Go to any department store, and you will see leather belts, leather wallets, and leather bags that are almost identical. The vast majority of them are cowhide and chemically colored and embossed to look more like another, more precious, leather. Exotic leather accessories are an exception to this. They are also crafted from materials that offer a texture, strength, and history that mass-produced cowhide leather can't match, such as crocodile and paiche fish leather. Companies such as Summit and Selva have made it their mission to responsibly source these rare hides and transform them into items that age and grow better, last longer, and seem different than what can be found on a standard shelf. These are five reasons why the difference makes a difference.
1. The Material Is Genuinely Rare
Cowhide is used for ordinary leather because it is cheap and plentiful. Exotic leather is sourced from a limited number of animals, each of which is scarce and must be sourced carefully and in small batches, such as crocodile, alligator, and Amazonian paiche. Summit and Selva deals with ethical Bolivian artisan suppliers who have gained certification under CITES and work in an ethical manner, ensuring that all hides are authentic and not embossed or synthetic.
2. There is no such thing as a scale pattern that can be faked
No printing process can make the natural irregular scale pattern of a crocodile belt or wallet convincingly. Most brands of ordinary leather impress a “croc-style” pattern on cowhide, which may be interesting to look at from a distance, but is flat and repetitive close up. Exotic hides with depth and asymmetry that have a natural sheen from the skin of the animal are real exotic hides.
3. It Ages With Character, Not Wear and Tear”
Regular use of standard leather goods will cause them to crack, fade, or peel in just a few years. Exotic leather is different. Crocodile leather, over time, acquires a richer patina, and paiche leather, which is a byproduct of controlled fishing of a large fish of the genus paiche, is lightweight and remains flexible without losing its shape. As people grow older, they are a value added and not a drain removed.
4. Every piece is crafted with great care
Leather goods in mass production are generally cut and produced on an assembly line. We buy exotic leather from manufacturers such as Summit and Selva and hand-cut, hand-stitched, and hand-finished in small workshops. This slower technique results in tighter stitching, cleaner edges, and better construction that is far more durable for everyday use than factory construction.
5. Sustainability Is Part of the Story
Many people think that if it's exotic it must be environmentally expensive, which is not necessarily the case. All of the Paiche hides are a byproduct of existing food and fishing activities in Amazon communities and do not result in the additional harvest of any Paiche for leather production. This, in tandem with the small-batch sourcing, makes the exotic leather goods a more responsible option than is widely believed.
The Bottom Line!
Wearable leather items have a function, but they are designed to be worn many times, not for their uniqueness. In contrast, exotic leather accessories are designed to be rare, durable, and have a high quality of craftsmanship, which is reflected in the details. By making crocodile and paiche leather a product of responsible sources, companies such as Summit and Selva are demonstrating that this leather can also offer high ethical standards without compromising on quality because it is the perfect material in the first place.
