THE METICULOUS CONSTRUCTION & SUMPTUOUS DETAILS OF THE CIRCA LEATHER COLLECTION
Designed in Los Angeles and handcrafted in Italy, the Circa Leather Collection by Jacques Marie Mage offers a collection of limited-edition luxury cardholders and wallets that are subtle, historically inspired statement pieces that reflect the respect we hold for the centuries-old traditions of leathercraft, and our commitment to elevating the intimate and purposeful objects of everyday life to the status of modern heirlooms.
Each elegant collectible of the Circa Leather Collection holds layer upon layer of distinction, requiring an intensive artisanal undertaking unlike many others. It begins with selecting only the finest, responsibly produced leathers from ateliers that are known for the quality of their craft and environmental best practices. Our primary leather atelier is designated as GOLD RATED, after being audited against the environmental standards of the Leather Working Group (LWG), and has been recognized for satisfying and going beyond the regulations developed by the United Nations Information Center (UNIC) and Institute of Quality Certification (ICEC) for the Leather Sector, which includes requirements for workers' rights, environmental respect, and professionalism.
Materials used include Veg Tan Cowskin–tanned naturally with tree bark, leaves, roots, and fruit husks rather than chromium or chemicals, a multi-pronged technique that can take up to two months to ensure the desired quality and smooth appearance–The collection also offers expressions in Glossy Calfskin, a high-quality leather specially tanned to ensure softness and durability, finished with a semi-aniline coating that preserves the leather’s natural grain, and protected with a water-based varnish to enhance its durability and sheen. Lastly, it includes a natural, sustainable Ostrich leather, known for its distinctive bumps, which give the material a unique look and feel. It’s also beloved for its durability, soft touch, and breathability, and contains natural oils that help maintain the material’s suppleness. Additionally, both the Veg Tan Calf and Ostrich leathers we utilize have achieved the highest rating ('Eccelente') of traceability established by the Institute of Quality Certification for the Leather Sector (ICEC), with leathers able to be traced to the place of breeding.
These raw, organic materials are expertly die-cut and painstakingly skived to ensure the slim shape and supple volumes of every product. For the sake of durability, the interior is reinforced with additional pieces of leather and fabric, fused together and skillfully sewn to withstand the rigors of pocket and purse. A minimal aesthetic highlights the recognizable hallmarks of Jacques Marie Mage: the intricately debossed Art Deco-inspired linework; our signature metal arrowhead embellishments plated in Silver or 24k Gold that are applied, polished, and brushed by hand; the foil stamped logo; and the subtle, laser-engraved limited edition number, a worthy symbol of workmanship and rarity.
Look closely and you’ll find additional touches of artistry and technical excellence abound—whether the custom lambskin linings in our signature Bordeaux Empire color or the precisely cut leather edges hand-painted and cured seven times over, each small leather good is the result of a prolonged engagement with an intensive process, taking nearly 6 months to evolve from design to finished masterpiece.
Imbued with our characteristic mix of tradition, inspiration, and innovation, these are no ordinary wallets, but luxury staples made with a meticulous attention to detail and a timeless sense of sophistication. Everyday objects of fine form and daily function made from the highest quality natural materials, leather goods may feature or develop characteristics such as wrinkles, craft-related marks, and nuances. They may also gain a distinctive patina as they age. These are not defects, but the enjoyable details of a handcrafted good as it evolves into an intimate, limited-edition of one.
Like our eyewear, these sumptuous objects transcend their function to become enduring tokens of personal expression, unique reminders of the endearing romance of meaningful essentials.
