Most leather is finished to look the same forever. Aniline leather is finished to change. It is the reason we chose it for the Strata Chair N1, and the reason each chair in the edition will, in time, look like no other.
What aniline leather is
Aniline leather is coloured with transparent, soluble dyes that soak right through the hide, rather than painted with an opaque pigment that sits on top. Nothing hides the surface, so the natural grain, the pores and the small marks of a life lived outdoors all remain visible. It is also why only the finest hides are used: there is nowhere for a flaw to hide.
Full grain means the outermost layer of the hide is kept intact rather than sanded away. It is the strongest and most breathable part of the skin, and the layer that ages most beautifully. The leathers of the Strata are full grain aniline with a soft pebble texture.
Why it develops a patina
Because nothing seals the surface, aniline leather responds to the life around it. The natural oils of hands and clothing soften and deepen the grain where the chair is touched most. Over the years the seat and the curve of the backrest take on a warmth and a sheen that no factory finish can imitate. That record of use is called a patina, and it is what makes an old leather chair precious rather than tired.
Pigmented leathers, by contrast, are made to resist change. They are practical, but they tend to look their best on the day they arrive.
How to care for it
- Keep it out of strong direct sunlight, and away from radiators and fires. Harsh sun can fade the colour and dry heat can dry the leather.
- Dust with a soft, dry cloth. That is all everyday care requires.
- Blot spills at once. Use a clean, dry cloth and blot rather than rub. Never use household cleaners, sprays or wipes.
- Condition occasionally. Once or twice a year, a conditioner made for aniline leather keeps it supple. Always test it first on a hidden spot.
- Let small marks be. Light scratches often soften into the grain with time and touch. They are part of the character you chose it for.
Seven leathers, one character
The Strata Chair N1 is offered in seven aniline leathers: Condensed Milk, Cognac, Vigne, Moss, Encre, Ristretto and Black. Each will age in its own way; the paler leathers gather warmth and the deeper ones gain lustre. As part of a numbered First Edition made for twelve homes, each chair will carry its own history, recorded to its owner on a certificate sealed by hand in wax.