Tanners report buyers’ demands from Le Cuir
26/09/2013
For lamb leather, dipped versions “with plenty of fullness” as Jean- Charles Duchene from tannery Megisserie Alric described them, remained the leading product in the ovine category.
“Clients are focusing on classic products that fully express the beauty of the leather,” said Philippe Joucla from Megisserie Lauret.
Double-sided leathers continued to be popular, despite any climatic considerations. Renowned for its characteristic grain, goat leather was also favoured in its most natural form. However, as the manager of Averpeaux said: “We still end up adding a protective layer to offer it a certain resistance.”
Calf and bovine leather were preferred without any artifice, so their delicate grain could be admired. Leathers in their shaggy versions were the most fashion-influenced, with big cat markings from Liderkoll and the camouflage prints from Dias Ruivo.
In the exotic skins category, demand for crocodile continues to increase. Colourful printed, varnished or lasered python was popular on its own or contrasted with more discreet colour-free, monochrome or nubuck versions.
On calf, lamb and goat leather, aniline or semi-aniline finish was popular with designers and buyers, who liked a touch of shine with a delicate satin finish. In contrast, the ultra-mats did not achieve the hoped-for success.
Suedes, and particularly bovine hides, were welcomed for the winter season. But “from a practical point of view”, as Grégory Meiler from Rial explained, the underside of sheepskins is given a nappa rather than a suede finish.
The colour palette was dominated by browns in all their hues, with dark reds intensifying the palette and khakis and blues providing a more natural and soothing touch. Black remained the priority for buyers, who are well aware of the preferences of the final consumer.
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