Although the Filofax Saffiano (above) is not leather, its name derives from the crosshatch pattern used to make it.
Production
The way the leather is made is by a stamping method. Saffiano, being a textured leather, meaning that it is a treated leather made with the texture pressed on it by a machine. It gives the leather a cross-hatch finish, which is a special diagonal pattern. This calf hide leather is also finished with a wax treatment. As a result, the leather is pretty much scratch resistant, durable and easy to clean.
Markings
The distinctive markings on this leather are a series of diagonal lines and cross-hatch designs that renders the leather very resistant to stains, scratches and is also water repellent. Many high-end fashion houses use Saffiano leather for it’s many positive attributes. The indications in the Saffiano leather were invented by Mario Prada himself. From the Aspinal Website:
Some other notebooks and planners with this pattern include Smythson and Leathersmith of London


Janet,
I shouldn’t have read this today! I followed your link to Smythson and fell in love with the most beautiful blue organizer!
Thank you for the info!!
I’ve got a small saffiano wristlet from Coach – it’s perfect for all the septic key, drippy gooey items to keep in my handbag – lip gloss, eye drops, pain relievers, floss. And the leather is very supple and the texture feels wonderful – like a textured version of the leather used for the The Originals.
I’m tempted by the filofax Saffianos colors, but worried they’ll feel plasticky.