuck
How to clean a suede bag
Every day, gently brush the material with a soft brush: dust comes away and the fibres regain their natural loft. For a light stain, brush the area, spray a small amount of cleaning lotion, then brush gently. Repeat if necessary.
Suede is a noble and porous material: avoid friction with dark textiles, such as raw denim, to prevent colour transfer, especially on light shades.
Suede and nubuck
Revive the colour of suede
Over time, suede can lose some of its radiance. Brush the piece to make sure it is clean, spray a small amount of reviver evenly, let it dry, then brush gently.
The reviver deeply nourishes the hide, softens it and restores the intensity of its original hue, from Basalt Black to Ciclamino.