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The origins of shagreen are shrouded in mystery. The characteristics of this little-known material, not easily tamed, have forged its legend.

Back in the 18th century, Madam de Pompadour, known for her love of luxury, fell for shagreen and made it all the rage as an accessory. The trend swept up the Paris smart set. The heyday of shagreen looked like it was over until Art Deco brought it back into the limelight in the early 20th century. Ever since, shagreen has been a permanent fixture among designer materials and is considered the ultimate in sophistication.

The nature of shagreen alone has earned it a place in the history of design and sheathing. The skin is a fine mesh made up of a myriad of mineral pearls called spicula. Like tiny intertwined droplets of ivory, the spicula form a ring pattern in the center of each skin.

Due to these features, shagreen is watertight, strong and durable, but also harder to work. It demands not only saddlery and fine leather craftwork but also lengthy operations similar to those of stoneworkers.

Jean Perfettini, co-founder of Galerie Galuchat and author of two books on the material, is the creative spirit behind our collections and the custodian of our products' quality.