High on Leather: The Addictive Beauty of Veg-Tanned Leather
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Time to read: 6 min
Have you ever been overwhelmed by a scent so powerful that it transformed your state of mind? Last night, I had an experience that made me genuinely reflect on that question. And no, I wasn’t on any substances, but the leather I surrounded myself with may have had a similar effect. It all began when I was in my warehouse here in Spain, preparing some leather for our upcoming production. That’s where this story begins—a unique, intoxicating encounter with Italian veg-tanned leather from Tuscany.
In this blog, we will answer the following questions:
- What makes veg-tanned leather from Tuscany, particularly Santa Croce, stand out in terms of scent, texture, and craftsmanship?
- How does the sensory experience of Italian veg-tanned leather compare to more refined leathers like Togo or Mozart?
- How does your personal preference for leather—polished and refined or raw and natural—reflect your style and creativity?
Can You Actually Get High on Leather?
Sounds ridiculous, right? I used to think so, too. But as I moved through my storage, selecting leathers for an upcoming project, I was struck by the deep, earthy aroma of veg-tanned leather. Specifically, these came from the Santa Croce region, known for its distinctive recipes and tanning processes that create an unparalleled olfactory experience. The scent was rich, bold, and unmistakably intense—like stepping into a forest where history, craftsmanship, and nature collide. It’s the kind of smell that whispers stories of tradition and pride.
I’ve often shared my appreciation for these leathers in videos, but it goes beyond smell. There’s a sound to it as well—a kind of creak and snap that speaks of its structure and integrity. I’ve even made myself a belt from this leather just to carry a hint of its essence with me wherever I go. Confession: even when sitting in the bathroom, the smell sneaks in and grounds me back to my passion for leather.
A Drive Like No Other
So, there I was, loading up a car with stacks of these leather pieces alongside my brother. Our destination was Ubrique, where we’d deliver the leathers for production. The car ride was short—just fifteen minutes—but intense. The small enclosed space amplified that earthy aroma. It washed over me, igniting what can only be described as a wave of creativity. My mind raced, my senses heightened, and, honestly, I felt like I was in a trance. Whatever properties these leather scents had, they seemed to awaken something deep within—a burst of inspiration unlike any I’ve felt in years.
@tanner.leatherstein I Drove Under Influence of Leather, and it was wild… 🤯 #leathercraft #leathertok #leathersmell #leatheraddict #leatherhigh #tuscanyleather #fashionista #vegtanleather #vegtan #ubrique #dui #leathertainment #tannerleatherstein ♬ original sound - Tanner Leatherstein
It felt like being on the edge of discovery, teetering between reality and imagination. Is it possible that the chemicals from the tannins or the unique oils could have an effect on the brain? Or was it just nostalgia and passion driving me into overdrive? Whatever it was, I knew I was riding a leather-induced high. And, trust me, if a police officer had pulled me over, I would’ve had some explaining to do!
Veg-Tanned vs. The Classics: A Personal Preference
In the world of leather, there’s a spectrum of tastes. On one end, you have the refined, standardized beauty of fashion favorites like Togo or Mozart leathers. They have their place—elegant, consistent, sophisticated. But on the other end lies the raw, chaotic, and beautifully imperfect world of veg-tanned leather. Santa Croce’s veg-tanned leathers are a sensory overload, boasting a unique touch, smell, and sound. While I appreciate both ends of the spectrum, my heart lies firmly with the “leather junkie” crowd.
I even craft our Senior briefcase in both Togo and Italian veg-tanned options. While they share the same design, the feel is entirely different. One carries sophistication; the other feels rugged, earthy, and alive. Each is valid. Each speaks to a different leather soul.
Are You a Leather Fashionista or a Junkie?
Enough about me. It’s time for some self-reflection: Where do you stand in the leather spectrum? Are you a fashionista who loves polished perfection? Or are you, like me, addicted to the raw, visceral experience of natural veg-tanned leathers? If you’re a leather junkie, let me offer you some advice: keep that bag in the backseat. Your creativity might thank you, but it’s safer that way!
Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences below—I’d love to hear if leather has ever taken you on a journey.
Want to read more?
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I submit my product for the Leather Bureau of Investigation, and what happens after submission?
To submit your product, please complete this form. Once submitted, we'll review the details to determine if your product fits our project. If accepted, you'll receive an email within seven days. In return for your donation, we’ll send you a free product from our PEGAI catalog, and all information provided will be kept confidential. If not selected, you’re welcome to submit other products in the future.
This project is only for leather goods customers. If you're a brand, please refer to the Chopping Block / Rip My Bag Challenge FAQ.
How can I suggest a brand for review?
You can view all the brands currently on our list here: Brand List.
If the brand you want to see reviewed isn’t listed, simply leave your suggestion in the comments section! We’ll gather all suggestions and add them to the Suggestion Box in Tanner Leatherstein's website's Forum for voting, where the most requested brands have a chance to be featured next.
Does Tanner offer advisory services?
Yes! Tanner offers advisory services specializing in leather selection, manufacturing, and prototyping-related inquiries. The fee is $300 per hour.
The consultation process includes:
- A complimentary 30-minute initial call to understand your needs.
- A 30-minute follow-up call to review findings and gather feedback on your objectives.
- A final 30-minute call to present recommendations.
If you're interested, please let us know so we can send the scheduling links.
Is Tanner available for media interviews?
Yes, Tanner is open for media interviews! If you'd like to collaborate on a feature or interview him, please email him directly at tanner@pegai.com.
Whether it's about leather crafting, brand reviews, or the business side of PEGAI, Tanner is happy to share his insights and expertise.
How can my brand participate in the "Rip My Bag" Challenge / Chopping Block?
Here's a quick overview of the process:
- Product Selection: You provide a list of products; Tanner selects one for review.
- Anonymous Purchase: The product is bought anonymously to simulate a real customer experience.
- Independent Review: A review video is created and shared across social media platforms (excluding YouTube).
- No Prior Screening: You won't see the video before it’s posted, and no pre-approval is allowed.
- Reimbursement: After publishing, you’ll receive an invoice for the product cost.
- Video Fee: A $1,000 production fee covers review, filming, and editing costs. This is separate from the product reimbursement.
- Transparency: The video will be marked as "paid collaboration" to ensure honesty.
Watch the video disclaimer here. For complete details, please email us at tanner@pegai.com.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
At this time, participation is limited to brands based in the US and EU due to logistical challenges. If we expand to more countries, we’ll reach out to those interested. In the meantime, we’re happy to add your brand to our list for potential future reviews, though we can't guarantee a timeline. Thank you for your understanding!
NEXT STEPS:
If you're interested, please complete our Intake Survey and pay the video fee. We’ll confirm your slot within 48 hours.
About Tanner
Tanner Leatherstein
Known as the "butcher of leather bags," Tanner has amassed over 2 million followers and 301 million views, with features in outlets like The New York Times and Financial Times. PEGAI, Tanner's brand, embodies his passion for crafting premium leather goods with unmatched authenticity and precision.
