What Does Leather Represent?
J.L. Rocha Collections
What Leather Represents for Men
J.L. Rocha Values
A material as diverse and storied as leather represents a myriad of things both personal and universal. As a summary: leather represents history, craftsmanship and enduring quality when done correctly. However, leather can mean represent other values and personality traits (or in some cases a lack thereof) - depending on how it is made, what it is utilized for, and from where it is acquired. This article will provide a brief overview of what leather represents from our unique perspective - rather than a comprehensive view of all leather products and types. We encourage you to submit a comment, question or suggestions below if you would like us to explore or elaborate further.
Timeless:
Unyielding concepts that count.
How Leather Represents History:
Leather has been used since the dawn of man, according to an article by Moore & Guiles:
“Wall paintings and artifacts in Egyptian tombs dating back to 5000 B.C. indicate that leather was used for sandals, clothes, gloves, buckets, bottles, shrouds for burying the dead and for military equipment.”
The same article notes that the ancient greeks are credited with the first record of vegetable tanning practices - a technique still utilized today. This is the first component of what leather represents, not only the history of ancient practices, but the unification of those ancient practices to more recent history and today. Leather has migrated through the centuries and across cultures, even in pre-colonial Mexico: “Mayan, Aztec, and Inca royalty and soldiers wore various styles of sandals. Typically these sandals were made of leather from a goat, llama, or sheep, or from plant fibers and tied to the foot with leather or woven fabric straps” (source).
These ancient findings intertwine with colonial migrations, and form a more intimate portrayal of the impact of leather in our lives today. In example: Leon, Guanajuato, is also a city rich with leather history that encapsulates a blend of early Spanish and Italian immigrants with Nahuatl and Aztec ingenuity. This amalgam forms the history of our family and many like ours; some of which, continue to craft leather today with traditional methodologies now becoming modernized by technological advancements.
When you wear leather, it represents not only the ancient history of the material, but the entire timeline that brings it to you - families, techniques, traditions, and revered ancestry that unifies us all. This long lasting material also carries with it your personal history by developing a unique patina based on your use, skin type, climate, and travel.
How Leather Represents Craftsmanship:
Much like fine spirits such as wine, champagne, and tequila: craftsmanship plays an integral role in the quality of the finished product. Leather tanning as much as leather crafting has become more accessible and modernized over the years, yet the quality of the craftsmen is always of note. As a simple example, the lauded Birkin Bag by Hermes is crafted entirely by one person.
According to the available history:
“Leathers are obtained from different tanners in France, resulting in varying smells and textures.” While this may be the case, Hermes, much like our family: places a large emphasis on sourcing to obtain high quality hides - but their focus is on the craftsmanship of the piece itself. “Each bag is hand-sewn by a single artisan, and is then buffed, painted, and polished, taking up to 18 hours to make. Artisans purportedly train for five years before they are allowed to make their first Birkin bag. Leathers are obtained from different tanners in France, resulting in varying smells and textures.” (source)
We, like many other brands, utilize different specialists for each facet of the crafting process: relying on master craftsmen to maintain and train quality within the next generation of apprentices and artisans. Each cut, stitch, and finish is emblematic of the individual who conducted the labor as well as the environment that delivers the final result.
Machine crafted pieces may offer a more uniform finish, yet as any collector may tell you: the unique nuances of each item creates unparalleled value due to the serendipitous nature of un-replicated details.
Enduring Qualities that Leather Represents:
The iconography of leather is as maleable as the material itself, yet it has always maintained an iconic nature. While leather has adorned royalty and rebels, here are some of the enduring qualities that we believe leather represents across some of the categories we create:
What leather jackets represent:
Leather jackets are versatile in their styling and composition. When it comes to the type of leather utilized, weather suede or leather, here are the representations we believe they hold.
Cowhide/Calfskin: represents rugged timelessness.
Deerskin, Horse, or Bison: represents discerning resilience.
Goatskin/kidskin: represents classic adaptability.
Sheepskin/lambskin: represents elegant tastefulness.
Beyond this, the style of a leather jacket can impart further attributes. Enduring qualities that leather jackets have carried throughout their existence are self-confidence, a pioneering spirit, and strength of character. All these attributes are imbued in the wearer of a leather jacket.
Yet: if the quality, design and craftsmanship are not up-to par, individuals may face judgements that they are presenting themselves in an obsequious manner - working too hard to display traits they aspire too without the personal development attached.
What leather travel accessories represent:
Considering leather travel accessories - it is key to note that leather has been utilized by globe-trotters and men of impact. A leather travel accessory, from a travel bag to a briefcase - display traits of an individual that mean they are aware of a journeys ardor, but also understand the importance of the journey’s quality.
What leather dress shoes represent:
Leather dress shoes are the most timeless of leather icons - from military personnel to ruling class and elite individuals: leather has always been a strong display of character. Leather dress shoes and boots are the symbol of those that do, and do well. Today, many work boots remain made of leather - and from tradesmen to top floor executives, the shoes still denote the indomitable spirit of a man’s character.
Closing Notes:
When you wonder what leather represents - you enter into a world of discerning individuals that understand the value of how they engage with the world. The richness of experience exists within every leather item that is made, and the quality of care is represented in the final product. A man who knows how to wear his leather is a cut above the rest - displaying the attributes he wishes to represent with confidence and self-reliance. What do you believe your jacket represents? We would love to know, and beyond that, our greatest wish is that all our legacy pieces display the values of our family, the history we come from, and the care we place into making something you can be proud of.
Thank you/gracias