Penelope Small Shoulder Bag

There are few different types of leather:

• Full-grain: the strongest and most durable leather used in many heavy-duty products

• Top-grain: more pliable and thinner than full-grain leather

• Suede: what's left behind after the top grain leather has been split away from the hide - that's why it has the fuzzy feeling

• Bicast: split leather backing covered with an embossed layer of polyurethane or vinyl-like those glossy shoes you see

• Bonded: a mix of faux and real leather

The best leather for handbags is top grain leather, which is what our leather totes and leather crossbody bags are made from. It provides the perfect combination of a pristine look and durability to any bag.

Italian leather commands premium prices—often thousands of pounds—because of superior raw materials, rigorous quality standards, and centuries-old vegetable-tanning techniques perfected by Italian tanners. This traditional process creates leather that becomes more beautiful and durable with age, developing a unique patina while resisting wear better than mass-produced alternatives. The result is products that last for years and improve over time, justifying their high cost as genuine investments.

Unlike other methods of leather tanning which rely on heavy use of chemicals, Italian leather artisans use only natural plant-based extracts during manufacturing.

Raw hides undergo treatment in large wooden drums where they are cleansed of salts and impurities. They are then tanned with vegetable extracts and natural tannins, extracted from trees and logs that give the leather its unique characteristics. The leather is then dried to remove excess moisture before it can be crafted into the goods you know and love. The use of natural ingredients in the vegetable tanning process has three main benefits:

The process results in leather that is built to last. It is softer, more flexible, and more durable than other leathers on the market.

The leather has a distinct, timeless appearance. Because it relies on natural ingredients and the care of the leather artisans, no two hides look exactly alike. The marks that you find on the leather are not imperfections but unique features of each batch of leather made.

It is super easy to care for. Simply wipe the surface with a damp cloth and dry it with a clean cloth.

At Quince, we strive to connect you with the world-class artisans who utilise these techniques to produce the world's finest leather goods. But, unlike other brands, we cut out all of the unnecessary costs.

Now the decision to go with Italian leather doesn't need to feel like such a big investment!

When dirty, give your leather tote or crossbody bag a quick wipe with a soft dry cloth. If necessary, you can use some leather cleansing cream or a small amount of water. Let water spills dry naturally.