Crocodile skin is one of the most sought-after materials in the fashion industry due to its unique texture, durability, and high value. Hermes, a luxury brand known for its high-end accessories, is one of the most prominent companies that use crocodile skin in their products.
But have you ever wondered how Hermes gets this exotic material? In this article, we’ll explore the process of obtaining crocodile skin and how Hermes does it.
What is Crocodile Skin?
Crocodile skin is the outer layer of a crocodile’s body that protects it from external factors such as water, heat, and sun rays. The texture of crocodile skin differs from other animal skins due to its small and uniform scales that appear in diagonal lines across the surface. These scales give crocodile skin its unique texture and make it an ideal material for luxury products.
The Crocodile Farming Process
To obtain crocodile skin, Hermes relies on reputable crocodile farms that breed and raise these animals for their meat and hides. These farms ensure that the animals are well taken care of and live in suitable conditions before they are harvested for their skins.
The farming process begins with incubating eggs until they hatch into baby crocodiles. The baby crocodiles are then raised in separate pens according to their age until they reach maturity. During this time, they are fed a diet consisting of fish and other aquatic animals to ensure that they grow healthy and strong.
Once matured, the crocodiles are selected based on their size and quality of skin. The selected ones are then sent for processing where they are humanely euthanized before their skins are removed.
The Tanning Process
After the skins have been removed from the crocodiles’ bodies, they undergo a tanning process to preserve them for use in leather goods. The tanning process involves several steps, including cleaning, degreasing, and softening the skin.
Hermes uses a special tanning process known as “vegetable tanning,” which involves treating the skins with natural tannins derived from plant materials such as bark, leaves, and fruits. This process gives the skin a unique texture and character that cannot be replicated by synthetic methods.
How Hermes Uses Crocodile Skin
Once the skins have been processed and tanned, they are ready to be used in Hermes’ products. The luxury brand uses crocodile skin in a variety of accessories such as bags, wallets, belts, and shoes.
Hermes’ skilled craftsmen carefully cut and stitch the crocodile skin to create exquisite designs that showcase the material’s unique texture and beauty. Each accessory is meticulously crafted to ensure that it meets Hermes’ high standards of quality and excellence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, obtaining crocodile skin is a meticulous process that involves breeding and raising these animals on farms before harvesting their hides for leather goods. Hermes relies on reputable sources to ensure that their products meet not only ethical standards but also high-quality standards. The brand’s use of vegetable tanning further highlights its commitment to sustainability while maintaining its reputation for luxurious products made from exotic materials.