While we do appreciate the beauty of industrial products—perfectly uniform and precisely made—we at REN have never denied the value of things that are not. On the contrary, every time we touch leather, create something from it, or see a well-loved item aged over time, we find ourselves drawn to its imperfections and fluctuations.
Are things without scars or irregularities truly “good”? It’s a question we’ve asked ourselves time and again—and continue to ask even now.
We honor the character it holds from the start, without trying to conceal it.
▲Leather before cutting: It has scars, uneven pore patterns and grain textures, and varying degrees of softness from place to place.
Leather comes from the hides of living creatures. No two are ever exactly alike. Each hide has its own unique grain patterns, pores, faint blood vessel traces, and subtle differences in texture. We’ve always been drawn to this individuality—the quiet expressions embedded in the leather itself.
For example, our signature material “BARE” is made from goat leather characterized by its fine natural grain. The grain patterns and color tones vary from piece to piece, but we don’t try to make them uniform. That irregularity holds the potential to better match the unique shapes and contours of each person’s body—its curves, firmness, joints, and proportions. And of course, it also reflects each person's preferences and moods.
That’s why we keep processing and decoration to a minimum, allowing the leather to remain as true to its original state as possible. We also try not to conceal its scratches or uneven textures—choosing instead to embrace them.
A design approach that makes the most of the material.
At the time of its development, the pigskin used for "HALLIE" was generally considered unsuitable for use. Due to its fine scratches, color irregularities, and visible pores, much of it was typically discarded during the production process or used only as lining material or insoles for shoes.
Still, we were drawn to the raw character of the leather—its lightness and breathability—and decided to take a fresh look at its unique qualities.
There are inevitably parts of the leather that cannot be used. Even so, with the help of our skilled cutting artisans, we’ve managed to raise the material utilization rate to 80–90%, minimizing waste as much as possible.
▲We make full use of each hide by matching the supple or firmer parts of the leather with the needs of each component.
We don’t simply accept the scratches and variations—we work with them intentionally. We carefully consider how each hide will take dye, how it will age over time, and which parts of the leather are best suited for which products. This meticulous approach is a reflection of our unwavering pride in design.
We embrace the traces of change.
Taking care of your leather and keeping it in good condition is one way to enjoy it. Applying cream and nurturing it over time is part of the pleasure of using leather goods.
On the other hand, it’s perfectly fine to embrace the changes that come with leather and use it casually. Over time, the leather will develop more sheen, become softer, and even the original scratches and uneven tones will gradually blend in.
▲As the leather develops a natural sheen, small scratches become less noticeable.
▲Even deep scratches eventually blend in with the natural wrinkles that develop over time, becoming part of the leather’s unique character.
One thing is certain: leather will change over time. Scratches, small stains, and subtle shifts in color from sun exposure—these are not signs of deterioration.
We believe that the true charm of leather lies in the way each piece tells a story—where the natural markings it’s born with blend with the traces left by its owner over time. This layered history is what makes leather all the more beautiful.
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About care / REN's philosophy