I received quite a few comments and questions after I posted about my red LV binder the other day – on my blog post, via the blog contact form, and on Facebook.
So today I thought I would share more photos of this leather and my other two binders made of the same leather.
When I went to visit Van Der Spek with Steve in 2014, this is the leather I was most curious about. I wanted to feel it first, but I was sure this was going to be my first custom order. When I felt the swatches and then saw and touched the hides for the first time, I fell in love.
I usually go for brown or (less commonly), black leathers. I like traditional pebbly leather and am not normally fond of treated or fancy leather. But this was so striking I was instantly infatuated.
It is firm (some would say stiff) leather, though not thick or heavy. It feels like a coarser version of saffiano, which does not have a traditional leather feel, but is incredibly hardy. I have this leather in Smythson notebooks and Michael Kors handbags. It wears like iron, is impervious to cat claws and repels water. It does soften with use.
If I hadn’t discovered what was later to be known as Janet Leather during that visit to Van Der Spek and chosen that instead, this is what I would have ordered.
I was a little concerned that, because this leather was Louis Vuitton offcuts, it would not last forever, so I kept checking with Petra. When she said that they could not longer get the green and the bit they had would not last forever, I pounced. Then I decided the red went so well with the green that I should get one of those two. Somehow I ended up getting all three which cost a bit at the time (read: noodles for a month), but I am so glad I did because I can see myself using these to death.
I got my usual layout:
- lots of horizontal credit card pockets on the front and back inside covers
- ring protectors
- 30mm rings in gold
- fly leaf (in hindsight I should have bought a zipped one)
- secretarial pockets front and back
- full length back pocket
- pen loop (in hindsight, I should have ordered two)
Petra later offered me a review copy of the Nomad because they had just started producing them and wanted Steve and I to check them out first. I went the predictable option and ordered one in all three colours, so that I could use it in conjunction with all of them.
What an inspired idea that was! I have used the Nomad for over a year now and it looks as good as new!
So….enjoy! The photos on my desk are by me, the ones that are more professional looking are by Petra Van Der Spek.
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