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    <author>
        <name>Dalgado</name>
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    <title>Blog/Atom feed</title>
    <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/?sRss=1</id>
    <updated>2026-04-28T18:29:37+02:00</updated>
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">WHY WE STARTED WITH BELTS</title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/why-we-started-with-belts-</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/why-we-started-with-belts-"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            Belts might not have the immediate appeal as watches, bags or shoes. Yet, we love them and there are many reasons why we chose belts to be our first product.
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
  WHY WE STARTED WITH BELTS  
  Note from the founders  
   
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 It is a question we get all the time. And it makes sense. Belts are not exactly the first item that comes to mind when thinking of fashion accessories. They just don&#039;t have the same immediate appeal as shoes, watches or bags. Yet, to us it was the perfect first choice. Let us explain. 
 We are not designers by trade and we had no background in fashion design and the fashion industry as a whole. We just really liked fashion but only knew it from the eyes of the consumer. The idea of creating shoes, watches, bags, and clothing intimidated us in the beginning. In comparison, belts seemed a lot more manageable. 
 More importantly, however, we noticed one striking thing: Almost every man has at least one belt in their wardrobe; and most of the time more than just one. Yet, there is virtually no brand specialised in men’s belts. That seemed very odd to us and sparked the idea to start Dalgado with a focus on belts. 
 When digging deeper, we really started to understand the stylistic potential inherent to belts and their long   history   in fashion. Since they are worn in the midsection of the body, they naturally attract a lot of attention. So, it is quite important to nail the belt game unless you want to ruin an otherwise perfectly good outfit. For many belt styling tips, you might find our   ultimate men’s belt guide   handy. 
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 If you hear the word belt, you probably picture a classic plain black or brown leather belt. So did we. And there is nothing wrong with that. But there are so many more options to belts than your tried and proven classic leather belt such as braided belts made of suede or vegetable-tanned leather, elastic wool belts or viscose belts in all patterns, shapes, and colours. Such variety offers a lot of room for stylistic individuality. 
 Further, we noticed that most brands pay very little attention to the materials and the craftsmanship required to create a premium-quality belt since they treat belts merely as a side-product rather than a focal point of their collection. To us, that is a missed opportunity. Unlike many accessories and fashion pieces, belts have the potential to last a very long time if crafted well. That was an opportunity we could not let pass by. 
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 Before taking any further steps, we decided on a couple of essential criteria for our belts which have become our guiding principles for all of our products since:  1) The belts have to be ethically and sustainably crafted in Europe.  2) Only the best European leathers are good enough.  3) The belts have to be crafted with the intention to last many years.  4) The design must be timeless and never go out of style.  5) All the information about the materials and craftsmen must be very detailed and totally transparent. 
 1) Handmade in Europe  We absolutely love the craftsmanship and expertise of local artisans. That is why we made the conscious decisions for all of our belts to be crafted in Italy and Germany. We are extremely proud to have the privilege to be working with such esteemed artisans who are true masters of their craft. The belts are either made near Hamburg, Milan or Florence in family-owned workshops. The workers are treated with the respect they deserve and there are many methods in place to ensure a sustainable production. The short transportation routes have also played a huge role in us becoming a climate-positive Company. 
 2) European leathers  There are many reasons why European leathers are so much more expensive than leathers from anywhere else in the world. They are not only of the highest quality but they are also created in the most sustainable way due to the strict   REACH Regulations  . In addition to that, our partner tanneries have been on the forefront of green and eco-friendly tanning inventions for decades and some have even received the highly coveted LWG Gold Seal. 
 3) A long life  We are strong advocates of slow fashion. We believe that fashion should never be seasonal but transcend seasons. The combination of expert craftsmanship, modern technology, and premium quality materials guarantees the exceptionally long life time of our belts. 
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 4) Timeless Design  We are all about creating designs which will never go out of style. To us, there is no point in creating a product which looks good only for a season. We choose muted colours, minimalist design without obtrusive branding and simple buckles. That way you will never grow tired of your belt and can enjoy wearing it for many years to come. That is exactly why we can have a permanent collection. 
 5) Total transparency  We are also not cutting any corners and have nothing to hide. We also believe that you have the right to know exactly what you are buying. That is why we are extremely transparent and disclose many information about our materials, artisans, and production techniques. Any supply chain is often much more complex than meets the eye and we are working very hard to unravel it down to the last threat and continuously provide more detailed information on our website. 
 Thank you for your time,  René &amp;amp; Jan  Dalgado Co-founders 
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 Interested to see what it’s all about? Then, take a look at our entire   men’s belt collection  . Be sure to sign up to our newsletter to know about any new product releases and Journal Articles. 
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            </content>

                            <updated>2021-09-04T00:00:00+02:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">CLASSIC VS. BRAIDED BELTS</title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-differences-of-classic-and-braided-belts</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/the-differences-of-classic-and-braided-belts"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            We are taking a closer look at the two main categories of belts: Classic and Braided Belts. We’ll get into their respective characteristics, give tips on when to wear which, and explain how to blend them with an outfit.
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
  CLASSIC VS. BRAIDED BELTS  
  The Knowledge  
   
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 In the belt world, there are 2 main types: classic and braided belts. Both have been around for many years and look best in different situations. We are going to take a closer look at their respective characteristics, give tips on when to wear which, and explain how to blend them with an outfit. 
  Classic Belts  Classic belts have been around longer and are always made of leather. As the name foreshadows, classic belts work best with formal wear. Yet, there are nuances as well. A general rule of thumb says the smoother the leather, the more formal the belt. So, patent or smooth leather is more formal than suede, nubuck or grain leather. 
 It is very common for classic belts to have fine stitching or flattened edges and a simple silver buckle, which gives the belt a more refined look compared to a Jeans belt with straight edges and bulky buckles. When it comes to width, classic belts are slimmer with a strap width between 3-3.5cm/1.2-1.4in whereas Jeans belts will have a strap width of 4+cm/1.6i+in. Belts below 3cm/1.2in also fall in the more casual category. 
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  Braided Belts   Braided belts are the more casual alternative to classic belts and offer a vast array of colours, patterns, and materials. The most formal option amongst woven belts are braided belts made of smooth leather such as our hand-braided belts. One step down, are braided suede belts. It is the perfect blend between casual and formalwear making them extremely versatile and especially applicable to a casual chic wardrobe. Next down the ladder are monochrome viscose and wool belts. These kinds of belts are a bit too casual for formalwear but render themselves nicely for smart casual outfits and casual outfits. Lastly, there are multi-colour viscose belts which are best paired with casual summer outfits. 
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  When to wear what   As with fashion in general, it is best to choose your belt and its texture depending on the occasion. Black tie event or official work meeting in a more traditional industry? Go for a thinner smooth or patent leather belt. More casual work set-ups which calls for a smart casual wardrobe? Go for classic suede belts or slightly wider smooth leather belts, braided leather belts, or monochrome viscose belts. Summerly or casual outfits? Lean towards braided suede belts, multi- or uni-coloured viscose belts, and jeans belts. 
  Pairing shoes and belts  It is no secret that pairing shoes and belts in formalwear is an unwritten rule. Why, you might ask? The answer is simple: it looks good. It frames your outfit nicely and lays a very solid foundation to build on. But does that mean that pairing shoes and belts is also a good idea for more casual outfits? Again, the answer is simple: yes! Why wouldn&#039;t it be? The guideline to match shoes and belts has existed for decades because it looks good. So, use it to your advantage. Simple dial down the formality of your shoes and match the belt accordingly. 
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 To make things as easy as possible, we have a matching classic and braided belt to every one of our sneakers. You can even find matching viscose belts for those casual summer outfits. 
 For an in depth guide to belts, check out our   ultimate belt guide  . 
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            </content>

                            <updated>2021-02-12T00:00:00+01:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">WHY WE CHOOSE MINIMAL BRANDING</title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/why-we-choose-minimal-branding</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/why-we-choose-minimal-branding"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            We started Dalgado with the goal to create products that transcend seasons and trends. Opting for minimal branding was a natural consequence for us in order to achieve timeless designs. 
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
  WHY WE CHOOSE MINIMAL BRANDING  
  The Story  
   
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 Branding needs to be loud to cut through the clutter of all the other brands, it needs to be memorable, it needs to be unique. We have heard and read this and similar things countless times. There might even be something to it, but it’s not our style. We like to keep things neat, simple, and clean. 
 That’s exactly why we have chosen minimal branding. For all of our products, all branding is always neatly tucked and always unobtrusive. The reason for that is very simple. We believe that wearing any fashion product should never be about the brand but always about you. You are not a billboard for brands. By the contrary, we believe fashion products should be your tools to express your individual style. 
 Besides, by removing any loud branding we can direct the focus on what really matters: quality materials and timeless design. We want to highlight our premium materials and shine a light on the amazing skills of our artisans. Take our Salvatore Gloves for example. There is no visible branding. All you can see is the luxurious Peccary leather and the accurate thread carefully hand-sewn by a master glove maker. The same goes for our sneakers. All unnecessary stitching was removed to create an ultra-clean silhouette which puts a strong emphasis on our gorgeous Gold-rated Italian leathers. Same thing with our belts. Only on the lining leather, you will find a small logo embossing. 
 Our deliberate move to minimal branding has allowed us to create truly timeless designs which transcend seasons and trends. To us, that is the definition of slow fashion, and we are committed to stay the course no matter what anyone says. 
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 In our last Journal article we wrote about the design philosophy behind our Norberto Sneakers. If you want to learn more about it click   here  . 
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            </content>

                            <updated>2021-02-03T00:00:00+01:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">INTRODUCING OUR NORBERTO LOW-TOPS </title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/introducing-our-norberto-low-tops</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/introducing-our-norberto-low-tops"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            We are taking a closer look at our very popular cloud grey Norberto Low Tops and dive deeper into the design concept, materials used, and styling inspirations.
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
  OUR NORBERTO LOW-TOPS  
  Introducing  
   
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 Our Norberto Low-Tops have been very popular in 2020 and are definitely one of our personal favourites as well. The sneakers were designed with Da Vinci’s famous quote in mind: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”. With its ultra-clean silhouette, reduced detailing, and unobtrusive branding, the Sneakers are the perfect choice for minimalist sneaker lovers. 
 Instead of focusing on a loud design, we put all of our attention on what really matters for a sneaker: quality and comfort. The sneakers are expertly handcrafted in Portugal of beautifully soft cloud-grey LWG gold-rated Italian suede leather from famed Mastrotto Tannery. The cushioned tongue, soft full-grain calf leather lining, and durable Margom outsoles provide an incredible wearing comfort throughout the day and for many years to come. 
 To really bring alive the Sneakers, we highly recommend pairing them with either the matching   Norberto Classic   or   Norberto Braided   Belt. Tying your outfit together with matching shoes and belts makes for an effortless casual chic appearance. To switch things up and create a more summerly look, you can also exchange the grey laces with the extra pair of white laces included in the shoe box. 
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 To take a look at the entire Norberto Collection, click   here  . 
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            </content>

                            <updated>2021-01-26T00:00:00+01:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">YOUR FAVOURITES OF 2020</title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/your-favourites-of-2020</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/your-favourites-of-2020"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            We are looking back at your favourite Dalgado pieces of last year. There are a few new products that made the Top 10 list but also a few all-time favourites as our grey braided suede belt Francesco and our black classic belt Robert. 
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
  FAVOURITES OF 2020  
  Best of  
   
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 2020 was a challenging year for everyone. Which makes us all the more grateful that, despite everything, you kept supporting us and we now have thousands of happy customers in over 40 countries. To show you what other Dalgado fans bought last year, we put together a list of the Top 10 Favourites of 2020. 
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 ALFREDO  SUEDE SNEAKER  
 First on the list, is our Alfredo Sneaker. Handcrafted of beautiful blue suede leather from world-renown Mastrotto Tannery and harmoniously paired with a blue outsole, the sneaker makes for the perfect minimalist footwear choice. Extremely popular have also been the matching   Alfredo classic   and   braided belt   option to round off the outfit. 
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 EDOARDO  BRAIDED BELT  
 The Edoardo belt has been one of our favourites ever since its release in 2018. Composed of beautiful brown Italian suede leather, dark brown vegetable-tanned full-grain leather tips and a brushed silver buckle, the belt is extremely versatile and looks especially beautiful when paired with brown suede shoes. 
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 ALESSIO  DEER LEATHER GLOVES  
 Similar to the Edoardo, the Alessio has been one of re-occurring bestsellers. Handcrafted in Italy of beautifully soft and remarkably durable black deerskin, the gloves can easily bridge the transition from casual to more formal outfits. Paired with super soft 100% cashmere lining, the gloves will keep your hands war even during the coldest winter days. 
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 FRANCESCO  BRAIDED BELT  
 The Francesco is the perfect belt for minimalist wardrobe enthusiasts. Beautiful Italian grey suede leather lined with matching grey rayon and paired with a sleek silver solid brass buckle makes the belt an extremely versatile accessory for putting the finishing touches on your outfit. 
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 LEÓN  CHRONOGRAPH  
 Meticulously crafted by revered watch makers in Augsburg, Germany, of premium quality Swiss components, the Bauhaus style watch embodies timeless understated luxury. Paired with a first of its kind handmade full-organic leather strap, the Léon Chronograph is the perfect companion no matter the occasion. Léon came to life in a close collaboration with a dear friend of ours and is limited to a small quantity. There are only very few pieces left. 
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 RENATO  BRAIDED BELT  
 Hand-braided in Italy of beautiful lush vegetable-tanned cognac full-grain leather with a slimmer width of 3cm/1.2in, the Renato is the perfect belt of choice for a more classic outfit. Paired with its simple silver buckle, the belt is a great way to accentuate an outfit without directing too much attention to your waistline. 
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 BRUNO  BRAIDED BELT  
 Hand-braided in Italy of beautiful lush vegetable-tanned cognac full-grain leather with a slimmer width of 3cm/1.2in, the Renato is the perfect belt of choice for a more classic outfit. Paired with its simple silver buckle, the belt is a great way to accentuate an outfit without directing too much attention to your waistline. 
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 NORBERTO  SUEDE SNEAKER  
 The Norberto Sneakers have been an absolute favourite amongst minimal sneaker lovers. The combination of beautiful light grey suede and crisp white Margom outsoles makes the Norberto the perfect choice of footwear for the spring and summer months. Combined with light grey, white, blue, and beige colour palettes, the sneakers look absolutely amazing, especially when paired with the matching   Norberto Classic   or   Braided Belt  . 
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 CAMILLO  PECCARY GLOVE  
 Hand-stitched by revered master glove makers in Italy according to traditional French method, the Camillo is one of our most intricate accessories. There are only very few glove makers left in the world who are skilled enough to hand-stitch the luxurious Peccary leather into a finished pair of gloves which will only get more beautiful with time. If you are looking for a true gem of Italian handicraft, the Camillo is the perfect choice for you. 
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 ROBERTO  CLASSIC BELT  
 With its combination of premium black leather and a sleek silver solid brass buckle with a precious Palladio 0,20 micron finishing, the Roberto is the ultimate staple accessory which deserves a place in every men’s wardrobe. Expertly handcrafted in Germany of gold-rated full-grain leather from Italy, the belt will most certainly pass the test of time and never go out of style. 
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 Whether it&#039;s a grey classic, braided, suede or wool belt, there are many ways to style a grey belt. Click   here   to read our styling tips. 
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            </content>

                            <updated>2021-01-14T00:00:00+01:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">HOW TO STYLE GREY BELTS</title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/how-to-style-grey-belts</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/how-to-style-grey-belts"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            After having frequently been asked how to best style grey belts, we have put together a comprehensive guide featuring all of our grey belts.
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
  HOW TO STYLE GREY BELTS  
  Style Inspiration  
   
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 For most men, grey is not the first colour that comes to mind when thinking about belts. Yet, especially in a more casual chic minimalist wardrobe grey often plays an important role and the question which belt to choose comes up frequently. That is why we put together several outfit ideas to help you style your grey belts. 
 The general rule of thumb to colour-match shoes and belts is always good advise to keep in mind. Yet, sometimes it might be a better option to blend the belt with the rest of the outfit. That is often the case during the warmer months when white sneakers are a very popular footwear choice. We wrote an entire article about this topic   here  . Taking a completely different direction, you can also contrast the belt to make it stand out from the rest of the outfit. For more information about belts, check out our   ultimate belt guide  . 
 &amp;nbsp; 
 JAVIER  CLASSIC BELT  
 First on the list is our Javier belt which is the most classic grey belt in our collection. Despite its more classic look, it has several modern elements which makes it easy to use the belt for both more formal and casual outfits. The Javier has no stitching but flattened edges which gives it a slimmer appearance. Additionally, whereas most classic men’s belts have smooth leather, the Javier is made of premium full-grain Spanish pebble leather which gives the belt a slightly more casual character. Lastly, instead of a regular silver buckle, the belt is finished with a specialised matte light grey brass buckle. 
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 GIOVANNI  WOOL BELT  
 Next up is our elastic wool belt Giovanni. It is made of extremely durable grey wool and paired with strong dark-brown vegetable-tanned Italian leather tips guaranteeing a very long lifetime. The wool is stretchable up to 20cm/8in and can be tied wherever it fits best providing outmost comfort. Wool belts work well with regular cotton chinos but will look especially nice with linen shorts, pants or shirts in the summer and flannel and thicker wool pants as well as wool knitwear in the winter. By combining both grey and brown elements in your outfit, you can use the Giovanni to tie the outfit together nicely. 
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 FRANCESCO  BRAIDED SUEDE BELT  
 The Francesco has been one of our best-sellers ever since its release. The combination of dark grey Italian suede and a sleek silver solid brass buckles makes the Francesco the perfect belt for casual chic outfits. It looks especially good when paired with shades of grey or earthy tones. 
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 NICOLÒ  HAND-BRAIDED BELT  
 This is one of our most sartorial grey belts. It is hand-braided by our artisan belt makers in Italy of premium grey vegetable-tanned full-grain leather. The braid pattern still makes for a more casual character but due to its smooth leather and the simple silver buckle, the belt can also be paired with formalwear. 
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 BRUNELLO  BRAIDED SUEDE BELT  
 The Gianluca belt is another very popular piece in our collection. Crafted of velvety sand-beige suede leather from Italy, it is the perfect belt for the summer months. It looks especially great when paired with beige, blue, white, and light grey colours. A very popular look for the fall months are light blue jeans, a white shirt, our Brunello belt and matching suede sneakers. 
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 FLAVIO  WOOL BELT  
 Our Flavio belt is the counter-part to the Giovanni belt introduced earlier. Instead of brown finishes it has black ones and a gunmetal coloured buckle. Similar to the Giovanni belt, we recommend letting the belt draw in the colours of a grey and black outfit. 
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 THE PERFECT MATCH 
 As already mentioned, matching belts and shoes is always a good idea to round up your outfit. Yet, sometimes that is much easier said than done. That is why we have created perfectly matching belts and sneakers. 
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 NORBERTO  BELTS &amp;amp; SNEAKERS  
 The Norberto Classic is the classic belt in our Norberto line. The belt is handmade in Germany of beautifully soft grey suede leather and durable vegetable-tanned full-grain lining leather. With its clean silver brass buckle, the belt can be easily dressed up or down depending on the occasion. The matching minimalist Norberto sneakers are handmade in Portugal of the exact same water-repellent suede leather. To give you a larger variety, we also have a matching braided and viscose belt option in our collection. 
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 UMBERTO  BELT &amp;amp; SNEAKERS  
 The idea is the same as with the Norberto line. The Umberto classic belt and sneakers are crafted of a darker grey suede leather from Italy. The gunmetal buckle and the dark sneaker outsoles pair nicely. For a more casual belt option, we also have a dark grey viscose belt which works well with the Umberto sneakers. 
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 If you are still a little unsure how style your grey belt you can always chat with us or send an   email  . To explore our complete men’s belt collection, click   here  . 
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            </content>

                            <updated>2020-06-08T00:00:00+02:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">THE WORLD&#039;S MOST ORGANIC LEATHER WATCH STRAPS</title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/all-about-leather/the-world-s-most-organic-leather-watch-straps</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/all-about-leather/the-world-s-most-organic-leather-watch-straps"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            We use premium organic leather watch straps for our limited timepieces. All our straps are handmade in Germany and are certified organic. Here you can read more about the production process of our organic watch straps. 
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
  THE WORLD&#039;S MOST ORGANIC LEATHER WATCH STRAPS  
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 Roughly 95% of all leathers worldwide are chromium-tanned. The remaining 5% are vegetable-tanned. This traditional tanning method is not just more environmentally-friendly but also takes much more time to create which is why it is often very expensive. Of these 5% only very few deserve the label “organic leathers”. In order to attain this coveted quality seal, the leathers not only have to be vegetable-tanned but every single component of the production chain has to be ecological, sustainable and certified organic. Only a tiny fraction of all leathers fulfil these extremely strict requirements. We are very proud that the leather straps of our limited watch collection were awarded the bio-seal allowing us to contribute to a sustainable economy. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Our handmade leather watch straps  
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  What exactly does bio certified mean?   The entire production process of our bio watch straps is “Biokreis” certified. Biokreis supports producers and processors with the production and marketing of their bio products. It was established in 1979 and favours regional structures and rural agriculture. The requirements of the Biokreis-Guidelines are way beyond the EU organic regulations and only leathers which fulfil all steps of the strict organically certified production chain will receive the desired Biokreis seal. The compliance with the criteria is fully and regularly controlled by the testing institute LACON. If not rectified, violations of the guidelines will lead to a revocation of the seal. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Our watches with our premium leather watch straps  
 &amp;nbsp; 
  The organically certified production chain  
  1. Certified Organic Farms  In order to receive an organic certification, the farms need to guarantee an animal welfare approved husbandry and a sustainable supply chain. Besides, only non-GM feed may be used. 
  2. Certified Organic Abattoirs  Bio animals need to be slaughtered separately from other animals and the suffering of the animals have to be kept at an absolute minimum. That is why short transportation routes are vital in order to reduce the stress of the animals. Compliance with these guidelines are regularly reviewed. It has to be expressly stated that all of the hides which eventually turn into the leathers for our watch bands are side products of the meat industry which would have to be disposed of if not used. 
  3. Certified Organic Tanneries  As mentioned above, tanneries are obliged to use the vegetable-tanning method. Additionally, the surfaces of the leathers have to remain as natural as possible and also be chromium-free and allergy-friendly. The natural and vegetable tanning method gives our watch bands not only a beautiful feel and excellent wearing comfort but makes them also especially eco-friendly, health-friendly and long-lived. It is for that reason that our watch bands are not just awarded with the Biokreis seal but also the ECARF seal for particularly allergy-friendly products. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Our leather watch straps are Bio-Kreis and ECARF certified  
 &amp;nbsp; 
  4. Certified Organic Watch Strap Manufactory  Finally, our straps are handmade and hand-stitched in our watch strap manufactory and the organically certified production chain comes full circle. The proud result is premium watch straps which are 100% organic and of inimitable quality. 
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   All of our watch straps are handmade in Germany  
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  Here  you can take a look at our watch collection with our organic watch straps. 
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            </content>

                            <updated>2019-10-22T12:00:00+02:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">MEN&#039;S PECCARY GLOVES BUYING GUIDE</title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/men-s-peccary-gloves-buying-guide</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/men-s-peccary-gloves-buying-guide"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            Peccary leather gloves are considered are the most luxurious leather gloves. There are many factors which makes these gloves so expensive and we’ll take a close look at what makes them so special. 
                                        ]]>
            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
  MEN&#039;S PECCARY GLOVES BUYING GUIDE  
 &amp;nbsp; 
 Peccary gloves are amongst the most luxurious and intricate leather items in all of fashion. In the following, we’ll take a close look at what makes Peccary gloves so special, how they are crafted, and why they are so expensive. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Our handmade Peccary leather glove   Ciro    
 &amp;nbsp; 
  Where does Peccary Leather come from?   Peccaries are wild animals which are indigenous to the southwest part of North America, Central America, and South America. The legal hunt of peccaries is under rigid CITES-Regulation which controls the number of peccaries that are allowed to be hunted in order to maintain the natural balance of the ecosystem. It is important to note that the leather is only permitted to be sold as a side-product of the legal and sustainable hunt. The raw peccary hides are individually collected and conserved by indigenous hunters and, after many middlemen, finally end up in the tanneries. We will dedicated an entire article to this beautiful leather soon. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Map showing the natural habitat of Peccaries  
 &amp;nbsp; 
  Why are Peccary gloves so expensive?  Apart from the strictly limited supply of Peccary leathers, there are two other factors which contribute to the steep price of peccary gloves: the natural characteristics of the leather and the craftsmanship required to turn it into gloves. 
 Gloving leathers not only need to be warm and durable but also flexible enough to offer freedom of movements to the fingers all the while fitting like a second skin. Only very few leathers have these distinctive properties and Peccary is most certainly one of them. It is not only incredibly supple and warm but also astonishingly durable. It is unlikely you will ever destroy Peccary if used normally and the leather will only get softer with time. Additionally, the leather is very breathable which will keep your hands warm without them becoming sweaty. Authentic Peccary leather shows a beautiful unique 3-prong pores pattern giving it a timeless elegant look. Peccary gloves can only be hand-sewn as the machine might harm the leather and there is only a hand full of master glove makers left in the world with the necessary skillset to craft Peccary gloves. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Our Peccary gloves are skillfully handcrafted in Naples, Italy  
 &amp;nbsp; 
  Handcrafted in Italy  We are incredibly proud to work with one of the most revered glove master families in the world. Located in Napoli, Italy, they have been crafting gloves of superb quality since the middle of the 19th century for many of the top luxury brands. They have successfully adapted to the times by combining traditional craftsmanship and skills handed-down from generation to generation with modern technology. Every single production step from the inspection of the leathers, over the cutting and sewing of the leather, to the ironing is done 100% in house. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
  The Complex Crafting Process of Our Peccary Gloves  After a rigorous quality check, only the best leathers are worked by a master glove cutter to optimizes the natural stretch of the leather for the perfect fit. Then, the leathers are table-cut, stretched again, and machine-cut with the help of size forms. Next, the gloves are marked, cut, and decorated with points and vents. Then, the leather pieces and soft cashmere lining are hand-stitched together by several seamstresses. Finally, the gloves are carefully ironed to remove any remaining wrinkles and quality-checked one last time. 
 It can take up to 6 people, over 100 processing steps, 2000 stitches, and up to 8 hours to transform the materials into our Peccary gloves making them not just a regular accessory but a true piece of Italian handicraft. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Our handmade Peccary glove   Camillo    
 &amp;nbsp; 
  How to Wear Peccary Gloves  Since Peccary leather is thicker than, for example, Nappa leather and the gloves are hand-stitched on the outside, they have a slightly chunkier look which works best for more casual chic attires as compared to formal evening clothes. The optic and grain pattern of peccary leather looks amazing when paired with wool or flannel. For many more insights into glove etiquette, take a look at our   complete men’s glove guide  . 
 &amp;nbsp; 
  Special Detailing  A general rule of thumb says the simpler the glove the more formal its look. That is why we decided to keep our Peccary gloves rather clean with only few detailing. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Closeups of our Peccary leather gloves showing the points, vents and lining  
 &amp;nbsp; 
  Points  Points are the raised lines of decorative stitching on the backside of the glove which diverge in a waving pattern. Even though you can find varying numbers of points, most dress gloves have three. It is the classic design and most elegant look which is why all of our gloves have three hand-sewn points. 
  Vents  Vents are small openings at the base of the back side or on the sides of the gloves. They make it easier to put on and take off the gloves while also offering flexibility at the wrist. We have added this handy detail to all of our Peccary gloves. 
  Linings  For temperatures below 5°C/41°F, we usually recommend glove lining to keep your hands warm. There are many different kinds of linings and only rare luxury leather gloves are lined with incredibly soft and warm cashmere. All of our Peccary gloves have a natural-coloured cashmere lining guaranteeing to keep your hands warm even during the coldest winter days. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Our Peccary gloves    Ciro    (left),    Camillo    (middle) and    Maurizio    (right)  
 &amp;nbsp; 
  Where to Find Premium Quality Peccary Gloves?  Genuine Peccary leather gloves usually retail anywhere between 275€ and 900€. This extremely high price is due to the production costs, middlemen, retailers, and luxury mark-ups. We only charge for the actual production costs with a small mark-up which is why we can offer premium Peccary leather gloves for only 195€. We have looked everywhere and can guarantee that you will not be able to find handmade Peccary leather gloves at a better price anywhere else, especially not with cashmere lining. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
     
 &amp;nbsp; 
 &amp;nbsp; 
 For questions regarding sizing, take a look   here  . In case you have any further questions about our gloves, designs, glove manufactory etc. simply send us an    email   . 
 &amp;nbsp; 
 &amp;nbsp; 
                ]]>
            </content>

                            <updated>2019-10-15T01:15:00+02:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">THE ULTIMATE MEN&#039;S LEATHER GLOVE GUIDE</title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/the-ultimate-men-s-leather-glove-guide</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/the-ultimate-men-s-leather-glove-guide"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            Handmade leather gloves are considered one of the most intricate leather goods in all of fashion. In our glove guide, you’ll learn everything there is to know about the complicated production process, materials, detailing, and sizing.
                                        ]]>
            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
  THE ULTIMATE MEN&#039;S LEATHER GLOVE GUIDE  
 &amp;nbsp; 
 Handmade leathers gloves are amongst the most complex and intricate leather goods in all of fashion and there are only a handful of master glove makers left in the world who are skilled enough to craft them. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Our handmade deer leather glove   Alessio    
 &amp;nbsp; 
  The Complex Crafting Process of Premium Leather Gloves   Everything starts with the leather. The requirements of gloving leathers are very high. They not only need to be warm and durable but also flexible enough to offer freedom of movements to the fingers all the while fitting like a second skin. Only very few leathers have these distinctive properties which is why they are very expensive. 
 After a rigorous quality check, the best leathers are worked by a master glove cutter who dampens and powders the leather and optimises the natural stretch of the leather for the perfect fit. Then, the leathers are table-cut, stretched again, and machine-cut with the help of size forms. Glove cutting is not only a crucial step to ensure the perfect fit of a glove but also an extremely rare skill. 
 Next, the gloves are marked, cut, and decorated. Then, the leather pieces and lining are stitched together by several seamstresses and seamsters. Finally, the gloves are carefully ironed to remove any remaining wrinkles and quality-checked one last time. It can take up to 6 people, over 100 processing steps, 2000 stitches, and 8 hours to transform the materials into a glove making it not just a regular piece of clothing but a true piece of art carefully put together stitch by stitch. We are incredibly proud to work with one of the most revered glove master families in the world. Located in Napoli, Italy, they have been crafting gloves of superb quality since the middle of the 19th century for many of the top luxury brands.   Here   you can take a look at our full men’s collection. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Our incredible artisans make all of our leather gloves by hand  
 &amp;nbsp; 
  Glove Etiquette  There are many different kinds of gloves reaching from athletic gloves over protective gloves to driving gloves. For the sake of this article, we’ll focus on classic leather dress gloves only. 
 How to pair gloves properly, depends on the occasion and outfit. A general rule of thumb says the more formal the occasion the cleaner the look of the glove. That is why machine-sewn Nappa leather gloves are sometimes preferred for more formal evening outfits and why hand-sewn Peccary, Carpincho, and deer leather gloves work well for more casual chic attires. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
  Gloving Leathers  As mentioned above, the type of gloving leather is one of the most important factors of glove prices and can greatly influence the overall appearance and longevity of a glove. We’ll list the most expensive to more affordable dress glove leathers in descending order. 
  Peccary Leather  Peccary leather is considered to be the rarest and most exclusive gloving leather in the world. It is not only incredibly supple and warm but also astonishingly durable. It is unlikely you will ever destroy Peccary if used normally and the leather will only get softer with time. Authentic Peccary leather shows a beautiful unique 3-prong pores pattern. To pay homage to this beautiful leather, we have dedicated an entire article to it which you can read   here  . 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Our Peccary gloves   Salvatore   (left) and   Ciro   (right)  
 &amp;nbsp; 
 Genuine Peccary leather gloves usually retail anywhere from 275€ to 900€. This extremely high price is due to the production costs, middlemen, retailers, and luxury mark-ups. We only charge for the actual production costs which is why we can offer Peccary leather gloves for only 195€. We have looked everywhere and we can guarantee that you will not be able to find handmade Peccary leather gloves at a better price anywhere else, especially not with cashmere lining.   Here   you can take a look at our whole Peccary collection. 
  Carpincho Leather  Carpincho leather is considered the second most luxurious gloving leather in the world. Like Peccary leather, it is extremely soft with an almost marshmallow-like feel while also being exceptionally durable. Its dotted pore structure gives it an unmistakable appearance which embodies timeless elegance. Yet, despite such amazing properties Carpincho gloves are not easy to find. There is only a handful of glove brands left which offer them and they usually retail around 300-400€. We have a beautiful green and   dark brown   model with cashmere lining in our collection priced at 185€. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Our Carpincho leather gloves   Gianni   (left) and Ettore (right)  
 &amp;nbsp; 
  Deer Leather  Deer leather, also called deerskin, is a great and more affordable alternative to Peccary or Carpincho leather. The leather also combines a great deal of durability and softness with a slightly more pronounced grain pattern which gives it a sportier look making it especially popular with outdoorsy men. We have a big collection of deer leather gloves which are all paired with premium cashmere lining. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Our deer leather gloves   Emanuele   (left) and   Carlo   (right)  
 &amp;nbsp; 
  Nappa Leather  Nappa leather is the most common and most affordable leather used for dress gloves. It distinguishes itself by a beautifully consistent surface pattern and an incredible soft feel. Besides, the leather is much thinner than the other leathers creating its distinctive fine and filigree look which goes well with formal wear. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Detail shots of Nappa Leather gloves  
 &amp;nbsp; 
  Glove Lining  Gloves can either be unlined or lined. Whereas unlined gloves give you the chance to really feel the quality of the leather and craftsmanship directly on the skin it does not really protect your hands from the cold. 
 For temperatures below 5°C/41°F, we usually recommend glove lining to keep your hands warm. There are many different kinds of linings. Cheaper gloves often have polyester or fleece lining and the most common type of lining is wool. Only rare luxury leather gloves are lined with incredibly soft and warm cashmere. All of our gloves have a natural-coloured cashmere lining guaranteeing to keep your hands warm even during the coldest winter days. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Our   Carlo   glove with 100% cashmere lining  
 &amp;nbsp; 
  Glove Detailing  There are many different kinds of decorative details and patterns for gloves. As mentioned above, the simpler the glove the more formal it is. 
  Points  Points are the raised lines of decorative stitching on the backside of the glove which diverge in a waving pattern. Even though you can find varying numbers of points, most dress gloves have three. It is the classic design which simply looks the best which is why all of our gloves have three hand-sewn points. 
  Vents  Vents are small openings at the base of the back side or on the sides of the gloves. They make it easier to put on and take off the gloves while also offering flexibility at the wrist. 
  Closure  An alternative to vents are closure systems such as snap buttons or adjustable straps. Our   Alessio   gloves are an example for that. The closure system offers the option to adjust the fit making sure it fits tightly around your wrist preserving the heat as good as possible. Another option is an elastic closure system as shown with our   Carlo   gloves. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Details of vent (Left:   Emanuele Glove  ), closure (Middle:   Alessio Glove  ), and points (Right:   Camillo Glove  )  
  Stitching  Stitching is one way to add a colourful contrasting detailing to a glove. Keep in mind that the more colourful the glove, the more casual it will become and the more difficult it might be to combine it with the rest of the outfit. That is why we keep our stitching in the same colour as the leather. 
  Quirks   Quirks are diamond-shaped pieces of leather at the base of the fingers. They are an additional complication which are designed to offer a wider range of movement to the fingers. For gloves crafted by master glove cutters who optimise the natural stretch and elasticity of the leather, however, quirks are not really necessary. 
  Exposed Lining  Some gloves like our   Carlo   show a little piece of the lining material by the cuff which is a great way to add some contrasting or complementing colours and to show off the premium lining material. Since the lining goes further up the wrist, it also provides more warmth. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Left: Detailing (  Alessio Glove  ); Right: Exposed lining (  Carlo Glove  )  
 &amp;nbsp; 
  Hand-sewn vs. Machine-sewn   No matter the sewing technique, it requires the knowledge and skill of a highly-experienced sewer to put the leathers and linings together to create a luxury glove. Depending on the design, it can take many hundreds and even thousands of stitches to assemble the gloves. 
  Hand-sewn  As with almost any type of handicraft, it not only takes longer but is also more difficult and costlier to execute than the machine-sewn alternative. As the stitches are placed on the outside, the gloves are a bit chunkier giving them a more casual character. Some leathers, like Peccary and Carpincho leather can only be hand-sewn as the machine might harm the leathers. That is another reason why only very few glove brands still offer these luxury items. Most of our men’s gloves are hand-sewn as we like the more casual look and the craftsmanship necessary to create them. 
  Machine-sewn   Machine-sewn gloves are sewn inside-out creating a cleaner look. That is why machine-sewn gloves are sometimes preferred for formal events. Even though there is less handicraft involved in machine-sewing gloves, it renders the gloves more durable option as the stitching is tighter. You can’t go wrong with either option. It really depends on the look you are going for. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Our handmade deer leather glove   Emanuele    
 &amp;nbsp; 
  Glove Sizing  Whereas cheaper gloves usually come in sizes S, M, L, premium leather gloves are sized according to the French tradition and come in sizes 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9,9.5,10 giving you the option to find the perfect fit for your hands. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
  From Hand Circumference to Glove Size  Finding your proper glove size is actually quite easy. You only need to determine the circumference of your hand, as all the other measurements of your hand usually fall in proportion. To do so, measure your bigger hand, normally your writing hand, at its widest point excluding the thumb with a measuring tape (see illustration). For our complete size guide,   click here  . 
   
 &amp;nbsp; 
  Where to Buy premium quality men’s gloves   You are interested in a pair of quality men’s gloves but you are not sure where to find them? We have a wide selection of Peccary, Carpincho and Deer leather gloves all 100% handmade in Italy and lined with luxurious cashmere. Since we sell directly to you, we can offer premium handmade gloves at much lower prices than other glove brands. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
     
 &amp;nbsp; 
 &amp;nbsp; 
 In case you have any further questions about our gloves, designs, sizing etc. send us an email to    customercare@dalgado.de    
 &amp;nbsp; 
 &amp;nbsp; 
                ]]>
            </content>

                            <updated>2019-10-14T13:00:00+02:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">IN CONVERSATION WITH KOIZTRA</title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/in-conversation-with-koiztra</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/in-conversation-with-koiztra"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            We had the chance to talk to men&#039;s fashion enthusiast and influencer @Koiztra about his fashion philosophy, style tips and his hometown Amsterdam.
                                        ]]>
            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
  IN CONVERSATION WITH KOIZTRA  
   10th March 2019   
   Our braided Suede belt   Francesco  , curated by  @koiztra .  
 &amp;nbsp; 
 If you are interested in men’s fashion and photography we have someone we would like you to meet - Kars Kooistra aka  @koiztra . We’ve been following him on Instagram for quite some time now and are big fans of his work. His style is influenced by Scandinavian fashion so you know you can expect a lot of basic colours and minimalistic styles. He specialises in flat lays where he curates up and coming as well as more established brands that share his values of design, quality and craftsmanship. So, this week, we spoke to him about his fashion philosophy, style tips and his hometown Amsterdam. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   First of all, what should Men’s fashion be?   
 Effortless, empowering, good quality fabrics. 
   Your feed embodies the philosophy of the understated chic. Where does your passion for a minimal wardrobe come from?   
 It’s the feeling I get when I wear something that looks simple but the details show it’s true nature. I really appreciate the fact that designers put a lot of thought and love in designing an item that doesn’t use a flashy Off-White or Supreme logo to sell itself. No it is the use of the right fabric, it’s construction, it’s timeless look that appeals to me. It really is less is more. 
   What made you decide to start your Instagram account and what are the challenges you are facing?   
 I have always been interested in photography and fashion and I found Instagram to be the ideal platform to combine these two interests. I think the biggest challenge always is how do you evolve? I shoot flat lays, so how do I keep these interesting for myself and my followers overtime. Especially with flat lays this can be hard, you either need a gigantic wardrobe or new ways of displaying your content. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   
 &amp;nbsp; 
   What’s your go to outfit when you are pressed for time?   
 Definitely white sneakers, grey toned trousers and a navy blue knit. 
   What is your most admired piece of simple timeless design?   
 It’s a very simple Pulsar watch that I own. It has a clean white dial plate and a simple black strap. It has the most value to me as it was the watch of my grandfather who has always been my hero, and with the watch being more than 65 years old I am really happy and appreciative of the craftsmanship as it still works like a charm. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Which style tip would you give others?   
 Buy less but buy better. And make sure it fits! 
   You’ve got 100 € , what will you spend it on?   
 I can’t decide so I’ll mention the few things that come to mind. As it’s still cold here I need a good pair of gloves, I also have an issue with all my electronic gadgets scattering through my bag so a leather pouch for that or the new Asket Raw denim jeans. 
   Amsterdam is an extremely picturesque city. Are there any spots in particular where you like to go and take pictures?   
 To be honest I hardly take pictures in Amsterdam. It’s so normal to me that I sometimes don’t see the beauty of it. But if you visit Amsterdam, the canals are always a good spot, the area of the “negen straatjes” which has beautiful old architecture and great boutiques. 
   The Finishing Touches. What are the most important accessories?   
 Every man should have a great fragrance, timeless watch (don’t go Apple watch please), a great belt and if you are into it a very subtle bracelet. And for the summer add a pair of classic Ray Ban’s. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   
 &amp;nbsp; 
   You have been using our Francesco belt. What is it that you like about it?   
 It’s the effortless chic look! It’s just the right tone of grey, the material is of such a high quality and I just love braided belts. I believe they are the perfect belt style for a smart casual look! 
 Y  ou are currently specialised in flat lays. Do you have plans in the future to extend your picture palette?   
 I want to experiment with more depth in my shots, different backgrounds and more detailed shots. I don’t see myself moving into “lifestyle” or “full body” shots. These take more time and more dependencies for a great outcome. One of the benefits of flat lays is that I can plan a head and shoot multiple outfits at the same time. This helps tremendously with being able to consistently post, which I believe is very important. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Finally, what are three of your favourite Instagram Accounts?   
 I don’t really have favourites as there are so many amazing accounts. But these are ones that have really impressed me and got me buzzing: 
 1.  @Qrissnead : He has such a minimal style, and a cool mood in his shots. Love how he plays with shades and the colour of his locations  2.  @perpetualpaces : Just look at his feed. I’m just in love with the photo’s, the vibe he and his better half  @perpetualplaces  create and edit of the photo’s.  3.  @theaestheticminimalist : If someones get’s understated chic then it definitely is Val Lin. Besides being jealous of his wardrobe he has a great eye for composition and always creates interesting shots. 
 We also gave an interview, which you can find on Koiztra&#039;s   website  . Also, check out Koiztra&#039;s   Instagram   and give him a follow. He clearly deservers it. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
 &amp;nbsp; 
                ]]>
            </content>

                            <updated>2019-03-10T16:00:00+01:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">WHICH BELT TO WEAR WITH WHITE SNEAKERS</title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/which-belt-to-wear-with-white-sneakers</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/which-belt-to-wear-with-white-sneakers"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            White sneakers are one of the most popular fashion pieces for the summer. They look fresh and work with almost any outfit. Yet, finding the right belt to pair with white sneakers can be a bit tricky. We show you how it’s done. 
                                        ]]>
            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
  WHICH BELT TO WEAR WITH WHITE SNEAKERS  
  Here is how you get white right  
   Our handmade full-grain leather belt   Gaspard    
 &amp;nbsp; 
 Summer is in full swing and stylish summer outfits can be spotted everywhere. During this time of the year there aren’t many other fashion pieces which are more popular than a pair of white sneakers. 
 White sneakers are awesome: they look crisp, refreshing und work with almost any outfit. That is until you start thinking about your belt. “Which belt do I pair with white sneakers?”, is one of the questions we get asked most often by our male customers. Most men know that you should match your belt colour with your shoe colour and they don’t know what to do with their white sneakers. You shouldn’t wear a white belt, right? Right! Unless you are golfing or rocking an All-White outfit, white belts are usually not the greatest choice. Of course, everyone can decide for themselves but it is a good rule of thumb to stay away from white belts. So, the answer is simple: Match the belt with the rest of your outfit. Use the belt to tie your pants and t-shirt, shirt, sweater or blazer together. General fashion guidelines are great as long as you don’t get stifled by them. 
 Here are some outfit inspirations for how to pair belts with white sneakers. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Our black handmade leather belt   Alberto    
   Our wool belts   Antonio   (left) and   Federico   (right)  
   Our braided suede belt   Brunello    
   Our braided belts   Federico   (left) and   Gilberto   (right)  
   Our braided suede belt Riccardo  
 &amp;nbsp; 
 If you are still looking for a crisp pair of white sneakers for the summer months, take a look at our Pierre Sneakers. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
     
 &amp;nbsp; 
 As you can see, it is no problem dressing up or down with white sneakers. Click here to see our complete   men’s belt collection  . Let us know if you have any questions or need some styling tips by shooting us an   email  . You can also show off your white sneaker outfit by tagging @dalgado_official in your Insta post. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
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                ]]>
            </content>

                            <updated>2018-08-03T00:00:00+02:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">BELTS WITHOUT HOLES</title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/belts-without-holes</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/belts-without-holes"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            Braided belts don’t have any pre-determined holes allowing you to the tie the belt wherever it fits best offering the outmost level of comfort and customisability. Learn more about braided belts and get some style inspiration. 
                                        ]]>
            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
  BELTS WITHOUT HOLES  
  Get the customised perfect fit every time  
   Our elastic wool belt   Fabiano    
 &amp;nbsp; 
 When thinking of belts, the classic belt with 5 holes probably comes to mind. For the most part, 5 holes offer plenty of options, especially when buying the right belt size to begin with - if you are not entirely sure how to do that, have a look at our   belt size guide  . Sometimes, however, it might cause some discomfort when being in-between holes and going for the smaller size or cause for some dissatisfaction when opting for the bigger size causing the belt to fit loosely. Neither is particularly ideal. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Left: Our handmade leather belt Mathis; Right: Our braided suede belt   Gilberto    
 &amp;nbsp; 
 Luckily, there is a very viable alternative: braided belts. They come in a wide variety of colours and materials such as wool, polyester, nylon, cork, rayon or leather. Many woven belts don’t have any predetermined holes and share the same customisable features allowing to tie the belt wherever it fits best. Some belts, like our   wool belts  , even go one step further and offer the ability to stretch the belt offering the outmost level of comfort. 
 Belts without holes are usually considered more casual belts and are not the first choice for more formal occasions. Yet, they definitely work like a charm for casual chic outfits when paired correctly. Our   Antonio  , for example, makes for a nice addition to a simple yet elegant outfit which is a good choice for virtually any occasion. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   
   Our wool belts   Antonio   (top) and Alessandro (bottom)  
 &amp;nbsp; 
 Yet, there is a great middle way to bring together the comfort of braided belts and the smart look of dress belts: braided leather belts. A great example are our   braided suede belts   which work well with Chelsea Boots, Desert Boots, loafers or dress shoes made of same-coloured suede leather. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Our braided suede belts   Gilberto   (left) and   Brunello   (right)  
 &amp;nbsp; 
 Even though most people consider braided belts more fitted for men, they are also a fantastic choice for women. Not only do they offer the same advantageous fit and comfort properties as their male counterpart but also serve as a great accentuating accessory which can add an intriguing and surprising detail to an outfit. Even better, some elastic woven belts, might serve as both hip and waist belts killing two birds with one stone. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Our elastic braided belt  Alessandra   
 &amp;nbsp; 
 If you are still a little unsure how to find the perfect belt for your occasion, take a look at our extensive belt guide or simply send us an   email  . To explore our complete men’s collection, click   here   and for our women’s collection, click   here  . 
 &amp;nbsp; 
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                ]]>
            </content>

                            <updated>2018-07-05T02:15:00+02:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">THE CONCRET BOX HOUSE</title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/architecture/the-concret-box-house</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/architecture/the-concret-box-house"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            Houston based architecture studio Robertson Design has created an absolutely unique masterpiece of minimal clean architecture. Explore the Concrete Box House and get inspired by the beautiful simple shape and design of this stunning residence.
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
  THE CONCRETE BOX HOUSE  
  A perfectly minimalistic combination of timber and concrete  
   
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 Houston based architecture studio Robertson Design has created an absolutely unique masterpiece of minimal clean architecture. The shape and design of the Concrete Box House was inspired by the reduced aesthetics of Japanese architecture and had three simple concepts as goals: a carefully choreographed entry sequence, material clarity, and sculptural presence. Thereby, the building is composed of three elements - a concrete box, a wooden box, and the low concrete wall that encloses the entry courtyard. 
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 To enter the 2,900 square feet house, one must make his way through a pivoting timber door which interrupts the smooth concrete walls surrounding the house and walk through the Japanese Zen-like courtyard before arriving at the front door. Whereas the fenestration on the front of the house is very limited, the courtyard and numerous skylights fill the interior of the residence with ample natural light. The interior of the Box House is kept simple and minimalistic mirroring the exterior design with its wooden as well as concrete walls. 
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 The ground floor where the kitchen, dining, and living space can be found is kept very open and sleek. The three simple white bedrooms and the library, which are located on the upper floor, stand in marked contrast to the timber and concrete walls that are visible throughout the rest of the residence. 
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 Picture courtesy of Robertson Design. For more stunning projects check out their   website  . 
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            </content>

                            <updated>2018-07-05T00:00:00+02:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">WHY SUEDE BELTS ARE SO POPULAR</title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/why-suede-belts-are-so-popular</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/why-suede-belts-are-so-popular"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            Suede belts bridge the gap between casual and formal outfits. Find out more about suede leather, why it has gained such popularity, and how to wear a suede belt. 
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
  WHY SUEDE BELTS ARE SO POPULAR  
  Discover the sleek, elegant and velvet-like leather that is suede  
   Our braided suede belt   Brunello    
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 Suede leather has been very popular for a long time and continues to be one of the most frequently used leathers in fashion. Suede can be found in virtually all colours and excels due to its soft surface structure. Suede is considered split leather as it is created from the lower part of the hide (Corium) after it is split off the upper grain layer. To get its signature soft touch the leather is sanded and abraded to the point of extreme, almost velvety, softness. Despite close in appearance and feel, suede is softer and more workable than its close cousin nubuck. You’ll find many more information on the difference between nubuck and suede as well as leather quality in general in our   leather grades article  . 
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   Our braided suede leather belts   Edoardo   (left) and Massimiliano (right)  
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 Why are suede belts so popular? 
 As highlighted in our extensive   belt guide  , there are two types of belts: classic and casual. Classic belts, like our Fernando, are generally simple leather belts and considered the belt of choice for the office. Casual belts, on the other side, are made of a wider variety of materials and offer a greater color pallet. Usually mixing a formal outfit with a casual belt and vice versa does not look too great. There is one exception, however, which manages to bridge the gap between formal and casual and works well with virtually any outfit: suede belts. Besides its lush touch and elegant appearance, that is one of the main reasons why they have gained such popularity. It also goes hand in hand with the renaissance of suede Chelsea Boots and suede loafers, moccasins and driving shoes. Not only colour-matching but also material-matching your belt and shoes makes for a great look which shows stylistic sophistication and attention to detail. 
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   Our braided suede belt collection for men. Find them all   here  .  
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 How to pull off the Suede Belt 
 When looking at suede belts, you have to separate braided and non-braided belts. Both work well for casual and formal outfits but braided suede belts lean more towards casual outfits and non-braided ones towards formal outfits. Below you’ll find some outfit ideas for how to rock a woven suede belt. To take a look at our men’s collection, click   here  .&amp;nbsp;All of our woven suede belts, are crafted in Italy by revered artisan. To learn more about our manufactory, click   here  . 
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 How to care for suede 
 The grinded and napped surface structure of suede is a little more susceptible to dirt than full-grain leather. That’s why regular care will ensure a long life of your belt. When in doubt, we recommend professional care but if you intend to clean your suede leather on your own, apply following care instructions: 
 1) Try removing smaller dry stains or scuff marks with a clean bath towel, a clean pencil eraser, an old toothbrush or, ideally, a suede brush. Whichever tool you use, make sure to brush in one consistent direction using short strokes. This will bring up the nap and restore the unique suede texture. 
 2) For smaller stains which are still wet, place a paper towel on them and affix the towel with a weight. The towel might absorb the fluids. Afterwards use one of the tools mentioned above to bring up the nap enough to make the stain invisible. 
 3) In case of heavier stains or scuff marks, try using a suede cleaning block. Brush gentle in the same direction and then brush away the remaining residue with your fingers. You can also try rubbing off the stains with a damp towel and some white vinegar. The vinaigrette smell will fade over time. 
 4) For oil stains, apply a special degreaser leather cleaner for suede on the stain with a cloth and bring the nap up with a suede brush. 
 5) Avoid using any chemical stain removers. 
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 In case you have any further questions or need some style advice, just send us an   email   and we’ll gladly help out. 
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            </content>

                            <updated>2018-07-04T00:00:00+02:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">A MEN&#039;S GUIDE TO FINDING THE PERFECT BELT</title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/a-men-s-guide-to-finding-the-perfect-belt</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/a-men-s-guide-to-finding-the-perfect-belt"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            Finding the perfect belt is not as easy as it might seem. There is a lot more to belts than meets the eye. With our in-depth men’s belt guide, you’ll learn everything there is to know about belts. 
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
  A MEN’S GUIDE TO FINDING THE PERFECT BELT  
 &amp;nbsp; 
 Let’s be honest, buying a belt is easy, right? You just go in a department store, pick out a 4mm thick black or brown leather strap with a shiny silver or golden buckle and call it a day. In the end, who really cares about a belt? You can hardly see it anyway. Well, if that is enough for you that is great. 
 If, however, you are interested in turning your belt from a merely functional accessory to an accessory capable of making a fashion-forward style statement, then this article is for you. Taste is different for everyone but an ill-fitting or poorly-matched belt can ruin an outfit. Our belt guide will show you how you can step up your belt game. 
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  When to Wear a Belt  
 As described in our   History of the Belt  &amp;nbsp;article, belts used to be exclusively functional accessory. Over time, however, the belt transformed its identity to one of the most important decorative accessories for men. 
 The rule is simple: If your pants have belt loops, wear a belt. Leaving the loops empty looks like you forgot something. That goes especially for formal attire, when your shirt is tucked in. A chic alternative to belts are suspenders. Yet, keep in mind not to wear a belt and suspenders at the same time. 
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  Belt Fit &amp;amp; Size Guide  
 First things first. Finding the proper size for your belt is essential. That is why we dedicated an entire   article   to the topic of how you can find your perfect belt size. We’ll just give you a brief summary here: 
 Belts usually have 5 holes. The variety of holes gives your body some room for changes and allows you to wear pants made of various thicknesses and to tuck your shirt in or not. Ideally, though, you want the belt to fit so that the buckle pin goes exactly through the middle hole. That will leave you with about 15cm/6in of leather to the left of the buckle once it’s fastened. When in doubt, err on the short side but make sure to have enough to tuck the belt under the first belt loop. Wrapping a long tail of residual leather around your hip or having the tip of the belt hang down loosely is a no-no (the later can sometimes work for casual outfits but you really need to know what you are doing for it not to look like a fashion sin). 
 The only proper and logical way to measure belt sizes is from the inner edge of the buckle, where belt buckle and buckle pin meet, to the middle hole. The total belt length will then be the belt size plus about 15cm/6in. 
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 The quickest and easiest way to get your belt size is by adding three inches to your pants waist size (some sources recommend adding 2in but we’ve made better experiences with 3in). That should give you a pretty good estimate. You’ll also find our sizing chart in the Details &amp;amp; Sizing dropdown menu of every belt. Braided belts allow you to tie the belt wherever it fits the you best guaranteeing ultimate wearing comfort. That’s another reason why they are a great choice for casual outfits when you want to be comfortable but still look good. 
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   Our braided suede leather belt   Edoardo    
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  Classic vs Casual Belts  
 Belts typically fall into one of two categories: Classic Belts and Casual Belts. Classic belts (also referred to as dress or formal belts) are usually worn with suits or more formal attire and are always made of leather. Casual belts come in a wide variety of materials, such as wool, polyester, nylon or leather, and come in an array of different colours. As the name says, casual belts go with casual outfits. 
 Some belts manage to bridge the gap between classic and casual styles. Braided leather belts like our   woven suede belts   or our   full-grain leather belts   work well with both casual and formal outfits when paired correctly. 
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   Left: Our blue full-grain leather belt   Rémy  ; Right: Our braided suede leather belt   Brunello  .  
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  Belt Processing  
 Belts are by no means the most complex accessory out there. Yet, there is more to belts than meets the eye. Knowing some of the technical aspects will help you pick the perfect belt for your occasion. 
  Width  Men’s belts come in different widths which can generally be categorised as follows: 
 4cm/1.6in: Jeans 3.5cm/1.4in: Multipurpose 3.2cm/1.3in: Classic 3cm/1.2in: Classic  2.5cm/1in: Casual 
 A 3.5cm/1.4in belt offers the greatest variety of wearing options and is ideal for a more casual chic style. That is why all of our belts are 3.5cm/1.4in wide. Of course, you can also dress up or down a 3.5cm/1.4in belt if it matches the rest of your outfit. 4cm/1.6in is usually reserved for Jeans but can also be worn with other casual outfits. 3.2cm/1.3in and 3cm/1.2in are classic dress belt widths. 2.5cm/1in works well with casual summer outfits. Of course, the material of the belt plays a major role, too. So, a 3cm/1.2in braided nylon belt, for example, wouldn’t be the greatest match with a suit. 
  Edges  There are 4 belt edge styles (from left to right): plain straight edges, raised with flattened edges without stitching, straight edges with stitching, raised with flattened edges and stitching. 
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 Plain straight edges are the most casual looking belt style and the primary choice for Jeans belts. Flattened edges with stitching is the most classic look and often used for dress belts. Flattened edges without the stitching and straight edges with stitching are more modern belt styles which combine the best of the other two styles: they look elegant without being too formal. 
  Leather Layering  Many people think of belts as one thick piece of leather. Yet, that usually only applies to Jeans belts creating the distinctive rustic look. Good quality classic belts are made of two separate leather layers. As in the case of our   Fernando  , it is made of subtle full-grain leather at the top and full-grain vegetable-tanned leather at the bottom (also referred to as lining leather), which are glued and stitched together. The slightly raised look is achieved by inserting a slim inlet layer between the top and lining leather. 
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   Our handmade full-grain leather belt   Roberto    
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  Tips  Generally speaking, there are 4 types of belt tips: pointed, trapezoid, straight, and rounded. Pointed and trapezoid finishes are by far the most common and are particularly popular with classic belts. A straight finish is a more modern alternative. Rounded finishes are rarely used in general but are more common for women’s belts than men’s belts. 
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  Belt Material  
 Obviously, the material is very important. Cow leather is by far the most used belt leather. It looks beautiful, feels amazing, and is very durable. Leather from young cows is referred to as calf leather and is particularly soft and expensive. Since cow leather comes in many different forms – that is grain patterns -, shapes, and colours it can be used for dress or casual belts. Suede or Nubuck leather, that is sanded or buffed cow leather, is better suited for casual or casual chic outfits but can also be dressed up. Despite being very expensive, exotic leathers (such as alligator, python, ostrich etc.) are usually not the best choice in a business setting unless you want to attract a lot of attention to your waistline. Colourful belts made of polyester or nylon are a very popular choice for golf belts. Not only do they go well with the colourful golf attire which has gained much popularity in recent years but they are oftentimes lightweight and elastic offering the comfort needed to keep things smooth. A surprisingly great choice for summer outfits can be   wool belts  , especially when paired with linen. 
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   Our brown elastic wool belt   Antonio    
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  Belt Colours  
 Yes, of course, everybody should have a   brown   and   black   belt in their closet. And yes, the belt should match the colour of your shoes (side note: matte shoes go with matte belts and polished shoes go with glossy belts). That is especially true when wearing a suit. But not everyone is always wearing a suit and it is worth experimenting with your belt a bit. You can harmonise the belt with the rest of your outfit and let your shoes stand out, you can try to match the material of your shoes with your belt – suede Chelsea boots with a like-coloured suede belt look amazing – or you can simply spice up your outfit with a bolder more colourful belt colour, especially during the summer time. 
 One of the most common questions we hear all the time is: “Which belt do I pair with white sneakers?”. Most men know that you should match your belt colour with your shoe colour and they don’t know what to do with their white sneakers. You shouldn’t wear a white belt, right? Right! Unless you are golfing, white belts are usually not the greatest choice. The answer is simple: Match the belt with the rest of the outfit. Use the belt to tie your pants and shirt, sweater or blazer together. General fashion guidelines are great. But don’t get stifled by them. 
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   Our braided wool belt   Roberto    
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  Belt Buckle – Material, Forms and Colours  
 Belt buckles are usually made of either zamac or brass. Zamac is much cheaper than brass. Both commodities are traded just like gold and oil and you can always follow their price development. We use solid brass which is the staple for luxury belts. For solid brass buckles, you can usually find a “solid brass” embossing on the back of the buckle. Zamac buckles don’t have any such embossing. 
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 Buckles are the heart piece of any belt and they come in many different shapes and colours for all different kinds of purposes. As a general rule of thumb, the bigger the belt buckle the less formal it is. Dress belt buckles are usually small, fairly flat with a simple shape, and golden or silver. If you do wear any kind of jewellery to your suit – cufflinks, tie clip, watch etc. – the belt buckle should ideally be in the same colour family. Two-prong buckles are normally reserved for casual outfits. 
 There are lots of options when it comes to buckle types: From very simple frame buckles, to box frame buckles, to reversible buckles, to click-on buckles, to statement buckles you can virtually find any form you can imagine. The same goes for colours: all different hues of silver and gold, matte or shiny black, and the whole colour palette. Only offering shiny silver and gold buckles for our classic belts isn’t enough for us and we are not the biggest fans of overly colourful buckles. That is why we collaborated with our   Italian manufactory   to create a matte light and matte dark grey buckle galvanisation which is perfectly in line with our philosophy of muted elegance. Not only does the colour look beautiful but the specialised galvanisation also gives the buckle an exceptionally smooth surface structure. 
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   Left: Our brown full-grain leather belt Mathis; Right: Our full-grain leather belt   Santiago  .  
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  Belt Quality  
 Last but not least, we still need to address what really makes a high quality belt. 
   The Leather   The leather is, of course, a defining factor. Our   Leather Grade   article is a great starting point to understand leather quality grades. Our   Genuine Leather   article tells you everything there is to know about this very frequent but highly nondescript term which is often stamped on the lining leather of belts. Spoiler alert: it only means something is actually made out of leather as opposed to faux leather. For now, just keep in mind that full-grain leather is the highest quality leather there is and the perfect choice for your next belt. It is the strongest and most natural leather grade and will develop a rich patina over time. All of our classic belts are crafted of premium full-grain leathers from some of the   best tanneries   in Europe who are all in compliance with the strict   European REACH Directive  . For a quick leather quality check, flex the belt and make sure the leather hasn’t turned brittle or started cracking. If there are scratches on the leather which show a whitish colour it might be a sign of inferior quality. Good leathers are died all the way through and even with a scratch the colour will remain intact. For cheaper leathers, however, the colour is sometimes only spray-painted on the surface and the underlying natural colour of the leather might become visible when scratched. Contrary to common believe, irregularities of the grain pattern are a sign of quality, as it reaffirms the authenticity of the leather. Lastly, smell the leather. If it smells like leather, it is leather. If it doesn’t, it isn’t. It is that simple. For more tips on how to spot real leather, click   here  . 
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   The Production   A crucial determinant of the belt quality is its production. The acuteness of the stitching, alignment of top and lining leather, and neatness and colouring of the edges are all signs of quality. Small tight stitching is desirable and guarantees durability. A perfect alignment of top and lining leather shows neat production. Clean and straight edges, especially by the tip, as well as flawless colour-coating of the edges is the result of detail-driven craftsmanship. Belts can either be produced by machine or by hand. As it is almost always the case, the quality of handmade products is inimitable. That is why all of our classic belts are handcrafted in a renown German manufactory which has been specialising in the belt production since 1825. Of course, machines are used for parts of the production but most of the steps are done only by hand. 
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   The Price   Quality comes at a price and good leather is expensive. So, it is highly unlikely that really cheap belts are of high quality. Yet, looking at the other end of the pricing spectrum, it does not mean that overly expensive designer belts are superior in quality compared to belts in the medium price segment. That is simply the halo effect: it is expensive, it must be good. Even though most designer belts are of good quality you are primarily paying for the brand name. We seek to combine the best of both: premium quality belts and honest prices. By cutting out unnecessary middlemen, retailers, local stores and expensive branding we manage to offer handmade designer belts at half the usual retailing price. 
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  Buckle Up  
 Now that you have become a belt expert it is time to put your new knowledge to use. Explore our   complete collection   and let your belts make a fashion statement. If you ever have any questions or can’t decide which belt to choose, please don’t hesitate to   contact us  . 
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            </content>

                            <updated>2018-05-18T00:00:00+02:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">HOW TO MEASURE YOUR GLOVE SIZE</title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/how-to-measure-your-glove-size</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/how-to-measure-your-glove-size"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            Having trouble measuring your glove size? Here is a guide that will help you out. Learn everything there is to know about determine the size that fits you best and how to take care of your gloves.
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
  HOW TO MEASURE YOUR GLOVE SIZE  
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 Even though there is a wide variety of gloves reaching from winter gloves, protective gloves, athletic gloves, driving gloves to evening gloves they all have one thing in common: they need to fit like a second skin. That is especially important for elegant evening gloves, as an oversized glove can take away the charm of even the nicest outfit. 
   Our handmade Peccary leather glove   Camillo    
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  Measuring the Hand – From Hand Circumference to Glove Size  
 Finding the proper glove size is actually quite easy. You only need to determine the circumference of your hand. All the other measurements of your hand will usually fall in proportion. Measure your bigger hand, usually your writing hand, at its widest point excluding the thumb with a measuring tape (see illustration). Be careful not to put the tape around your hand too tightly as the glove might end up being too small. If you don’t have a measuring tape, simply use a string or a cable cord, measure your hand circumference as mentioned above and use a ruler or folding rule to get your size. 
   
 Our sizing chart will then indicate your perfect size. Premium leather glove sizes are usually given in numerical numbers. To make things easier, we also included the respective S,M,L,XL sizes. In case your measurement should fall between two sizes, we recommend rounding off to the nearest half or full size. Please note that women’s and men’s gloves are not cut the same way and will differ in terms of finger diameter and elasticity. In case you still have any questions regarding your glove size, just send us an   email   and we’ll gladly assist you. 
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  SIZING CHART MEN  
   
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  SIZING CHART WOMEN  
   
 Please note that glove sizes are not standardised. The sizing chart refers to Dalgado gloves and can therefore only serve as a reference for gloves sizes from other brands. 
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  Size Check  
 Gloves should fit tightly in the beginning, as they stretch out and adjust to your hand size over time. When you put on your gloves for the first time, slightly bend your fingers backwards. If a slight crease occurs by your knuckles (see picture), you’ll know that you have the right glove size. If no crease appears, the gloves are too big. If you have trouble putting the gloves on or you feel restricted mobility of your fingers, the gloves are too small. 
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  Restoring the Original Fit  
 The glove cutter determines the cut and elasticity of the glove. Since leather is an elastic natural material it can stretch out a bit with use. In order to restore the elasticity of the gloves, stretch your gloves by carefully pulling them over the edge of a table while holding the fingers of the gloves in one hand and the opening of the glove in the other hand. Afterwards, stretch the fingers of the gloves individually from the root of the fingers to the finger tips. 
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  Use and Storage  
 Gently pull your leather gloves over your hand by switching between pulling the back and the palm of the glove down towards your wrist. Don’t push down between the fingers. When you want to take off your gloves, first pull each finger individually and then all fingers at once (see picture). 
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 We recommend giving your gloves enough rest between each wear, so they can dry completely. Gloves are best stored on a flat surface, ideally keeping light and dark colours separated, and away from any heat source, such as the sun or heating. 
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   Our handmade deer leather glove   Alessio    
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 In case you have any other questions, shoot us an   email   and we’ll try to help you as good as we can. 
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            </content>

                            <updated>2018-03-29T00:00:00+02:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">THE THÉODORE GOUVY THEATRE</title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/architecture/the-theodore-gouvy-theatre</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/architecture/the-theodore-gouvy-theatre"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            Located in the former mining town of Freyming-Merlebach in north-eastern France the new theatre designed by Dominique Coulon and Olivier Nicollas has become a symbol of the town&#039;s makeover. A minimalistic cultural centre that gives hope to an economically troubled area.
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
 THE THÉODORE GOUVY THEATRE 
 The Théodore Gouvy Theatre, which was completed in 2017, is located in Freyming-Merlebach, a commune in the Moselle department in Grand Est in north-eastern France right next to the German border. The town has a substantial industrial past and was developed in the 19th century due to the resident coalmining industry. The new theatre, which is situated at a prominent location in the heart of the city, replaced the old historic 500-seat auditorium, which not only had become too small but also had deteriorated, showing a number of cracks as a result of disused underground tunnels. 
 Dominique Coulon and Olivier Nicollas, the two architects in charge of the project, designed the new theatre respecting the scale of the city making it blend in perfectly with the existing urban landscape. &quot;The theatre sets up an energetic dialogue with the heterogeneous urban landscape, shaping itself to fit the context and logic of the existing flows. It stands on a base, alongside the new municipal offices; its unusual shape and dimensions give it a streamlined silhouette, the lines of which ensure visual transition between the various parts of the programme while keeping on the same scale as the town,&quot; the architects explain. 
 The complex geometry on the inside and the natural light flooding the theatre, revealing the clean shapes and lines, gives the visitor a feeling of interior spaciousness. Whereas the theatre presents itself with a minimalistic white façade and a beige shaded foyer, the auditorium constitutes quite a contrast. The red, orange and pink colour spectrum that can be admired in the auditorium clearly sets the space apart and marks it the main feature of the project. 
 The new 700-seat auditorium is home to a multi-disciplinary program: Classical theatre, musical theatre opera, and dance among many others can be enjoyed here. The theatre has become a symbol of the town&#039;s makeover giving hope to solve the social and economic problems of the city. 
 The following images captured by award-winning Spanish architectural photographer Eugeni Pons showcase the minimalistic beauty of the Théodore Gouvy Theater. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 Picture courtesy of Eugeni Pons. For more stunning architectural photography check out his   website   and   Instagram  . 
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            </content>

                            <updated>2018-03-16T00:00:00+01:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">THE LEGO HOUSE</title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/architecture/the-lego-house</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/architecture/the-lego-house"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            Designed by Danish architect Bjarke Ingels the LEGO House is a somewhat unexpected masterpiece of minimalism with sharp lines, clean shapes and 90.000 white ceramic tiles.
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
  THE LEGO HOUSE  
  Architecture begins when you place two bricks carefully together - Ludwig Mies van der Rohe  
 The Lego House is an education and activity center located in the small town of Billund, Denmark, also known as the birthplace of the LEGO brick. The building that was inaugurated in 2017 was designed by renowned Danish architect Bjarke Ingels and his company BIG. As you would expect the project began as a 1:100 scale model built entirely out of Lego bricks. &quot;We kind of made the dogma that we wouldn&#039;t design anything that wouldn&#039;t be immediately buildable in LEGO,&quot; says architect Bjarke Ingels, founder of Bjarke Ingels Group. 
 Flying into the city, the building with its vibrant terraced squares of blue, green, yellow and blue is easily spottable. However, despite the vibrant terraces and the colourful world within the building, the Lego house is predominantly white at street level and features are very clean minimalistic exterior. 90.000 white ceramic tiles were used for the façade, which share the same proportions as the classic 2x4 brick. The 21 overlapping blocks that are placed like individual buildings give the LEGO House, also known as the &quot;Home of the Brick&quot;, its sharp architectural outlines and clean shapes making it a somewhat unexpect masterpiece of minimalism. 
 The following images captured by amazing Danish architectural and landscape photographer Kim Høltermand showcase the minimalistic beauty of the LEGO House. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 Picture courtesy of Kim Høltermand. For more stunning architectural photography check out his   website   and   Instagram  . 
 &amp;nbsp; 
                ]]>
            </content>

                            <updated>2018-02-26T00:00:00+01:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">WHAT DOES &quot;REAL LEATHER&quot; MEAN?</title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/all-about-leather/what-does-real-leather-mean</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/all-about-leather/what-does-real-leather-mean"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            Most likely you have come across the label &quot;Real Leather&quot; before when shopping for leather products. Many people are not entirely sure what that term actually means. Learn all about &quot;Real Leather&quot; in this article. 
                                        ]]>
            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
  WHAT DOES &quot;REAL LEATHER&quot; MEAN?  
 &amp;nbsp; 
 Even though we already took a close look at the topic in our “Genuine Leather”   article  , there still seem to be some remaining questions regarding the term “Real Leather”. First things first: Real leather is exactly the same as Genuine Leather and simply means that something is made out of actual leather as opposed to artificial leather. Both “Real Leather” and “Genuine Leather” can be found but the latter is much more common; Sometimes the Italian synonyms “Vera Pelle” or “Vero Cuoio” are used instead. It is important to be aware of all such terms and their meaning in order to make good purchase decisions. In the following, we listed and answered the most common questions we have received regarding real and genuine leather: 
   
  1) Is real leather good leather?  Not necessarily. It is just like with cars: There are vast differences in regards to quality and price amongst cars yet they are all cars. It is the same with leathers. Real leathers are generally categorized in three leather grades: Full-grain, top-grain, and split grain leather. Full-grain leather offers the highest quality and costs the most whereas split grade leather offers the least quality and costs the least. Click   here   to find out more about leather grades. Also note, that the term “Real Leather” does not reveal any information about the animal housing or food quality and the tanning process of the leather. 
 For our classic belts we exclusively use premium full-grain as well as vegetable-tanned leathers, which we obtain from the most sought-after tanneries in Europe. More information about our leathers and tanneries can be found   here  . 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Our handmade full-grain leather belts Carolina (left) and   Rémy   (right)  
 &amp;nbsp; 
  2) Does Real Leather come from a certain animal?   No. “Real Leather” only means that the leather comes from an animal and was not artificially produced. Whether the leather comes from cows, sheep or lamp etc. does not make a difference. 
  3) How do you know if a product is made of real leather?    The labelling of genuine leather in the form of an animal hide symbol including some additional designation has become the standard. It is often stamped on the lining leather of belts, the inside of bags or is shown on attached informative product labels. If no label should exist, it is worth doing some more research. Ask the sales personnel or take a look at the product descriptions online. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   
 &amp;nbsp; 
  4) How do I recognise real leather?   Artificial leathers are getting better and better and it is getting increasingly more difficult to detect the difference between real and artificial leather. Following tricks might help: 
  a) Smell  Leather has a unique inherent smell which cannot by imitated by artificial leather which is usually odourless or smells slightly like plastic.    b) Surface Structure  Full-grain and top-grain leather both maintain natural blemishes such as scars, wire cuts, insect bites, stretch marks, and neck wrinkles. These “flaws” and inconsistencies are actually a sign of quality, as it verifies the authenticity of the leather. Artificial leathers do not evolve naturally but are artificially made and the grain pattern is embossed by machine creating a very consistent grain pattern. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Our handmade full-grain leather belt Mathis  
    c) Touch  Real Leathers, especially full-grain and top-grain leathers, have a beautiful soft and subtle touch. Artificial leathers, however, are glossy, stiff and feel cold.    d) Cutting Edges   Real Leathers have a fibrous structure on the cutting edges, which is due to the collagen fibers of the skin whereas artificial leather has straight edges. This difference, however, will be difficult to detect with processed leathers.    e) Oil &amp;amp; Water Test   Real leathers are natural materials which absorb water, fats or oil with their open pores. Artificial leathers will not absorb liquids as easily.    f) Patina  Real Leather, especially full-grain leather, will develop a lush patina over time. Artificial leather will usually keep its colour or slightly fade over time.    g) Price  The price of a product is, of course, no definite clue to the quality of the leather, as brands names heavily influence the price, but in general real leather is much more expensive than artificial leather. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   
 &amp;nbsp; 
  5) Why is the distinction important?  First of all, everybody would like to know exactly what they are buying. Secondly, the distinction helps to assess if a product is priced appropriately. Lastly, it also protects customers who pursue a vegan lifestyle from accidentally purchasing a product made of real leather. 
  6) What are not “Real Leathers”  By now, you are for sure wondering what not real leather, i.e. artificial leathers are. Bonded leather is a common example. Similar to shavings from cutting wood, there are leftover leather scraps from splitting and working the hide. Manufacturers bond these leftovers together with an embossed polyurethane coating or latex and call it bonded leather or reconstituted leather. Durability, smell, and texture depend on the varying degree of organic leather in the chemical mix (10%-90%). Even though bonded leather can portray very nice optics, they are not comparable to grain leathers in terms of quality and durability. Another kind of leather which must not be categorised as real leather is faux leather, which can either be produced artificially or organically (e.g. made of pineapples or mushrooms). There are many more types of artificial leathers made of various materials with all sorts of patterns. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
                ]]>
            </content>

                            <updated>2018-01-21T00:00:00+01:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">ALL ABOUT SAFFIANO LEATHER</title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/all-about-leather/all-about-saffiano-leather</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/all-about-leather/all-about-saffiano-leather"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            Saffiano leather has become one of the most popular leather optics and is used by many of the leading fashion brands. Learn more about how the Saffiano leather optic developed and how it differs from Palmellato leather. 
                                        ]]>
            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
  All YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SAFFIANO LEATHER  
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Our white Palmellato leather belt   Stella  .  
 &amp;nbsp; 
 Most people are familiar with Saffiano leather which has become very popular in recent years. Even though the leather was used exclusively by Prada for decades, it found its way into the bag, wallet, and belt collections of many labels like Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Coach, and Longchamp to name just a few. The leather has gained such tremendous popularity because it combines exceptional durability and stain resistance with elegance and class. 
 Only fashion and leather experts, however, are familiar with Saffiano’s close cousin: Palmellato leather. Palmellato strongly resembles Saffiano leather in its durable properties and appearance with a slight distinction in its surface pattern making it a much rarer find. That is why we decided to choose Palmellato leather for some of our women’s classic belts. Continue reading, to learn all about the similarities and differences of the two leathers, how they are manufactured, and how to care for them. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Left: Saffiano Leather; Right: Palmellato Leather  
 &amp;nbsp; 
  History and Production  As it is the case for most inventions in the fashion world, Saffiano leather originated in Italy where it was allegedly invented by Mario Prada himself. Prada patented the new leather optic and has used it for many of its most successful bags ever since. Once the patent expired, other brands started using Saffiano leather as well.&amp;nbsp; 
 Saffiano leather is famous for its diagonal lines and cross-hatch pattern which are machine-pressed into the wax coating of the leather giving it a slight sheen. Leather which gain their grain pattern by this kind of stamping method are also called “textured leathers”. Saffiano leather can be made of faux or   genuine leather  . Due to the coating, cheaper corrected leathers – which are a grade of genuine leather - are often used, as imperfections of the hide will be hidden. To read more about corrected leathers, click   here  . 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Three of our Palmellato leather belts:   Clara  ,   Chiara  ,   Stella  .  
 &amp;nbsp; 
 After the leather was heated to about 70°C, the Saffiano or Palmellato pattern is machine pressed into the leather for 10-15 seconds and finally treated with a protective wax finish rendering the leather very resistant to stains, scratches and water. The only thing which could really harm these textured leathers are very sharp items which can cut through the wax finish. Apart from the enhanced durability, the coating gives the leather its unmistakable subtle sheen and allows for the creation of a great variety of colours. 
 Over time many similar yet slightly different surface optics developed. Palmellato was one of them. The main difference to Saffiano is the slightly rounder grain pattern making for a more uniform look. Just like Saffiano, Palmellato is very resistant to stains, scratches, and water while maintaining an elegant appearance. Due to these unique attributes, many high-end fashion houses use Saffiano or Palmellato leathers for their products. 
  Care Instructions   Palmellato and Saffiano are not only very durable but also relatively easy to clean. However, make sure to search for any care tags with specific instructions before trying to clean your Palmellato or Saffiano product. If no cleaning instructions are present or if they prove ineffective, you can try out following care instructions at your own risk. 
 First things first: Empty your bag, purse or wallet before starting to clean it. No matter which cleaning option you go with, always keep in mind that your selected option might harm the leather. Therefore, we recommend to test your chosen cleaning method on a concealed area of the item and to let it dry before applying that cleaning method over the entire area. Also, check the surface of your cloth, brush or sponge in order to see if you are removing any colour from the leather. If so, stop immediately and choose a different cleaning method. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Our red Palmellato leather belt   Chiara    
 &amp;nbsp; 
 In case of lighter stains or dust, use a soft cloth which is slightly damp to remove the dirt. An excellent alternative are baby wipes, as they are very gentle. If you should experience difficulties cleaning the dirt in the groves of the grain pattern, use a slightly damp soft brush instead. Be careful not to press down on the leather too much though, as it might harm the slight sheen of the leather and the grain pattern. If you have a more serious stain which could not be removed with any of the aforementioned methods, you might have to buy a specialized stain remover for the exact kind of stain you are facing. Make sure to use a stain remover which is approved for use with Palmellato or Saffiano leather. 
 For any of these options, we advise to clean the leather with the grain pattern. Allow the leather to dry naturally at room temperature, ideally, in an area of dry air flow and away from any heat sources. If you are dealing with even more severe stains, we recommend seeking the services of a professional leather cleaning expert. It’ll be worth it. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Our red Palmellato leather belt   Clara  .  
 &amp;nbsp; 
  Use and Storage   Most premium leather goods come with a dust bag. Make sure to use that bag whenever you are not using your product. That way it won’t collect any dust or dirt and it is safe from any accidental spills. Also, be sure to store your Saffiano or Palmellato leather product in an area away from direct sunlight, radiators or excessive changes of heat, as it might change the colour of the leather or modify its shape over time. For Saffiano or Palmellato bags, put some old newspapers inside it when you don’t use it so it maintains its original shape for as long as possible. You can also use a leather conditioner which is suited for Saffiano or Palmellato leather in order to keep the leather soft. All this might sound quite inconvenient but long-term joy with your product will be the reward. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
                ]]>
            </content>

                            <updated>2017-11-20T00:00:00+01:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">WHEN ARCHITECTURE RIVALS THE ART</title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/architecture/when-architecture-rivals-the-art</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/architecture/when-architecture-rivals-the-art"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            While it’s easy to lose oneself in the Monets and Van Goghs, it’s worth remembering that many museums don&#039;t just house art but embody art. Discover part one of our three-part series of museums of exceptional architecture and design.
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
  WHEN ARCHITECTURE RIVALS THE ART  
  PART I  
 From Rio de Janeiro to Seoul and everywhere in between, you can find stunning museums that house some of the finest art in the world. While it’s very easy to lose oneself in the Monets and Van Goghs, it’s worth remembering that the buildings themselves are worth a second glance. 
 The architecture of some of the museums is so remarkable that it can rival or even overshadow the collections of art they house, captivating onlookers from the outside and drawing them in to explore the art displayed. Designing a museum has become a badge of honour, attracting star architects like Zaha Hadid or Frank Gehry. To highlight the beauty of some of those buildings we’ve compiled 30 museums of exceptional architecture and design that will blow your mind. This is part one of a three-part series. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   THE NITERÓI CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM   
 
 
 
  &amp;nbsp; Niterói, Brazil 
 
 
 
   The Niterói Contemporary Art Museum - Photograph by &amp;nbsp;   Mr Nicolas Nova     
 Build in 1996, The Niterói Contemporary Art Museum, also known as the MAC, is situated on a cliffside above Guanabara Bay in the city of Niterói, just outside of Rio de Janeiro. The Museum was designed by the renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer with the assistance of structural engineer Bruno Contarini. Often likened to a UFO or a flying saucer by the locals the architect wanted the structure to look like a flower growing from concrete. The 16 meter high museum with its cupola that spans over 50 meters offers panoramic views of Rio De Janeiro and embodies Niemeyer’s simple and minimalistic aesthetics. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   THE KIASMA MUSEUM   
 
 
 
  &amp;nbsp; Helsinki, Finnland 
 
 
 
   Kiasma Museum, Helsinki - Left: Photograph courtesy of  Mr Steven Spassov&amp;nbsp;    ; Right: Photograph by    Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma     
 Kiasma opened its doors in 1998 and is one of the leading museums of contemporary art in the Nordic region. The museum is located in the heart of Helsinki and is one of the major architectural landmarks of the city. Kiasma, which name derived from the word chiasm, was designed by renowned American architect Steven Holl. The museum is designed with an open-flow concept which allows museum visitors to easily stroll from exhibit to exhibit as the mood strikes. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   THE MUSEO SOUMAYA   
 
 
 
  &amp;nbsp; Mexico City, Mexico 
 
 
 
   The Museo Soumaya, Mexico City - Photograph by    Mr Dan     
 The Museo Soumaya in Mexico City was designed by Mexican architect Fernando Romero and opened to the public in 2011. The museum is named after Soumaya Domit, who died in 1999, and was the wife of Mexican business magnate and investor Carlos Slim. The structure is tiled with 16,000 aluminium hexagons which gives its peculiar geometric yet organic look. Although the museum is predominantly recognised for its stunning architecture, the art collections displayed are just as spectacular. The 70 million USD expensive building houses over 66,000 works from many different centuries and is one of Mexico’s most visited museums. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   THE MAXXI   
 
 
 
  &amp;nbsp; Rome, Italy 
 
 
 
   The MAXXI, Rome - Photograph courtesy of    Mr David Stanley     
 The MAXXI (short for Museo Nazionale delle Arti del XXI secolo), the National Museum of 21st Century Arts, is the first Italian national institution devoted to contemporary creativity. The museum is situated in the Flaminio neighbourhood of Rome, Italy. The museum was designed by the British-Iraqi star architect Zaha Hadid and was awarded with the Stirling Prize for architecture by the Royal Institute of British Architects. It was designed as a multidisciplinary space for cultural experiments and innovation as well as research and study. The MAXXI houses to museums: the MAXXI Architettura which is the first national museum of architecture and the MAXXI Arte which focuses on contemporary art. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   THE ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM   
 
 
 
  &amp;nbsp; Toronto, Canada 
 
 
 
   The Royal Ontario Museum, Canada - Photograph by    Mr John Zacherle     
 The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is situated in the city centre of Toronto, Ontario and is one of the largest museums in North America, the largest in Canada and attracts more than a million visitors a year. The museum was first opened in 1914 and showcases art, culture, and nature from around the globe and across the ages. In 2007 the museum was extended by the Michael Lee-Chin “Crystal”. The extension’s name is derived from the building’s five intersecting metal-clad volumes, which are reminiscent of crystals. The extension designed by Daniel Libeskind provides 100,000 square feet of new exhibition space and is definitely one of the highlights of the museum. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   THE SALVADOR DALÍ MUSEUM   
 
 
 
  &amp;nbsp; St. Petersburg, United States 
 
 
 
   Salvador Dali Museum, St. Petersburg - Photograph by    Obey Your Eyes     
 The Salvador Dalí Museum is located on a scenic waterfront site in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida and provides 68,000 square feet for Dalí’s artwork and admirers. The museum features hundreds of oil paintings, sketches, sculptures and other works making the exhibit the largest collection of Dalí’s works outside Europe. The museum was designed by Yann Waymouth who created a structure that not only represents the artist, but can also protect his works from the elements. Highlight of the structure is the skylight and the large glass entryway which is 75 feet tall and is often referred to as the “Enigma”. The remaining walls are composed of 18-inch thick concrete. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   THE GUGGENHEIM   
 
 
 
  &amp;nbsp; New York, United States 
 
 
 
   The Guggenheim, New York City - Left: Photograph by    sfreimark    ; Right: Photograph courtesy of  Mr Drew Patrick Miller   
 The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, often just referred to as The Guggenheim, is an art museum located in the Upper East Side neighbourhood of Manhattan, New York City. The museum was designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright and opened in October 1959 after 16 years of delays and numerous design changes. The museum exhibits modern and contemporary paintings and sculptures and has one of the finest art collections of the country with works including Kandinsky, Picasso, Monet and Van Gogh. Over the years The Guggenheim has become one of the most famous buildings and an architectural landmark for New York City. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   THE GRAZ ART MUSEUM   
 
 
 
  &amp;nbsp; Graz, Austria 
 
 
 
   Kunsthaus, Graz - Photograph by    Riessdo     
 The Kunsthaus Graz or Graz Art Museum was built as part of the European Capital of Culture celebrations in 2003 and has since become an architectural landmark of the city. The blue bubble of art was designed by the two famous architects Colin Fournier and Peter Cook who affectionately gave the gigantic building the nickname “Friendly Alien”. The structure stands out consciously against the surrounding buildings and seems to be floating effortlessly between the roofs of the historic city centre. The unusual building consists of 1,066 acrylic glass elements that form the skin of the structure and houses Austrian as well as international contemporary art. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   THE MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM   
 
 
 
  &amp;nbsp; Milwaukee, United States 
 
 
 
   The Milwaukee Arts Museum, America - Photograph by  Ms Ellie Pritts   
 The Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM) is an art museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and home to nearly 30,000 works of Art making it one of the largest museums in the United States. The 341,000-square-foot museum includes the War Memorial Center (1957) created by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, the Kahler Building (1975) by David Kahler, the Quadracci Pavilion (2001) designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava as well as a renovation and expansion project in 2015 by Milwaukee architect James Shields. However, the centrepiece of the museum is undoubtedly the Pavilion that looks like the prow of a ship jutting out onto the lake. The Pavilion contains a movable, wing-like soleil that has a wingspan of 216 feet (66m) when open. In 2004 this ultra-modern building received the Outstanding Structure Award and has become a symbol for the city. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   THE CITY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES   
 
 
 
  &amp;nbsp; Valencia, Spain 
 
 
 
   L&#039;Hemisfèric, Valencia - Photograph courtesy of  Mr Linus Ekenstam   
 The City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) is situated in the dry river bed of the now diverted River Turia in Valencia, Spain and is an ensemble of six areas. The futuristic educational and entertainment-based complex was designed by famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and is an impressive example of modern architecture and a highlight of the city. The City of Arts and Science covers an area of 350,000 square meters and is made up of the following buildings: El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía&amp;nbsp;— Opera house and performing arts centre; L&#039;Hemisfèric&amp;nbsp;— Imax Cinema, Planetarium and Laserium; L&#039;Umbracle&amp;nbsp;— Walkway/Garden; El Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe&amp;nbsp;— Science museum; Oceanografic&amp;nbsp;— Open-air aquarium or oceanographic park; Ágora&amp;nbsp;— A versatile space that can hold a variety of events. The first building was inaugurated in 1998. The construction of the last project the Torres de València is currently on hold. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
                ]]>
            </content>

                            <updated>2017-09-11T00:00:00+02:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">ALL ABOUT &quot;GENUINE LEATHER&quot;</title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/all-about-leather/all-about-genuine-leather</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/all-about-leather/all-about-genuine-leather"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            It is one of the most common terms in the otherwise highly-regulated fashion world and the true meaning is oftentimes unknown to consumers. The term does not guarantee high quality but simply describes the origin of the materials used. 
                                        ]]>
            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
  ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT &quot;GENUINE LEATHER&quot;  
 &amp;nbsp; 
 It is probably one of the most common yet deceiving terms in the otherwise highly-regulated fashion world. Almost any leather piece contains some kind of description; most often “genuine leather”. If you are like most consumers you are not too familiar with the established fashion jargon, especially if you are not a native English speaker. So, when you read the words “genuine leather” you will probably get a warm and fuzzy feeling inside and generally feel good about the quality of the leather product of your desire. Yet, sometimes this good feeling might be misplaced. 
   
  Perception vs. Reality  
 The fashion industry managed to establish a term whose meaning is somewhat difficult to grasp. According to the dictionary, the word “genuine” can have many meanings such as authentic,&amp;nbsp;real,&amp;nbsp;true, or actual. In other words, much more straightforward synonyms to the term “Genuine Leather” would be “True Leather”, “  Real Leather  ”, or “100% Leather”. In short, genuine only means that something is actually made of leather but does not infer high quality. 
 In our article   Leather 101   we shed some light on the different leather grades: full-grain, top-grain, split, and bonded leathers. Even though the grades are quite different in terms of durability, quality, and price, all of the first three leather grades are technically genuine leathers, i.e. they are of real leathers. In case you already did some research about “Genuine Leather”, you have most likely come across sites that describe “Genuine Leather” as the worst leather grade. That is simply incorrect. These sites confuse “Genuine Leather” to be the same as split leather which is an actual leather grade and, indeed, the worst kind of leather quality. Always remember that “Genuine Leather” is not a qualitative term but only a collective term to categorize products which are made of real leather; just like the term “car”. A Ferrari and a VW are not comparable quality-wise. Nevertheless, they are both cars. It’s the same for leathers. Hence, it is also possible that brands label their products as made of “Genuine Leather” even though they are made of premium full-grain leather. Sometimes people also wonder if “Genuine Leather” comes from a certain animal. The obvious answer is “No”. As mentioned above, “Genuine Leather” only means real leather regardless whether it comes from cows, sheep, lamp etc. It is also important to note that “Genuine Leather” does not reveal any information about the animal housing or food quality and the tanning process of the leather. 
 Contrary to full-grain, top-grain, and split leather, bonded leather is only partially made of leather and consequentially does not fall in the genuine leather category. Another kind of leather which must not be categorised as genuine leather is faux leather, which can either be produced artificially or organically (e.g. made of pineapples or mushrooms). This distinction is not only important in order to assess if a product is priced appropriately but also in order to protect customers who pursue a vegan lifestyle from accidentally purchasing a product made of real leather. The labelling of genuine leather in the form of an animal hide symbol including some additional designation has become the standard. It is often stamped on the lining leather of belts or is shown on informative product labels. 
   
  Room for Deception  
 Where it gets a bit sinister is that fashion brands know that many customers are unfamiliar with the term “Genuine Leather” and its actual meaning and they use that to their advantage. Even more expensive brands sometimes use the much cheaper split leathers, label their products as “Genuine Leather”, and sell them for a lot of money. Trusting the good reputation of these brands, the customers assume high quality and might end up being sorely disappointed. 
 Where it gets even more problematic is when it comes to the other meanings of the word “genuine”: original,&amp;nbsp;unfeigned or unadulterated. The only leather grade which could live up to such strict standards are full-grain aniline leathers. Any other kind of leather is processed to varying degrees: Semi-aniline leathers are treated with a slight protective coating which might contain additional pigmentation and Nubuck or Suede leathers are sanded and buffed to create its signature velvety surface texture. Whereas these alterations might be discounted as minor modifications, split or corrected leathers undergro much heavier treatment. They can be worked with polyurethane (PU) coating, artificial grain embossing, or spray-paint to create various leather optics. Yet, that does not mean that split leathers are inherently bad leathers, as split leathers like the famous Saffiano or Palmellato leather optic are beautiful leathers. Yet, we do not believe that even these leathers should be categorized as unfeigned. Therefore, we try to refrain from using the word “Genuine Leather” as much as possible and indicate the exact leather grade or leather optic instead. 
   
  What Now?  
 Always keep in mind that “genuine leather” is a descriptive term and not a qualitative one. Not every genuine leather is the same and it might be beneficial to dig a little deeper before finalizing a purchasing decision. Many of the corrected leathers look very similar to grain leathers and there are only two ways to know what the product of your interest is actually made off: Cut the leather open or ask a sales rep ... you should probably stick to the second option. This might seem a bit tedious but it will be worth it and long-lasting joy with the leather product of your choice will be the reward. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
                ]]>
            </content>

                            <updated>2017-08-01T00:00:00+02:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">SEVEN URBAN OASES</title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/architecture/seven-urban-oases</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/architecture/seven-urban-oases"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            Cities are the place to be these days. With an ever increasing amount of people moving to the cities, the need for green oases has become more and more important. In our nature walk, we&#039;ll talk you on a scenic tour through some of the most breathtaking urban gardens. 
                                        ]]>
            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
  SEVEN URBAN OASES  
 Cities are the place to be these days. According to a United Nations report, an estimated 54.5 per cent of the world’s population lived in urban areas in 2016. The UN projects that the urban population will reach 60 per cent by 2030, with one in three people living in cities with at least half a million inhabitants. For nature lovers, who see cities as debilitating, stifling places, those statistics can be rather frightening. With cities getting busier every day and more and more open spaces being turned into office buildings and apartments, landscapers are being forced to get creative when developing green oases. 
 On our nature walk below, we have selected some of our favourite green spaces from around the world that are absolutely unique and offer a little relief from our concrete urban landscapes. From disused tram tracks turned green to soil-free vertical gardens on high-rise apartment blocks, these green spaces are trailblazers for new green developments in our cities. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   THE CLOUD FOREST   
 
 
 
  &amp;nbsp; Singapore, Republic of Singapore 
 
 
 
   Left: Cloud Garden - Photograph courtesy of Mr Igor Ovsyannykov   ; Right: Supertree Grove - Photograph courtesy of    Ms Annie Spratt     
 We’ve all heard of a “Garden City”, but what about a “City in a Garden”? That’s precisely what the Singaporean government is trying to achieve. The stated aim is to raise the quality of life by enhancing greenery and flora in the city. With the opening of Gardens by the Bay in 2012, Singapore definitely is on a good way. The nature park spans over 101 hectares (250 acres) of reclaimed land in central Singapore, adjacent to the Marina Reservoir and consists of three waterfront gardens: Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden and, Bay Central Garden. The horticultural theme park’s premier attraction, however, is the Cloud Forest. This staggering greenhouse-like glass dome can bee seen from all over the city and is just as stunning inside as it is from the outside. Encased within is a 35-meter-tall tower of exotic vegetation, that attracts visitors with its jaw-dropping architecture, spiralling walkways, and the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Surrounding the dome, you can find a grove of Supertrees – 50-meter-high fairyland-looking towers, that are connected via suspension bridges for treetop views of the gardens. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   THE HIGH LINE   
 
 
 
  &amp;nbsp; New York, United States 
 
 
 
   High Line - New York. Photograph by    Urban Land Institute     
 Commuting up the West Side of Manhattan has never been easier and greener – it’s literally a stroll in the park thanks to the High Line. New York City’s only elevated park is one of the city’s most popular attractions, and it’s not difficult to see why. The High Line is a public park built on a historic freight rail line that went out of use in 1980 and runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues. The 1.45-mile-long aerial greenway was resurrected in 2009 and turned into a green oasis paying homage to the wild flora that colonized the line after it was abandoned. Visitors can find wildflowers, greenery and outdoor art, while granting walkers with some of the best views of NYC’s skyscrapers and the Hudson River. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   ONE CENTRAL PARK   
 
 
 
  &amp;nbsp; Sydney, Australia 
 
 
 
   One Central Park - Left: Photograph by    Mr David Stanley      ; Right: Photograph by    Ahia     
 Named the best tall building in the world and admired for its innovative green design, the residential building One Central Park in Sydney is urban architecture at its best. The buildings features include hanging gardens, a cantilevered heliostat, an internal water recycling plant, and a low-carbon tri-generation power plant. The hanging gardens which are definitely the key feature of the building were designed by French botanist Mr. Patrick Blanc who covered the surface of the building with 35,200 plants across 383 different species, including some natives such as acacias, which colour each residential unit in a bright yellow. The flowers and vines which stretch over 50 meters high, have turned One Central Park into the world’s tallest vertical garden and into a benchmark for green architecture. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   THE ACROS FUKUOKA BUILDING   
 
 
 
  &amp;nbsp; Fukuoka, Japan 
 
 
 
   Acros Fukuoka Building - Japan. Photograph by    Mr Kenta Mabuchi     
 The ACROS Fukuoka building in Fukuoka City, Japan is a remarkable building with two very distinct sides. Whereas the front of the building looks like your ordinary office building the back rather seems like an overgrown Inca pyramid. The building appears to seamlessly extend the last park Fukuoka’s city centre has to offer onto the building’s entire south façade through a series of terraced gardens for a continues green surface. Each level reveals natural wonders from ponds to waterfalls. The 14-story ACROS building was designed by Argentine architect Emilio Ambasz who created a design that would preserve the last green space of the city as much as possible. The garden terraces, which reach up to about 60 meters above the ground, contain some 35,000 plants representing 76 species. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   THE PETIT PALAIS   
 
 
 
  &amp;nbsp; Paris, France 
 
 
 
   Petit Palais - Paris. Photograph by    Mr Guilhem Vellut     
 The Petit Palais, which was built in the Beaux-Arts style is an architectural gem that dates back to 1900 and is situated on the avenue des Champs-Elysées in Paris. The building, which like the tourist-weary Grand Palais that lies opposite it, was built for the Universal Exposition and houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris. The trapezoid shape of the Petite Palace forms an open area at the centre of the building, which creates a semi-circular peristyle courtyard. The elegant courtyard with its three ponds and the mosaic covered floors invites for a stroll and adds to the charm of the establishment. The little cafe situated in the peristyle garden is a good place to rest and enjoy a nice cup of coffee. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   THE BARBICAN GARDEN ROOM   
 
 
 
  &amp;nbsp; London, United Kingdom 
 
 
 
   The Barbican Garden Room - London. Photograph by    Mr Frankie Roberto     
 Situated inside one of Britain’s most prominent examples of brutalist architecture, the Barbican Room and Conservatory in London is one of London&#039;s hidden gems and a tropical oasis in the heart of the city. The glasshouse is the second biggest after the one at Kew Gardens and is home to a variety of exotic fish and over 2,000 species of tropical plants and trees from all around the world. There is also an arid house, which contains a spectacular collection of cacti that was donated by the British Cactus and Succulent Society. With sheltered walkways and a number of private hideouts, the Barbican Garden Room is a peaceful place and a little secret retreat. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   THE SKY GARDEN   
 
 
 
  &amp;nbsp; London, United Kingdom 
 
 
 
   The Sky Garden at 20 Frenchurch Street - London. Photograph courtesy of    Obey Your Eyes     
 Another unique green space in the city of London is The Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street, which is the highest public garden in the City. The garden spans over the top three storeys of the 160m (525ft) tall building and offers not only 360 degree uninterrupted views across this city but probably also the best panorama due to its central position within the captial. However, the sky garden has been subject to criticism ever since its opening, as it has failed to meet pre-construction expectations of the extent and quality of the garden. The City of London Corporation’s former chief planner, Peter Rees, who approved the structure with the sky garden being the key factor for the approval of the building, said: “I think calling it a sky garden is perhaps misleading. If people are expecting to visit it as an alternative to Kew, then they will be disappointed.” Although the “garden” doesn’t feature the full-height trees that were promised The Sky Garden is still a great concept that can be improved by architects and landscapers in the future. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
                ]]>
            </content>

                            <updated>2017-07-26T00:00:00+02:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">WHAT IS ANILINE LEATHER?</title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/all-about-leather/what-is-aniline-leather</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/all-about-leather/what-is-aniline-leather"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            We take a closer look at grain leathers and analyse the pros and cons of aniline, semi-aniline, and pigmented/protected leathers. With this guide you&#039;ll know exactly which leather to pick for your occasion.
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
 WHAT IS ANILINE LEATHER? 
 &amp;nbsp; 
 If you read our article about   Leather Grades  , you’ll know about the different quality grades of leathers. Now, we’ll take a closer look at the best two grades, i.e. full and top grain leather. It is important to know that not every leather grade is the same and that they might be quite different in terms of look, touch, and durability. Generally speaking, there are three grain leather categories: aniline, semi aniline, and pigmented/protected. 
  Aniline Leathers  This is the most natural type of leather which earned it the names Pure Aniline or Full Aniline. It is dyed with soluble dyes in vats so that the colour goes all the way through the hide giving the leather its lush and rich colour. In order to maintain the natural feel and look of the hide no protective coating or surface pigmentation is applied. Additionally, the leathers maintain their natural markings and texture which contributes to the authenticity of the leather. However, the lack of treatment might render the leathers more susceptible to scratching, staining, or fading and might show some colour variations on the surface of the hide. 
 Some aniline leathers are sanded of buffed to create an open nap; the result is called Nubuck. These leathers are the softest kind available and have a beautiful, almost velvety, feel. Yet, they are also the most susceptible to fading or staining due to the open nap. 
  &amp;nbsp; 
 &amp;nbsp; 
  Semi Aniline Leathers   First things first: In this case &quot;semi&quot; is actually a misnomer, as it does not mean partial. A more appropriate name for semi aniline leather would be aniline plus pigment due to the way it is created. The process starts the same way as for aniline leathers. However, whereas the treatment of full aniline stops after the dying, semi aniline leathers are further treated. So, after the leather is aniline dyed, a slight protective coating, which can contain some additional pigmentation, is applied to the top of the hide to guarantee a consistent colour. Due to the pigmented coating some blemishes will be concealed leaving a more uniform surface texture. Additional finishes can then be applied to the leather either by hand or by machine (e.g. antique looks or exotic leather optics). In the end, a clear protective coating is applied to make the leather stain repellent and sun resistant. The sheen of this coating can be adjusted to give a matte or glossy finish. 
  Pigmented/Protected Leathers  Just like the other two types above, it is dyed all the way through the hide. However, the surface is then coated with a heavy protective topcoat which includes pigmentation. Any kind of blemishes or imperfections are removed through buffing or sanding and then embossed with an artificial grain. At the expense of a deep rich colour and a luxurious feel, pigmented leathers are treated with spray coating which makes it more durable. Therefore, pigmented leathers are the least natural grain leather but also the most durable. 
  Summary   You need to keep in mind that all three types are very good leathers, as they are grain leathers, as opposed to&amp;nbsp;  split leathers  . So, it really comes down to personal preference. If you care more about the authenticity and beauty of natural leathers, you should go with full or semi aniline. If your main concerns are durability and costs but you still want high-quality leathers, protected leathers are right for you.&amp;nbsp;The bigger the surface area (bags, sofas etc.) the more important it is to know about grain leathers when trying to pick the right leather for your needs. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
                ]]>
            </content>

                            <updated>2017-07-11T00:00:00+02:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">HOW REACH PROTECTS YOU FROM HARMFUL LEATHERS</title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/all-about-leather/how-reach-protects-you-from-harmful-leathers</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/all-about-leather/how-reach-protects-you-from-harmful-leathers"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            In order to turn hides into beautiful long-lasting leathers different kinds of chemical substances and tannins are used during the tanning process. In order to ensure the safety for humans and the environment during the procedures the REACH Regulation was introduced.
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
  HOW REACH PROTECTS YOU FROM HARMFUL LEATHERS  
 &amp;nbsp; 
 Depending on the tanning process several different kinds of chemical substances and tannins are used to turn hides into long-lasting, colorful, and beautiful leathers. Nowadays, these tanning agents are heavily regulated but that hasn’t always been the case. It took until the introduction of REACH for a unified regulation to be formed. All of our partner tanneries have been in compliance with the framework for many years to ensure that no harmful substances are used during the tanning process. Yet, the tanning industry is only one of many industries which have been affected by the Regulation. 
  What is REACH?   REACH is a regulation which came into force in Europe on June 1st, 2007 and is an acronym for Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals. It is a piece of legislation with vast effects on all companies whose supply chain runs through Europe in any way (i.e. exports from Europe, imports into Europe). 
  The Goal   Overall, the idea behind REACH was to streamline and enhance the existing legislative framework for chemicals by enforcing stricter raw material transparency requirements. Thereby, the dissemination of all the information necessary to use chemicals safely and the adherence to such guidelines should be carried out and enforced by one governing body. Furthermore, the Regulation aimed to free the movement of chemicals within the domestic market in order to promote competitiveness and innovation. 
   
  Compliance with REACH    These new industry-wide guidelines posed a significant challenge to manufacturing and distribution companies which had to implement expensive systems to measure, control and manage chemicals in their products and supply chains. According to the EU Commission this transition cost several billion Euros. Due to these financial and logistical obstacles, many critics scorned the Regulation to be prohibitive to industrial growth and worldwide competitiveness. However, creative minds rose to the occasion and developed software which facilitated the compliance with REACH. So, in retrospective the Regulation has been a success resulting in safer products which are produced in more environmentally-friendly processes. 
  SVHC vs. SIN   We won’t go into too much detail, as this is just a broad overview, but REACH differentiates between SCHC and SIN substances. SVHC stands for Substances of Very High Concern which basically means “highly toxic stuff”; familiar substances include lead, arsenic, and coal tar. Since these substances can have serious and irreversible effects on humans and the environment it is essential to regulate them. 
 Before a substance makes the SVHC list it is usually put on the SIN list. The SIN list – as the name suggests – includes a number of substances which manufacturers should avoid using. The SIN list came into being because companies wanted to know if the chosen replacements for the SVHC banned substances would turn up banned in the future as well. In other words, the SIN list gave companies a long-term roadmap for approved input-materials. Any substance not included in either list is considered safe for production for many years. 
  Regulations in the US    The American equivalent to REACH is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which has the power to regulate and even ban the manufacture, use and distribution of new or existing chemicals under the Federal Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA). Both Regulations share the same goal to protect the people and the environment but can have different procedures in place to do so. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
                ]]>
            </content>

                            <updated>2017-07-06T01:30:00+02:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">HOW TO FIND YOUR PERFECT BELT SIZE</title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/how-to-find-your-perfect-belt-size</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/how-to-find-your-perfect-belt-size"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            Even though belts are one of the most common accessories many people still struggle to measure their belt size properly. There are several methods to choose from and we will show you which ones to use. You’ll never have to wonder about your perfect belt size ever again. 
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
  HOW TO FIND YOUR PERFECT BELT SIZE  
 &amp;nbsp; 
   
 &amp;nbsp; 
 Belts are undoubtedly one of the most common accessories out there; especially for men. It is all the more surprising that many people still struggle to measure belt sizes and find their perfect fit. To make things even more frustrating, a quick Internet search will only leave you more confused, as brands use several different ways to determine belt sizes. Luckily, there are many ways to solve this mystery and we’ll show you how in our belt size guide.&amp;nbsp; 
 &amp;nbsp; 
  HOW TO MEASURE BELT SIZES  
 The only proper and logical way to measure belt sizes is from the inner edge of the buckle, where belt buckle and buckle pin meet, to the middle hole (usually there are 5 holes). If belt size and hip size coincide (or waist size depending on where you want to wear the belt), the belt will have the right size needed to apply it exactly one time around your hip so that you can pull the buckle pin through the middle hole. Voilà, the perfect fit. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   
 &amp;nbsp; 
 In case you are wondering why there are several holes or why you should measure to the middle hole, here are the answers: The variety of holes gives your body some room for changes and allows you to wear the belt at different levels of your waist or hip without forcing you to buy a new belt constantly. Additionally, your effective hip size (your hip circumference alongside the outside of your pants) can vary depending on the thickness of the material of your pants and whether you tuck your shirt in or not. So, measuring to the middle hole gives you the most room for variations. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Left: Our classic women&#039;s belt Carolina; Right: Our classic men&#039;s belt   Javier    
 &amp;nbsp; 
 Additionally, it also leaves you with just the right amount of belt to pull through the loop without having the end of the belt hang down loosely. Ideally, you will be left with about 15-17cm/5.9-6.7in of length from the middle hole to the end of the belt. 
  Alternative Measurement Techniques   Some brands measure the belt size from the outside part of the buckle, from the middle of the buckle pin, from the beginning of the leather strap, to the first hole or to the last hole. All of these options leave you with wrong measurements and will inevitably lead to unsatisfying purchases. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
  FOUR WAYS TO FIND YOUR BELT SIZE  
 All nice and good but you are probably still wondering how to identify your personal perfect belt size. Here are four straightforward methods: 
 
 
  A Flexible Tape Measure is Your Best Friend  The most accurate way to determine your belt size is to thread a flexible tape measure through the belt loops of your pants (as you would with a belt) and mark the spot where the tape reaches exactly one time around your hip. Pick the belt size which is closest to your hip circumference. Remember to put on a pair of pants which fits you well and represents what you plan to wear. Note, that the thickness of the pants material can influence the measurements. 
 
 
   
 
 &amp;nbsp; 
 
 Don’t Have a Flexible Tape Measure? – No Problem. You can also get creative and thread any kind of cord, cable, or ribbon through the belt loops, mark the spot where it goes all around your waist or hip exactly one time, and then measure this distance with a regular tape measure. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Left: Our elastic wool belt Rodolfo; Right: Our braided wool belt   Federico    
 &amp;nbsp; 
  Use One Of Your Old Belts  You can also get your belt size with your current belt even if it does not fit perfectly: simply use a measuring tape or a folding rule to measure the length from the inner end of the buckle to the hole or spot (for braided belts, there are no holes) which fits you most comfortably - it will likely be the spot to show the most wear and tear. Should the first hole (or the last) show the most wear as seen on the subsequent illustration you should double-check whether this is the spot that fits best or whether the belt would ideally fit even tighter (or looser), which means that you would need to adjust your measurement accordingly. 
   
 &amp;nbsp; 
  Looking for a Shortcut? - Use Our Conversion Chart   Even though this method is less effective than the other two options, as waist size can vary from brand to brand, it can work well for most men’s sizes. You just need to know the waist size of one of your jeans which fits you well and the chart will tell you which belt size to choose. The reason why the belt size is always a little bigger than the hip circumference is the thickness of the material of your pants. Please note that this method is not suited for women. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   
 &amp;nbsp; 
  Size Up Your Jeans – It Doesn’t Get Any Easier   This is the fastest, most convenient but also most inaccurate method. Just add 3 inches to your jeans size and you’ll get a pretty good estimate for your belt size (this method works best in inches). So, if you have a 32in jeans size, a 35in belt size will be a good place to start. Some sizing guides will tell you to only add 2in but in our opinion adding 3in yields better results. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
  HOW TO FIND YOUR PERFECT DALGADO BELT  
 Now that you have identified your waist size, you can enjoy your next belt shopping trip. We can’t say which measuring system other companies use but if you are on the lookout for a Dalgado belt, here is what you need to do to find your perfect fit: 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Our classic women&#039;s belt   Mia    
 &amp;nbsp; 
 First, you’ll have to find the right belt size chart for your type of belt, as it might vary slightly depending on the kind of belt you are looking at. When you are looking through our shop, the appropriate sizing chart is always displayed in the Details Dropdown Field for each belt. Here are all three sizing charts at a glance: 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   
 &amp;nbsp; 
  Braided Belts  Let’s assume you are looking at Riccardo, a men’s braided belt, and your waist size is a 93cm/36.6in. Looking at the chart in the Details section you’ll see that your hip size falls in the 88-98cm/34.5-38.5in range. That infers that your perfect belt size is M. In this example your waist size falls right in the middle of the range which is ideal. But there is no need to worry if it doesn’t. The beauty of braided belts is that you can tie the belt wherever it fits you best. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Our suede leather belt Riccardo  
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Classic Belts   Things get a bit more complicated for classic belts, as sizes are not indicated in S/M/L/XL but rather in numbers ranging from 70-120cm in steps of 5cm (27.5-47in in steps of 2in). 
 Let’s assume you are looking at a women’s classic belt and your waist size is 91cm/35.8in. When you check the ranges displayed in the Women&#039;s/Men&#039;s Classic Belts chart, you’ll notice that your waist size falls within the ranges 86-94cm/34-37in and 91-99cm/36-39in. This overlap is normal and is due to the 5 holes. You always want to pick the range for which your waist size is most centric; in this case the 86-94cm/34-37in range which results in your perfect belt size of 90cm/35.4in. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Our classic men&#039;s belt   Roberto    
 &amp;nbsp; 
 For any of these belt sizes you can add 16cm/6.3in to get the total belt length. 
 Not so difficult, right? If you should still have any questions regarding your belt size or our belt size guide, just get in contact with us and we’ll help you find your perfect belt size. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
                ]]>
            </content>

                            <updated>2017-06-28T00:00:00+02:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">HISTORY OF THE BELT</title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/history-of-the-belt</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/the-read/history-of-the-belt"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            You might not give this common accessory much though but the belt has a rich and surprising history. Before it turned into today’s important and omnipresent fashion piece, the belt played multifaceted roles in many different civilisations.
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
  HISTORY OF THE BELT  
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 Despite being rather small in size and unobtrusive at times, a belt can definitely make or break an outfit. It is one of those accessories that shows whether or not you really care about a complete look or just about what meets the eye. Even though almost everybody has several belts in their wardrobe, only very few people actually know how this fashion staple came into being. As with many things of our everyday life, which we take for granted, the belt has a rich history and has played an important role in numerous civilisations. 
  Beginnings  The earliest documentation of male belts goes all the way back to the Bronze Age. It is somewhat of an ambiguous time period, as it describes an era of technological advancement of urban civilisation like proto-writing and - you guessed it - the usage of bronze. Since technological progress is not geographically congruent, these innovations were used in different regions at different times. The Bronze Age follows the Neolithic Age and started in the Middle East at around 3300 BC and then slowly progressed through Europe until 1200 BC. 
 In the beginning, belts were primarily utilitarian as a means of carrying tools or weapons. Military girdle bands worn around the waist and designed to keep weapons in place are considered the first belts in history. Leather belts were also very popular in Greek and Roman military due to their flexibility and durability which granted freedom of movement and some protection. 
   Roman soldiers wearing their waist belts. Pictures by   Mike Bishop    
  Other Meanings  The belt, however, has not only played an important role in military and, later, in fashion but also in dream interpretation in some cultures. Belts were even honoured so highly in the Mongolian culture that their exchange was used to seal alliance. Similarly, the Franks believed a man seized power over his enemy once capturing his belt. The importance of the belt is still visible today in boxing where champions are crowned with a belt and in other fighting sports where the colour of a belt symbolises a person’s skill rank. 
  19th Century  During the 19th century the belt was still primarily a decorative as well as utilitarian part of military uniforms, particularly among officers. Back in the day, officers commonly wore very tight, wide belts around their waist on the outside of the uniform both to hold a saber and for aesthetic reasons, as it gave the wearer a trimmer physique, similar to today’s idolised V-shape. During the Crimean Wars this effect was further exaggerated with a small corset worn underneath the uniform. It is quite amusing that the today’s popular waist belt for women was originally invented by male soldiers; for some reason it was deemed necessary and imposing for officers. 
 Even though men in Europe had started wearing pants in the 16th century, it took until the middle part of the 19th century for trouser waists to fall to a lower line and belt loops to be created. The belt finally transcended its application as a military tool turning it into an essential accessory. 
   Style of the 50s. Picture by   Tiffany Terry    
  Belts for women throughout history  Women started wearing belts much later than men but they did so for the same utilitarian reasons. Women in the Middle Ages carried their purses and fans on their belt; In a way the belt was the predecessor of the modern bag as we know it. However, with the invention of the handbag and the popularity of blouse and long skirt, belts were free to lose its utilitarian character and become more of a style statement. Waist belts remain popular to this day but ladies have also been using belts for trousers since the 1930s. 
  Today  Over centuries, the evolution of this essential accessory has been impressive and certain kinds of belts can instantly signify a time and place in fashion history for certain professions. The variety of belts has exploded during the last years: from classic belts to braided belts, from sports belts to dress belts, from belts made out of faux leather to exotic leathers, from elastics to wool, you can find virtually any kind of belt in numerous colours. Even tough functional belts like for the modern handyman with his tools in the belt still exist, the belt is no longer a utilitarian accessory but an ornamental one which plays an important role in ever-changing fashion trends. 
 For women, the belt has transformed into an essential fashion piece with the potential to be beautiful and sophisticated. Long gone are the days, when belts were limited to just holding a piece of garment in place: nowadays, it can harmonise an entire outfit when combined with other accessories such as handbags and shoes, add class or colour to a casual outfit, flatter fuller figures or draw attention to a small waist. The latest example of a woman fully integrating belts into her style is Michele Obama who wore various widths of belts over dresses, cardigans and even coats. 
   Our braided wool belt Federico. Check out the belt   here  .  
 For men the belt has become the most common accessory. Not wearing one almost gives the impression that you were too rushed and frazzled in the morning to check your outfit in the mirror. Only in rare instances does an outfit without a belt look complete. It has become somewhat of an unspoken law to match the colour of the belt with the colour of the shoes; That is especially true for suit shoes. Men don’t have nearly as many accessories as their female counterpart; All the more important are they few, they do have. 
 Thinking about stepping up your belt-game? Check out our belt collection for   men   and   women  . 
 &amp;nbsp; 
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            </content>

                            <updated>2017-03-04T00:00:00+01:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LEATHER GRADES</title>
            <id>https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/all-about-leather/all-you-need-to-know-about-leather-grades</id>
            <link href="https://dalgado.de/en/the-journal/all-about-leather/all-you-need-to-know-about-leather-grades"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            We have probably all asked ourselves before why some leather products are so much more expensive than others. We&#039;ll give you the answer in our brief and straightforward overview guide to leathers grades.
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 &amp;nbsp; 
  ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LEATHER GRADES  
 &amp;nbsp; 
 The leather industry is opaque, complex, and sometimes intentionally misleading. In order to understand why some leather products are much more expensive than others and to protect oneself from bad purchase decisions, some leather education is necessary. Therefore, we would like to give you a brief and straightforward overview guide to leathers grades. 
  About Cowhide  Since whole cowhides are quite thick they are usually cut into different layers depending on its application. The two main layers are the grain layer towards the top and the dermal layer (Corium) towards the bottom. The biggest difference between these two layers is the positioning of the so-called collagen fibres (structural proteins in the connective tissue). In the grain part, the fibres are much tighter and stand up nearly vertically, whereas in the corium part they lie flat almost horizontally. The rule of thumb is simple: the more vertical the fibres, the more durable the leather. 
   
  Leather Grades  Even though there is no standardised grading system, most manufactures rank leather grades in the following descending order in terms of durability and authenticity: full-grain leather, top-grain leather, split leather, and bonded leather. 
 Keep in mind that full-grain leather, top-grain leather, and split leather can all be described as “Genuine Leather” which can be confusing and deceiving. If you want to learn more about Genuine Leathers, click   here  . It is also important to remember that there are many subcategories of leathers and numerous leather optics, i.e. surface patterns. However, not every optic can be crafted from every leather grade.&amp;nbsp; 
  Full-grain leather  Full-grain leather comes from the top layer of a hide and has not been processed in any way (i.e., sanded, buffed, or snuffed). Since the grain is left completely intact, the leather offers the greatest degree of fibre strength and breathability, which allows it to develop a beautiful patina during its lifetime. Additionally, the leather maintains its natural blemishes such as scars, wire cuts, insect bites, stretch marks, and neck wrinkles, which fosters its authenticity. Yet, even though some of these markings are cherished, too many of them are disregarded as poor quality. Therefore, only the best hides can be used for full-grain leather, which is why it is considered premium leather. With the exception of the beautiful design alternatives of Nubuck and Palmellato, all leathers used for our classic belts are full grain leathers. 
  Top-Grain Leather  Contrary to full-grain leather, top-grain leather has been sanded and buffed to enhance workability and eliminate natural blemishes. The refinement of the leather creates a subtle surface, uniformity and greater stain resistance but takes a slight toll on durability. 
  Nubuck Leather  One of the most prominent kinds of top-grain leathers is Nubuck. It has been buffed to create an extremely soft and luxurious outer surface. The rare combination of durability and suppleness is exactly why we choose Nubuck for some of our designs. 
  Split Leather  The most common type of leather comes in many forms and has many names but is best known as Split Leather. It is created from the Corium part of the hide after it is split off the grain layer; hence its name. Since split leather is more pliable than grain leather, it can be worked with polyurethane (PU) or polymer coating, artificial grain embossing, and spray-paint to create various leather optics; that is why other synonyms for this leather are finished split, corrected-grain, bicast leather or PU leather. It is also frequently referred to as true leather in comparison to faux leathers. &amp;nbsp; 
  Suede Leather  A prominent kind of split leather is Suede. It is made out of the split layers from the corium part of the hide, which is scraped and abraded to the point of extreme softness. Due to the loose collagen fibre structure at the bottom of the hide, the resulting nap resembles velvet. Suede is softer and more workable than Nubuck but also bit more susceptible to dirt and stains. In order for suede to maintain its smoothness and suppleness, it should be treated regularly. 
  Palmellato  Palmellato leather is a close relative to the better known Saffiano leather which was invented by Mario Prada himself. Saffiano leather is famous for its diagonal lines and cross-hatch print which is pressed into the leather coating giving it a slight sheen. The stamping process also gave the leather the name textured leather. Over time many optic alternatives developed; Palmellato was one of them. The main difference to Saffiano is the slightly rounder grain pattern. Just like Saffiano, Palmellato is very resistant to stains, scratches, and water. Due to these unique attributes, many high-end fashion houses frequently use Saffiano or Palmellato leathers for their luxurious products. 
  Bonded Leather  Similar to shavings from cutting wood, there are leftover leather scraps from splitting and working the hide. Manufacturers bond these leftovers together with an embossed polyurethane coating or latex and call it bonded leather or reconstituted leather. Durability, smell, and texture depend on the varying degree of organic leather in the chemical mix (10%-90%). Even though bonded can portray very nice optics, they are not comparable to grain leathers in terms of quality and durability. 
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