Something to Love

FABRIC

Each of our fabrics are loomed by hand, thread by thread by Master Weavers.

Some are vintage huipiles that have been worn by Guatemalan women, and others have been designed and created for Nena & Co. Every artisan produces a unique signature on their weaving that tells a story. It can define what region they are from or how they were trained. 

Because our fabrics are uniquely created by hand and not machines, there are natural variations in the weave. The spacing of the thread, knots that leave markers of where a thread stops and starts, perfectly imperfect alignment or small snags in a pattern are considered unique beauty marks. These are characteristics that represent the human touch in Nena & Co. designs. While we strive for high quality, we ask you to join us in celebrating these natural imperfections.

Our bags and accessories are made with new artisan fabrics in many of our collections, including the Artisan Collection, Heritage & Society Collection, Mexico Collection, and Morocco Collection.

LEATHER

long-established techniques ensure a high quality leather product and highlight the inherent beauty of the material

At Nena & Co. we choose to use only the highest quality of leather. Because we forego chemical dyeing and resurfacing, our leather retains its natural characteristics. We hold our leather to a high standard and consider every item an artisanal masterpiece. 

Our leather comes to you after a lengthy process of traditional dyeing and tanning. These long-established techniques ensure a high quality leather product and highlight the inherent beauty of the material. Each hide is proof of its own authenticity. From scars and bug bites to beauty marks, you can guarantee that no two hides are alike. As you carry your bag, it will become softer and more supple with each use as the leather absorbs natural oils from your hands.

Although all of our colored leathers are formulated using the same techniques, it is important to understand that different colors will wear and scratch differently. Our products are of the highest quality and we stand behind them, ensuring you will love the unique characteristics in your Nena & Co. leather. As with all high quality full grain leather, proper conditioning and care is recommended.

SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF

We use only the highest quality of leather. Our leather is sourced from tanneries that are ISO 9000 Certified. To be ISO 9000 certified, a company must meet the eight international standard quality management principles. We only buy raw materials from vendors that are ISO certified and that care about the impact in their local communities.

HIGH QUALITY FULL GRAIN LEATHER

All Nena products are made from the highest quality full grain leather, with the exception of the Morocco Collection: those bags are made from high quality sheep leather! 

Full grain leather comes from the top layer of the hide which has all of the grain. The natural surface of full grain leather burnishes and beautifies with use. It is the best leather money can buy. Where the cow was scraped by barbed wire or bitten by a tick, the color sets in deep and stands out a bit. You'll be able to see the full grain running through the hide in the form of veins too. These small scars and imperfections lend a tremendous amount of character. 

OTHER LEATHER GRADES

TOP GRAIN LEATHER

Top grain leather is the second highest grade because it is split from the top layer of blemished hide, then sanded and refinished. 

GENUINE LEATHER

Genuine leather is produced from the layers of hide that remain after the top is split off for the better grades. The surface is usually chemically treated to resemble a higher grade. Many handbag brands use this leather grade.

BONDED LEATHER: “THE PRESSED WOOD OF LEATHER”

Bonded leather is made from dust and shavings of leather that are ground down and glued together. It is weak and degrades quickly with use.