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Types of fur
Types of leather
Care
| Mink | Fine, dense, glossy fur with silky hair and a supple hide. Light, warm and durable when cared for — one of the most prized natural furs. | Hang on a wide hanger in a cool, dark, airy spot. Keep away from heat, sun and damp. If it gets wet, let it dry on its own, then shake it gently. Professional cleaning and glazing (workshop steaming that realigns the hair and restores the sheen) once a year. |
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| Fox | Long, fluffy, soft hair with plenty of volume. Striking, but the long hair flattens and tangles if crammed or stored badly. | It needs room — don't cram it between clothes. Wide hanger, cloth garment bag, cool dry spot. Shake it gently to bring the volume back; detangle softly with your fingers. Workshop glazing restores the fluffiness and sheen; don't brush it hard at home. |
| Lamb / astrakhan | Astrakhan (karakul lamb) has tight, glossy curls and a distinctive pattern. Compact and elegant, but the curls lose their shape if the hide dries out. | Keep away from damp and direct heat; dry by air only, never with a hairdryer. Gentle brushing, along the curl, on dry fur only. Feed the hide rarely and thinly. Cleaning and reshaping the curls is done at the workshop. |
| Shearling | Sheep/lamb skin with the wool kept on one side and a suede leather face on the other. Warm, rugged and natural — but it soaks up water and stains if left unprotected. | Brush the suede side, dry, with a soft brush to lift the nap. For grease spots, sprinkle starch and let it draw, then brush off. Keep away from water and rain. Don't wash it or send it to an ordinary dry cleaner — go to a specialist. |
| Nappa | Fine, soft, smooth leather that is lovely to the touch. Supple and elegant, but sensitive to scratches and water marks, especially when undyed. | Wipe off dust with a soft, dry cloth. With liquids, blot at once, don't rub. Condition rarely, with a light, non-greasy balm. Keep away from water, heat and direct sun. Recolouring and difficult stains are handled at the workshop. |
| Suede | Velvety surface with a short nap. Warm and matte in look, but very sensitive to water, stains and rubbing — it soils easily. | Brush regularly, dry, with a suede brush to lift the nap and remove dust. Grease spots are treated with starch, then brushing. Keep away from water and rain. Don't wet it or rub it damp — it loses the nap and goes shiny. |
| Vegetable leather | Vegetable-tanned leather, firm and natural, that develops a patina over time. Porous and sensitive to water and sun — it darkens the more it is used. | Condition rarely and thinly with a suitable balm; test first on a hidden area. Let it dry on its own, in the shade, never in the sun or by heat. Keep away from water — marks stay. The patina is natural, not a flaw; don't 'correct' it with harsh products. |