At 1812, every material is chosen for its character, beauty, and ability to endure. Nappa leather is among the most refined of them all, celebrated for its softness, depth of colour, and natural elegance. Yet, with that beauty comes a certain delicacy, and such leather requires considered care to preserve its appearance and integrity. That is why we recommend, and proudly offer, the Saphir Médaille d’Or range, regarded worldwide as the gold standard in leather care.
Nappa leather is a full-grain aniline leather, left free of heavy surface coatings to showcase its natural grain and texture. It is cut only from the finest hides of calf, cow, lamb, buffalo, goat, or kid leather. This purity makes it beautiful to the eye and luxuriously soft to the touch, but also more porous and vulnerable to the effects of water, grease, and everyday wear. Caring for it correctly is essential to ensure it retains both its beauty and its resilience.
Step One: Gentle Brushing
Before any treatment, remove surface dust with a dedicated horsehair brush that has never been used on other leathers. This avoids transferring polish residues or waxes that could mark the delicate surface. Brush lightly, using a smooth motion to lift away any particles without scuffing the nap of the leather.
Step Two: Nourishing with Nappa Cream
The foundation of Nappa leather care is hydration. Saphir Médaille d’Or Nappa Cream is formulated without solvents, making it exceptionally mild yet deeply nourishing. Apply with a clean chamois cotton cloth, working in a light back-and-forth motion and paying particular attention to folds and flex points. Always test on a discreet area first to ensure compatibility. This cream penetrates the leather to restore suppleness while preserving its original hue and finish.
Step Three: Buffing to Perfection
Once the cream has been absorbed, allow the leather to rest for a few minutes. Then, using a fresh section of the chamois cotton cloth, gently buff the surface to remove any excess cream and encourage a natural, understated sheen. Care should be taken to ensure the cloth is perfectly clean, as even the slightest residue from other products can blemish the leather.
Step Four: Protection with Super Invulner
The final stage is protection. Nappa leather benefits greatly from waterproofing to shield it from rain, snow, dirt, and grease. Saphir Médaille d’Or Super Invulner uses a new-generation resin-based formula to create a breathable barrier without altering the look or feel of the leather. Apply evenly and allow to dry completely before wearing. A simple test (a few drops of water on the surface) will demonstrate its effectiveness, with moisture beading on the surface rather than soaking in.
Why This Process Matters
The beauty of Nappa leather lies in its uncoated authenticity, which makes it more expressive but also more susceptible to its environment. With the right care routine, it can remain supple, lustrous, and richly coloured for many years. At 1812, we believe that caring for fine leather is not merely a matter of preservation but an extension of craftsmanship, a way of honouring the artistry and tradition that went into its creation.
We are proud to offer Saphir Médaille d’Or range as part of our shoe care collection, ensuring that the same uncompromising standards applied in our workshops can be maintained in your home.
