Leather Care

About our leather

ALVEA bags are made from full-grain leather sourced from one of Italy's leading tanneries, naturally tumbled with a dollar-grain texture, so every cut of hide is unique. You'll see slight variation in grain and tone from bag to bag. That's not a flaw. It's the leather.

This leather is chosen for its color fastness and the way it develops character over time. The more you carry it, the more it becomes yours.

We don't use reinforcements between the leather and suede lining. This keeps the bag light and the feel soft, exactly as it should be.

How to care for your bag

• Wear it often. Daily use builds the patina. This leather is made for it.
• Clean gently and promptly. Remove dirt as soon as you notice it, letting it sit causes it to set. Wipe with a soft cotton or wool cloth and distilled water. Avoid microfibre cloths, and never use solvent-based cleaners like alcohol or acetone. If you use a leather cleanser, do a patch test on a hidden area first, and don't rub the same spot repeatedly.
• Keep it away from chemicals. Perfume, oils, and harsh substances can damage the surface. Spray your perfume before putting on your bag, not after.
• Protect it from the sun. Prolonged direct sunlight can cause the leather to fade or change color. Store it away from windows and direct light.
• Store it right. Keep your bag in a cool, dry place. Store it upright with a little tissue paper inside to help it hold its shape. Don't stack anything on top of it, and avoid sharp or heavy objects inside that could scratch or deform the leather over time.
• If it gets wet. Blot (don't rub) with a dry cloth and let it air dry naturally, away from direct heat. Do not soak.
• For stubborn stains. Take it to a professional leather cleaner rather than trying to treat it yourself.
• If something spills inside. The lining is suede, which is more delicate than the exterior leather. Blot any spills immediately with a clean dry cloth, working from the outside of the spill inward. Do not rub. Let it air dry completely before closing the bag. For deeper stains, use a suede brush to gently lift the nap once dry, or take it to a professional cleaner.
• Let it age. Slight darkening, softening of the grain, and small marks are all part of the leather's character. Over time, your bag will look better, not worse.

If creases appear…

Creases can form when a bag sits in the same position for an extended period of time. The good news is they can come out. Gently warm the crease with a hairdryer on a low setting, then smooth with your hand. If using an iron, always place a clean towel between the iron and the leather and keep the heat low.