Crocodile, while beautiful, can be a polarizing material. For some, it evokes the heady classicism found in heritage brands such as Saint Laurent and Hermès; in others, a visceral reaction to the dangers of the exotic animal trade. For designers such as Junji Koike, this leather holds an entirely different meaning: a hallmark of design’s evolving future.
Junji’s line, Christian Peau, is a vocal advocate of using alternative, ethical leathers. Rather than working with traditional cow hides, his studio seeks out materials such as crocodile and python to create their discerning accessories. These animals ultimately require less land, food and water, reducing their carbon footprint and impact on the environment.
In creating his handmade line of bags, Junji works alongside reputable, CITES certified farms— the acronym for The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, an organization that carefully monitors the populations and trade of threatened animals worldwide. Much care is taken to honor the animal and that no part is wasted. Any leftover leather is used to fashion straps, zipper pulls, fringe and decorative details.
In the Christian Peau studio, their materials are treated using traditional tanning methods and vegetable dyes. This intense handwork creates a chromatic and variegated finish on the leather that lends itself well to Junji’s high-taste presentation. Additionally, unlike commercial brands, the studio avoids chemical colorants and finishes–compounds typically applied to leather to prevent fading and hide any scratches and wrinkles. Junji embraces the natural aging of his work… understanding that with wear, the leathers will become softer, glossier and more beautiful with time.
