Throughout time luxurious items have always represented a statement of power and status. And, for millennia, luxurious items have always been those crafted with unparalleled expertise, made from rare materials, and featuring masterfully-created details.
But the idea of luxury has changed over the past centuries, along with consumer trends and economic fluctuations. Since the end of the 19th century, luxury has become associated with brands, labels, and high prices – Veblen Goods are nothing more than proof of it. But today, brands, artisans, and consumers are reimagining what luxury is and what it entails.
Far beyond just seeking the presence of a famous brand name, consumers are now actively looking for advanced leather craftsmanship, unique details, customization, and sustainability. And these four features are bound to become the pillars of tomorrow’s luxury.
But what makes advanced craftsmanship backed by sustainability so sought after? And why is this a prerequisite of luxury? Here are a few facts about choosing handmade and sustainable leather goods that will instantly put a smile on your face.
Genuinely Leather Artisianship – Handmade In France
Genuinely handmade in France by Manufacture Jean-Rousseau. Photo courtesy of Jean-Rousseau.
1. Advanced Leather Craftsmanship Offers Endless Intangible Value
Several factors contribute to how luxurious a certain item is considered. Undoubtedly, rarity and exclusivity boost the item’s price, which, in turn, becomes associated with wealth and affluence.
Changes in the market demand, historical significance, and intrinsic value contribute to awarding an item the status of “luxurious.” And, with the advent of Veblen Goods, simply, the item’s high price was its main selling point.
But today, luxury comes from a combination of several factors, including the material used, its origin, and leather craftsmanship. And these factors are precisely what contribute to boosting the value of the item itself over time.
When purchasing a product that has been handcrafted by experienced artisans and tanners, you can be sure that the leather will retain its texture and look throughout the years. Whether you are keeping your made-to-order bag for special occasions or enhancing your everyday style.
More importantly, a product infused with advanced leather craftsmanship is valuable and luxurious. Still, it does not have to come with a prohibitive price tag to attract buyers.
2. Handcrafted Goods Allow You To Tap Into Centuries-Old Traditions and Knowledge
Leathercraft is not a recent discipline. Evidence of hide-working and tanning can be traced back to 400,000 years ago. The first leatherworking tools were conceptualized during the Stone Age. Thanks to the unparalleled durability and versatility of leather, as well as the processes involved with manufacturing goods, leather items and garments have always been considered a luxury.
Today, when purchasing handcrafted leather goods, you can be sure that many hours of labor, as well as specialized knowledge built over millennia of working with leather, went into it.
It starts from the manually-operated hole punching machine, creating precise needle-thin punctures for each seam, cut, and edge. Each custom-made leather bag is designed to stand the test of time and become an icon.
So, when holding your bag or wearing your handmade belt, you will be accompanied by a timeless, heirloom-quality piece that came to be thanks to centuries-old traditions and will be there for decades to come.
3. Handcrafted Leather Bags Empower Artisans Around the World
As the global supply chain expands and grows into a far-reaching, layered network, there has never been greater availability of international products. The benefits of this development are easy to see: reduced shortages, immediate access to goods, and easier innovation adoption.
At the same time, the recent evolution of the supply chain affected the charm and value of finding, displaying, and caring for an item crafted abroad. While in the past, collectors, merchants, and enthusiasts had to travel the world to secure a foreign artisan’s creation, today, it is all available online.
But this trend has also promoted the growth of mass production and fast-fashion items, often at the expense of local artisans. Switching back to buying handcrafted, custom-made, and sustainable goods is an excellent way to boost the local economy. It also ensures that future generations can continue to benefit from the unique creations of today’s leather artisans.
What goes into making a luxury bag? Our luxury leather handbags are a key component of any stylish person’s attire. Did you ever wonder what goes into manufacturing these bags?
4. Buying Sustainable Goods Is the Key to Building a More Sustainable Future
For many buyers, the main concern is how can advanced leather craftsmanship be sustainable if it involves leatherworking? And, undeniably, as leather became mainstream, it has gained a reputation for being damaging and producing effects such as the eutrophication of important wildlife areas.
However, not all leather goods are created equal. Undoubtedly, the part of the industry that is still adopting less than optimal practices in order to produce cheaper goods still exists and needs to be fought.
But, since the economy revolves around customer needs and wants, supporting the sustainable production of leather is the first step to take to start working towards a greener future. Sustainable and luxurious handbags can be created with a minimal environmental impact thanks to the ethical treatment of livestock, advanced craftsmanship, transparent practices, and local materials. Making the right buying choices helps artisans receive the funds needed to develop their products, experiment with different techniques, and create more sustainable goods.
5. Today’s Advanced Leather Craftsmanship Is Powered by Technology
Nothing can substitute the knowledge and expertise of an experienced artisan, the uniqueness of high-quality local materials, or the creative power of an expert designer. Not even technology can replace all this – but it can certainly enhance it.
Today’s advanced craftsmanship is in continuous development.
While based on centuries-old techniques and traditions, leatherworking is being revolutionized by innovative tools. These allow artisans to experiment with different techniques and enable them to take their talent to the next level.
Artisans can enhance their vision and tap into an unlimited range of creative options thanks to printing, sculpting, scanning, and technological modeling tools. All this while also being able to hone their customization skills and consistently uphold high standards.
So, if you love luxury fashion but are also a tech geek, there is no better way to merge your passions than investing in a handcrafted leather bag or belt.
How every leather belt makes you feel awesome. A stylish reversible leather belt of LUC8K.
6. Time and Expertise Are What Make Sustainable Luxury – Not Just a Label
Today, the brands you wear, the places you shop, or the restaurants you visit determine your status in the eyes of those around you. But timeless luxury goes beyond building your social figure.
That is why you are looking to invest in a luxurious item. You should look beyond the label. Look at the seams, cuts, hues, textures, and personalization. These are the telltale signs that endless hours and expertise have been poured over a single creation and are the mark that the product you have purchased will be with you for decades to come. And what is real quality, if not uniqueness, durability, and style?
7. Handcrafted Goods Offer Endless Customization Opportunities
Customization is what sets the product you have purchased aside from any other model or design on the market. It does not have to be immediately apparent or noticeable.
For example, something as subtle as selecting your leather handbag’s color combination. It has to fit your style and enhance your skin, and eye color can help you create the perfect bag for your needs.
Alternatively, choosing your LUC8K bag’s four-digit number can make a certain model uniquely yours in an understated but powerful way.
But what is even more important is that there is nothing that adds value to a luxurious item as much as a personalized feature. After all, rarity and scarcity have made some items some of the most elegant, luxurious, and sought after in the world.
8. Made-to-Order Items Help Fight Waste and Pollution
According to recent estimates, nearly 100 million tons of textile waste enter landfills every year. At the same time, manufacturers and fast-fashion players are still adopting impacting processes, including discarding unsold stock and overproducing.
If you are concerned about the sustainability of the products you invest in, there is no greener way to go than opting for made-to-order items. Aside from adding value to your purchase, made-to-order items are timeless, don’t involve significant waste of materials such as leather, and don’t require an artisan to hold a large inventory. Ultimately, advanced leather craftsmanship and made-to-order creations are intrinsically sustainable.
9. Handcrafted Items Are Transparent
In an era during which consumers have lost trust in many brands, and greenwashing is often used as part of marketing campaigns to lure in well-meaning buyers, it has never been more important to focus on transparency.
At LUC8K, we believe that transparency is a prerequisite for luxury. A premium brand has a duty of care towards the environment, its customers, and the artisans who work hard to bring exclusive collections to life.
Each of our items is handmade with materials sourced in Europe and manufactured in France. So, you can track each of the materials and items used back to its very source – no need to just trust advertising campaigns! That is why we focus on due diligence and only work with tanneries that are strictly monitored by the Leather Working Group.
Our Sophie is already in the starting blocks for her next trip. Of course, her bag and wallet are on board.
10. Advanced Leathercraft Is Made With Love by Hand
While Sophie continues her travels around the world and explores new places, LUC8K’s roots are in France. Here is where our artisans are based, work, and hone their skills. Here is where our bags and belts are conceptualized, designed, and brought to life.
No matter your main reason to invest in handcrafted leather goods – there is always one that will immediately put you in a good mood: your leather products have been brought to life with advanced leather craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and, above all, love.
