About The Leather

At Vanni Made, we are dedicated to offering exceptional leather products crafted with the highest grade leather. Below is the proccess on how Italian leather is tanned and treated to get its baeutiful colors and smell.

Vegetable Tanning: Many Italian leathers are vegetable-tanned, which means that natural tannins from tree bark, roots, and leaves are used instead of synthetic chemicals. This method produces a leather that ages beautifully, developing a unique patina over time. The process is slower and more environmentally friendly than chrome tanning.
Preparation and Treatment: The hides are soaked, cleaned, and treated to remove hair and impurities. Afterward, they undergo a process called "liming" to soften and swell the hide, followed by "deliming" and "bating" to adjust its pH and make it more pliable.
Tanning: The hides are placed in large drums with the tannins and rotated slowly over several weeks, allowing the leather to absorb the natural color and durability-enhancing properties of the tannins. This slow absorption is key to the leather’s final quality, giving it a rich, deep color.
Drying and Conditioning: Once tanned, the leather is dried, oiled, and conditioned to achieve the desired softness and flexibility. Natural oils and waxes are often added to enhance the leather’s feel and protect it from wear.
Finishing: Depending on the intended final product, the leather may undergo finishing steps such as dyeing, buffing, or embossing. Vegetable-tanned Italian leather is often minimally treated, preserving its natural texture and character.

Italian leather is cherished for its longevity and unique look, which improves over time rather than deteriorating. The traditional vegetable tanning method is a hallmark of Italian craftsmanship, especially in regions like Tuscany, where this skill has been passed down for generations.