The leather you choose
will become yours.
You may never have had to choose leather before. That's normal — no one ever explained it to you. At Atelier Bertrand, everything starts there: understanding how each material transforms with wear, before deciding which one suits you best.
Four families of leather.
Only one requirement.
Every leather has its tannery – specializing in that precise material, not a generalist. This level of selection can be felt to the touch even before it's explained.
The color penetrates the entire thickness of the leather—it doesn't peel or crack. Dipped lambskin gets better with wear: it molds to your shoulders and develops a unique patina that no one else can replicate. It's the kind of leather you wear for twenty years, and it becomes even more beautiful than it was on the first day.
The reverse side of the lambskin, worked to reveal an immediately soft suede. Matte finish, supple drape, a touch one can't tire of running through their fingers. For those who want something less classic than plonge lambskin, without sacrificing quality.
More structured than lambskin suede, with more body. Calfskin suede has a regular grain, remarkable depth of color, and an immediate presence. For a jacket that maintains its shape with wear and develops a noble patina over the years.
The surprise for those who touch it for the first time: unexpectedly light, immediately supple, with natural reflections that no cowhide can reproduce. A rare material, for a jacket you won't see anywhere else.
Mégisserie Bodin Joyeux
Living Heritage since 1860.
For dipped lamb — our main material — I source exclusively from Bodin Joyeux. It is one of the few French tanneries that only works with this type of leather, with such high standards for selection and tanning. This is what, along with wear, produces a patina you won't find anywhere else.
- Tannery founded in 1860, continuously active
- EPV certified — Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant
- Specialising exclusively in nappa lambskin
- Every other leather has its own specialist tannery
Two jackets can look alike
in a photo.
Once in hand, they often have nothing in common. These comparisons concretely explain what makes the difference — without jargon. At the showroom, Jérôme lets you touch them side by side. The difference is immediate.
The color penetrates the entire thickness. The leather remains supple, develops a beautiful patina, and retains depth with wear.
The surface is made uniform, more made up. The appearance may seem clean at first — aging is often flatter.
Velvety feel with more structure. Denser, firmer, more polished look. The jacket holds its shape better.
More random flexibility, less visual stability, less pronounced depth of material. More casual reading.
Very supple, light, lively, immediately luxurious to the touch. The natural markings of the leather are part of its character.
Often heavier, initially more rigid, made more uniform. Less sensuality in the drape.
Very fine feel, matte finish, refined look. The material remains soft and delicate — both visually and to the touch.
Drier, more massive aspect, less nuanced in color. Close-up in photo - less refined in hand.
Rare
& Exotic Leathers.
For truly unique pieces. Python, salmon, pirarucu, crocodile — by special order, subject to availability and CITES regulations.
Natural scales of perfect regularity, surprising suppleness. Each skin is unique in its patterns. Whether used as a trim or for an entire garment, it transforms a jacket into an exceptional piece.
Derived from food industry waste. Naturally hypnotic skin patterns, lightweight, strong, waterproof. An avant-garde material recognized in high fashion.
One of the largest freshwater fish in the world. Its large, round scales create a striking, inimitable graphic texture. An exceptional material reserved for unique pieces.
The ultimate in leather. Each scale is unique, each skin tells its own story. Reserved for the most exceptional orders.
Learn all about
our leathers.
Why does Atelier Bertrand work with Bodin Joyeux?
Bodin Joyeux is a French tannery founded in 1860, with the "Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant" (Living Heritage Company) label. Specializing exclusively in plonge lambskin, it guarantees a consistency of selection and a level of tanning that few tanneries achieve. It is this constancy that produces an exceptional patina with wear.
How many colors are available?
Over 120 colors across our four leather families — plonge lambskin, suede lambskin, suede calfskin, and deer. The complete color chart is presented during your showroom appointment. Orders for colors not on the chart are possible upon request.
Do Atelier Bertrand leathers develop a patina?
This is precisely what distinguishes exceptional plonge leather. Bodin Joyeux plonge lambskin develops a unique patina with wear — it takes on the folds of your movements, the shape of your shoulders, a color that truly becomes your own. Bonaudo suede calfskin and deer leather do the same, each in their own way.
What is the difference between nappa lambskin and suede lambskin?
Dipped lambskin uses the outer side of the hide – smooth, shiny, classic. Velour lambskin uses the inner side – matte, soft, contemporary. These are two finishes from the same animal, with completely different visual appearances and feels.
Are exotic leathers legal?
Yes, subject to certification. Python and crocodile are subject to CITES regulations—Atelier Bertrand only works with certified and traceable skins. Salmon and pirarucu are exempt from these restrictions.
Can I order a color that is not on the color chart?
Yes, upon request. Some special colors can be obtained through our partner tanneries subject to availability. This can be discussed during your showroom appointment with Jérôme.
Come and touch the leathers.
Your choice will be a natural one.
120+ colors available immediately at the Passage Verdeau showroom.
Jérôme will explain how each material wears over time.