Luzerne Cardholder | Terre Humaine Capsule Collection

The leathers in the Terre Humaine collection are oiled leathers with a natural finish, designed to develop a patina with use. Already nourished throughout their structure during tanning, they will gradually become glossier and develop a protective patina through friction, handling, and care.

The first 4 to 6 months are essential for the development of this patina. During this period, the new leather is still highly absorbent and requires extra care. Over time, its surface will naturally become more resistant and easier to care for.

During the first 4 to 6 months

We recommend performing care approximately once a month with the care balm provided with your creation.

Use a very small amount of product. Carefully spread it over a soft cloth to coat it evenly: there should be virtually no visible product left on the cloth. It should only be very lightly moistened with oil.

Then, pass the cloth over the leather by gently and evenly stroking the surface, without trying to work in a large amount of product.

As the leather is already nourished throughout its structure, it does not need to be heavily oiled. On the contrary, when it is new, its surface is particularly absorbent: it is therefore important to start with very little product. As the patina develops, the leather will absorb less quickly and care will become easier.

The balm thus supports the natural tanning process. Friction against clothing will gradually polish the leather's surface; handling and contact with hands also help to nourish it. Little by little, these different elements combine to form a more harmonious and protective patina.

A few precautions at the beginning

During this initial period, pay particular attention to your creation.

Avoid handling it with wet, greasy hands or hands that have just been creamed, as well as any contact with food or other greasy substances. Until its protective patina is established, the leather is still highly absorbent: stains can penetrate quickly and remain visible for a while, until the leather settles and its patina becomes uniform.

Nubuck leather may also show small traces of surface abrasion. These are generally superficial: a simple pass of the finger is usually enough to soften or make them disappear.

And in the rain?

This leather can withstand a few drops, light moisture, or very fine rain. Occasional contact with water does not mean that your creation will be stained or damaged.

However, during the first few months, we recommend avoiding deliberately exposing it to rain as much as possible. The newer the leather, the more quickly it absorbs whatever comes into contact with its surface. As the patina develops, water will gradually be less likely to penetrate the leather.

If your creation gets slightly wet in the rain, simply let it dry naturally, without taking further action and without placing it near a heat source.

Even once the patina is established, a leather bag is obviously not intended to be soaked: a reasonable amount of rain and prolonged exposure to water are two very different things.

And in the sun?

Like all natural leathers, these leathers also react to the sun, and their color will evolve over time.

During the first few months, avoid strong and prolonged exposure to allow the patina to develop gradually and harmoniously.

Once the leather has developed a patina, it can naturally accompany you outdoors much more freely. However, it is still preferable not to leave a leather creation in direct sunlight or exposed to intense heat for extended periods: leather is not meant to "cook" in the sun.

Should the leather be waterproofed?

Waterproofing is not essential.

The patina that develops gradually itself provides protection and allows the leather to better withstand moisture over time.

If you still wish to waterproof your creation, be sure to choose a product without oils or waxes. The leather is already nourished throughout its structure and also receives its care balm: there is no need to apply multiple layers of oil.

In case of a stain or dirt

A piece of natural chamois is provided with your creation.

If a substance has settled on or become embedded in the leather, use the chamois gently like an eraser to remove whatever can be removed.

If the leather, especially when it is still new, has already absorbed a stain—particularly an oily substance—do not try to make it disappear by adding water or a large amount of product. The chamois can help remove the surface residue, but a stain absorbed into the leather will not necessarily disappear immediately.

After using the chamois, you can perform light care with the balm, always using a very small amount and applying it evenly. The goal is not to abruptly cover the stain, but to gradually guide the leather toward a more harmonious patina: the edges of the mark will soften, the color differences will become less pronounced, and the leather itself will evolve and darken slightly over time.

There may therefore be, at the beginning of your creation's life, a period during which certain stains remain visible and the patina still appears uneven. Do not try to repeatedly treat them to make them disappear. Simply continue to care for your leather gently and give it time.

As it evolves, these stains will blend into its patina, and some will eventually disappear.

Once the patina is established

After approximately 4 to 6 months, depending on how often you use your creation, the patina will begin to fully perform its protective role.

The leather will then be less absorbent and much easier to care for. You will be able to use your creation in a wider variety of circumstances, take it outdoors or into nature more often, and worry less about small everyday stains or light rain.

Care can then be spaced out. We recommend nourishing the leather approximately twice a year, ideally during the change of seasons:

• in spring, before the strong summer sun exposure;
• in autumn, before the return of rain and moisture.

Over the years, it remains important to continue nourishing your leather. A material that becomes deeply dry gradually loses its suppleness: regular care helps preserve the leather fibers and contributes to its longevity.

The golden rule: gentleness and regularity

To care for your creation, always work gently and evenly. It is better to use very little product and repeat the care when necessary than to try to quickly change the appearance of the leather.

The leathers from Terre Humaine were chosen precisely for their ability to evolve. Their tanning gradually reveals its qualities with use: the oils present throughout the leather, the care balm, friction, handling, light, and simply time all work together to form their patina.

Your creation is therefore not intended to remain as it was the day it left the workshop. Its surface will become glossier, its color may evolve slightly, and certain marks will appear and then soften. It is this evolution that will gradually give the leather its character and make your creation a truly unique piece.