posted 02-08-2000 05:34            

A revolutionary new Italian leather process that has practically raised the tanning of hides to fine art, has caught the imagination of American designers. Colope, which is full-grain, multi-color, finished leather was developed in Arzignano, Italy, “the leather capital of the world,” by Curtubra Color Design and was introduced at a recent trade show in Chicago.

The vision and tenacity of the Curtubra team, led them to develop an exclusive new process, years in the making, that enables dyes to penetrate calf and cowhides with any combination of colors to create any pattern, or design.

“The designs are not just applied to the leather” explained Nilsa R. Cordova, President of Italian Expo, the exclusive North American representative for Curtubra Color design, “they actually permeate the hides and withstand the standards of traditional leather.”

The process, developed by Curtubra, tans the hides with chrome and finishes them with water non-toxic products, in accordance with the most recent and strict European Union regulations.

Cordova explained, “the hides can be finished to the desired thickness, combination of colors, patterns and desired finish, to meet any industry requirements.”

This versatility makes them ideal for everything from clothing and leather goods to upholstery in the furniture, automotive, marine, and aviation industries.

Production, scheduled to begin in August, will be for custom orders only. A free strike-off of the design will be provided for approval prior to final production.

Among the designers already using the Colope line is Florence Karasik, ASID, who was recently named a U.S. representative of Italian Expo. “These are the most exquisite leathers I have ever seen,” said Mrs. Karasik, an interior designer in West Long Branch, N.J. “They open up a new world of possibilities – not just for interiors, but for the whole spectrum of design.” “I have already started using them in custom furniture for my most discriminating clients,” she said, “and the results are spectacular.”

Why have a solid color leather, when your imagination in colors and design are the limit?