The Finest Bovine Leather
Fort Belvedere proudly sources four unique varieties of treated leather, each with its own special qualities. These particular leathers are employed for most of our small leather goods, allowing you to easily match the leather accessories in your ensemble.
Americana, Dumont, and Montecristo Leather
Our Americana, Dumont, and Montecristo leathers were all tanned in Italy with hides exclusively taken from English bulls. Why bulls? Leather from cows that have calved can stretch and warp, altering the look. In contrast, bull leather is free from these imperfections, maintaining the pristine, authentic quality of the material without reliance on synthetic alterations.
These skins then underwent our tanning process at an Italian tannery steeped in heritage, boasting more than a hundred years of operation. This establishment is not only committed to crafting the highest quality open-pored leathers, following the esteemed Italian artisanal methods but also prioritizes sustainable sourcing, fair labor standards, and reducing its environmental footprint.
Togo Leather
The leather for our Togo line of wallets was sourced solely from young cattle that graze in the elevated meadows of the Alpine region. Why is this significant? The Alpine climate is cooler, resulting in a reduced number of insects. A lower incidence of insects leads to fewer bites on the animals, which can otherwise damage the leather, causing imperfections. Additionally, while the hides of calves are more expensive than those of larger cows and bulls due to their size, the exceptional characteristics of calfskin—its resilience paired with softness—justify the cost.
These hides then underwent tanning and preparation at a historic German tannery with centuries of operation under its belt. This esteemed tannery is committed to crafting the most exquisite open-pored leathers, upholding the venerable legacy of German artisanry. In serving not only Fort Belvedere but also numerous elite and luxury fashion brands, it secures its reputation as a purveyor of premium leathers.