When inspected closely, the tactile surface embodies the honest, unimposing quality of a natural material. Balancing the line between softness and endurance, the texture’s timeless expression offers a reassuring sense of delicate yet lasting presence. And the intricate pattern, mesmerising in its organic, subtle cadence, only reinforces the unequivocal quality of leather. It looks like leather, it feels like leather – it even has its distinct, grounding, primordial scent. Still, it’s much more durable. It’s resistant to stains, water, UV damage, fading, scratches and abrasions. In fact, it’s so robust that it can be disinfected and treated with standard cleaners and bleach. So, can it be leather? Yes, it can. And it’s leather like we haven’t seen before.

Available exclusively through Materialised in Australia and New Zealand, the Crypton Leather range from Cortina marks a new generation of enhanced natural materials that amplify their authentic beauty by dramatically improving lifespan and performance. The secret? Crypton, a water-based protective finish that’s seamlessly embedded in the material during the meticulous leather-making process.

Crypton’s imperceptible formula ensures the leather retains its natural look and feel while providing unparalleled protection. The solvent-free composition forms a permanent, protective and long-lasting topcoat that doesn’t wear off, ensuring exceptional resistance to any kind of mechanical or chemical intervention. These enhancing properties prolong leather’s lifecycle, augment its durability and performance, and allow the material to retain its unique quality for much longer, finally making it a viable choice for high-traffic performance environments where this delicate texture hasn’t been traditionally used. 

And because the protective layer is used with both pigmented and aniline and semi-aniline leathers – renowned for a more natural look and fragile composition that’s more prone to staining – Crypton’s protective qualities reintroduce the potential of using these delicate materials in settings like bars, hotels and restaurants but also contemporary offices and aged care homes.

Beyond its remarkable performance characteristics, the Crypton finish also sets a high bar for safety and environmental responsibility. Compliant with stringent European REACH standards, the low-VOC finish is safe for the occupants and the environment. It contains no heavy metals, silver, PBA, or PVC, and because it’s biodegradable, it’s safe for our oceans and waterways.

This environmental profile is reflected in the quality and provenance of the leather itself. Sourced from Cortina, which holds exclusive rights to the Crypton-protected leathers, most of the materials are manufactured at a traditional, long-established artisan tannery that has achieved a gold rating, as audited to the Leather Working Group’s environmental stewardship and traceability standards. 

These credentials, combined with the transformative potential of the finish, make Crypton Leather a compelling choice for designers who demand meticulous artistry and exceptional quality that mirror their own design ethos. Like Articolo Studios, a Melbourne-based lighting and furniture design house, which was drawn to Crypton Leather’s enduring combination of durability, performance and timeless aesthetic. 

“The stain-resistant treatment to the leather is what stood out to us,” says Nicci Kavals, Founder & Creative Director of Articolo Studios. “Our products are made from the finest quality materials. They are a fusion of art and sophisticated engineering. We embrace the inherent beauty of natural and machined materials and favour a palette of solid metals, timber, and leather, and all our pieces are designed to stand the test of time and be relevant in 20 years.”

Articolo Studio’s integrated Crypton Leather across an impressive range of sophisticated designs, each subtly elevated by the unimposing quality of the material. Their meticulously crafted modular collection of wall sconces, pendants, and floor lamps, Swivel, masterfully combines the exquisite quality of European glass with the grounding vernacular of bronze and brass, which are then gently offset by the incorporation of mesh or Crypton Leather’s fine, matte tactility. Juxtaposing the clarity of glass and solid expression of metals, leather’s organic texture helps deliver an intricate, contemporary and architecturally enduring design.

Swivel’s Crypton Leather finish is available in Cafe Havana, Cascade, Storm, Driftwood, and Venetian Linen shades, which aptly complement the collection’s refined shapes and also showcase the material’s compelling palette. “The availability of colours suited our design intent,” Nicci explains. “Our aesthetic is layered, textured, quiet, whilst also being contemporary yet timeless. We have selected a palette of muted-coloured leathers – these shades are confident, elegant, refined, timeless.”

This stunning range of shades also elevates Articolo Studio’s beautifully balanced collection of stools. Both Cuff and Slip, expressed through a classic geometry and playful asymmetry of volumes respectively, hero the charming visual language and sturdiness of leather. Its refined materiality, articulated through a selection of organic neutrals and more elegant, deeper hues, like Olive and Burgundy, is balanced by leather’s self-assured hardiness, delivering imaginative designs that are both eye-catching and incredibly high-performing.

Saddle, on the other hand, is where Crypton Leather embodies its most traditional, somewhat nostalgic expression. This newly launched collection, comprising an armchair, an ottoman, and a bench, draws inspiration from a horse saddle to create a sculptural and robust design vocabulary. Here, the suspended leather sling is anchored by two solid walnut legs, creating a generously cushioned, inviting presence. Carefully handcrafted by Articolo Studio’s artisans, the collection is a masterpiece in well-proportioned craftsmanship, and the outstanding quality of the materials conveys that concise, yet expressive language seamlessly. 

“Our artisans are well-versed in us pushing the boundaries – both in materiality and technique,” Nicci says. “We often design with complex engineering and detailing, while maintaining a sense of visual simplicity. The Materialised leathers have been a pleasure to work with; their soft yet durable nature has given our makers the confidence to upholster even the most intricate pieces with ease. To date, they’ve encountered little to no issues, which speaks volumes about the quality and performance of the product.”

Articolo Studios’ design ethos seeks to reimagine recognisable forms in innovative ways, and in that, it harmoniously aligns with the ingenuity underpinning Crypton Leather’s transformative potential. By seamlessly imbuing the authentic beauty and feel of natural leather with exceptional durability and performance, Crypton Leather doesn’t just protect the material – it expands its potential immeasurably. And that inevitably signals a new era – one where nature’s inherent beauty is not just preserved but thoughtfully empowered to thrive in the most demanding of design landscapes.

Get your free Materialised Crypton Leather mini sample pack!