Inside Michino Leather · Vol.2
Michino uses “Lagoon” (Lagun) leather, crafted by this prestigious French tannery — a material known in the trade as Taurillon.
This exceptionally fine-grained leather is cherished by the world’s most esteemed Maisons, including Hermès.
Supple yet structured, it has a distinctive, velvety resilience that immediately reveals its exceptional quality — the unmistakable touch of a truly luxurious leather.
Elegant and silky to the touch, this leather is remarkably resistant to scratches and wear, gracefully adapting to the rhythm of everyday life over time.
Its fine grain, refined texture, vibrant color, and above all, its deep, almost tactile richness create a sensation that words can scarcely convey — a quiet, unmistakable presence felt only by those who hold it in their hands.
We were invited to observe the drumming process, where the hides are gently massaged to achieve their distinctive softness.
Each batch follows precise, nuanced instructions from the artisans, carefully adjusted to the desired texture and finish. Rather than processing large volumes quickly, they work slowly, in small quantities, minimizing stress on the leather. The result is a material that feels naturally supple — warm and tender to the touch.
It reminded me of a visit to a traditional soy sauce brewery on Shodoshima Island in Kagawa Prefecture. The master brewer told me, “Even with the finest ingredients, if you rush the process, the depth disappears. True richness comes only from time, patience, and care.”
Having visited tanneries around the world, Yas Michino chose Remy Carriat not only for the superior quality of its materials, but also for its unparalleled mastery of color and dyeing techniques.
The vivid hues that instantly draw the eye are perfectly balanced by the leather’s gentle, luminous sheen — vibrant yet never ostentatious.
The secret lies in a dyeing process that values patience above all. While most tanneries complete the coloring in about three weeks, Remy Carriat takes nearly three months to finish each batch with exquisite care. The result: no more than 300 hides per day, a number that reflects the true scale of a luxury atelier.
Each hide is first deeply infused with dye, then delicately layered with an ultra-thin coat of pigment. Some pieces are even finished entirely by hand, one by one, by the artisans themselves.
At first glance, thickly coated leathers may appear beautiful, yet they lose their natural texture and are prone to cracking. By contrast, the finely tinted leathers from Remy Carriat retain their authentic grain and depth of color. The finish is luminous, resistant to wear and stains, and—because the color permeates the material itself—entirely free from color transfer.
As Aurélie guided us through the workshop, she shared a beautiful analogy:
“Leather is like a woman’s skin,” she said. “If the makeup is applied carelessly, it won’t last — and up close, you’ll see the unevenness. The same goes for fine leather. You can recognize true quality by its smooth surface, its refined grain, and the natural radiance and suppleness that come from within.”
When we visited the workshop, it was a hot, humid afternoon — nearly thirty degrees. Yet, to our surprise, there was no unpleasant odor, and even the hum of the machines felt subdued, almost harmonious.
It was a clear sign of how seamlessly advanced technology has been integrated into the tannery. Still, around each machine, four or five artisans worked attentively, their hands and eyes guiding every step. No matter how sophisticated the machinery, it is only through the skill of the craftsman that it comes to life.
I couldn’t help but wonder just how many hands it takes to bring a single hide to its final, perfect shade.
In today’s world, where rising costs have driven much of global manufacturing toward Southeast Asia, France has not been immune to change.
Thirty years ago, there were more than three hundred tanneries across the country; today, fewer than thirty remain.
Yet, even after a century, Remy Carriat continues to uphold its heritage — preserving local employment, protecting the environment, and honoring the land from which it was born. Watching the proud Basque artisans at work, devoted to their craft and their homeland, I couldn’t help but think of the Japanese philosophy of the Ōmi merchants — “Sanpō yoshi,” meaning good for the seller, good for the buyer, and good for society.
Witnessing the long journey and the true craftsmanship behind Michino’s leathers filled me with a renewed sense of gratitude and responsibility.
In a world that values uniformity and efficiency, delivering something born of patience, care, and human touch — that, too, feels like our mission.
