by Saira Karim

Created on: June 15, 2008

The Design Classic : whether it be a cool, easy rider style a la Steve Mcqueen or a soft as butter affair favoured by Coco Chanel or a more contempoary piece like a distressed noir by Rick Owens with hardware and buckles. The different shapes and styles make this fabric so exciting and original to get involved with. Owning and buying your first leather jacket is rather like going on a first date or sipping your first glass of champagne .

There are so many grades and shades of leather and it is unbelievably versatile in that it can be stretched, pre shrunk, dip dyed and so much more

The fabulous thing about leather is how it wears through out the years . The way it moves and the way it feels make it a true testament to enduring style and iconic in its enduring appeal.

Favourites include : James Dean in Rebel without a Cause
Elvis in his comeback tour 1968
Sid vicious and Johnny Rotten in the Sex pistols
and more recently Kate Moss in Belstaff and Brad Pitt
off duty relaxing with Ms. Jolie.

If the leather is very high quality and lightly coloured and it does not specify dry cleaning as some treated leathers especially if they are pearlised laminated or treated in some way do not respond well to water it can be gently sponged down with a little cream polish or spritzed slightly with water.The polish should state exactly on the packet that it is suitable for lightly coloured leathers and will not spot or stain. If the leather is dark then it is best if it has a high sheen to put a little cream polish on it just a small amount will buff to a high shine. Less product is definitely more in this aspect.

If the leather is new it's best to protect it with a special leather protector which will repel some of the dirt and grime and even rain away from it .All the instructions should be carefully followed and expert guidance sought if you are unsure about how to treat your garment.

If the leather is a raw or natural hide and part of its beauty is detailed in the various flaws and imperfections on the surface of the leather like an organic tapestry almost then it may be best to just let it breathe and with the effluxion of time it will weather and age by itself.

Most of all enjoy weraing your leather and let it adapt to your moods and senses as it's all about colour, texture and shape.

This information is provided without liabilty on the part of the writer.

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