At VILL OKSE, materials are not chosen for appearance alone. They are chosen for how a bag or wallet performs over time — how it carries weight, how it holds shape, and how it ages with real use.
This page explains the leathers and technical fabrics used across our work bags, travel bags, backpacks, and everyday carry. Every material here is selected as a structural decision, not a decorative one.
All leather is sourced exclusively from Leather Working Group (LWG)–certified tanneries and tested to meet international safety standards — ASO-free, PCP-free, and within REACH limits for Chrome VI. Metal fittings are lead-free, and recycled textiles are used wherever durability allows.
What follows is a clear breakdown of what we use, why we use it, and what it means for you as an owner.
Structural by design. Honest in aging.
LEATHER AT VILL OKSE
Leather defines how a bag holds its form, how long it lasts, and how it improves with use. We work with full-grain and top-grain leathers that retain their natural fibre structure — allowing them to strengthen in character, not weaken over time.
We do not over-correct surfaces or chase short-term finishes. Natural grain and minor variations are allowed to remain, ensuring the leather ages naturally and develops a patina that reflects real ownership.
Our leather selection is guided by three principles:
- Daily performance under real load
- Long-term structural stability
- Compliance with international safety and sourcing standards
Types of leather
Each type of leather has a purpose — both functional and tactile.
Traditionally tanned using natural tannings.
Leather finished with the natural hair layer intact.
Leather treated with oils and waxes for enhanced protection.
Leather tumbled during finishing to increase softness.
A soft, full-grain leather with minimal surface finishing.
Traditionally tanned using natural tannings.
Leather finished with the natural hair layer intact.
Leather treated with oils and waxes for enhanced protection.
Leather tumbled during finishing to increase softness.
OUR MATERIAL STANDARDS
Measured, not marketed.
Across all leather products, we maintain these non-negotiable standards:
- Full-grain leather only
- Tanneries certified under LWG
- Lead-free metal fittings
- Manufacturing units audited under SEDEX 4-Pillar and SA8000
- Leather tested to be ASO-free, PCP-free, and Chrome VI-free (within REACH limits)
- Recycled linings and threads used where performance is not compromised
Why this matters for ownership
- Fittings that don’t catch rust easily
- Seams that hold under long-term stress
- Reduced repair frequency
- Safer materials for daily handling
TECHNICAL & SUSTAINABLE FABRICS
Not every product benefits from full leather. Where lighter weight or functional performance is more appropriate, we use engineered fabrics with the same discipline.
Lightweight strength, reduced impact.
Recycled nylon fabric built for everyday durability
Why it’s chosen:
Made from post-consumer and post-industrial waste, minimizing virgin resource use.
Performance:
- High abrasion resistance
- Excellent tear strength
- Reliable weather tolerance
Best for:
Everyday bags, travel pieces, and utility designs
Used in:
Look for recycled nylon in selected travel and utility collections on the store.
Durability through longevity.
Heavy-duty canvas fabrics with a lower footprint
Why it’s chosen:
Canvas combines strength with breathability and long-term durability.
Performance:
- Breathable
- Rugged
- Ages with use
Best for:
Lifestyle and utility bags
Used in:
- The Roma Recycle Cheque Textured Canvas Handbag for Women — a canvas bag with refined character.
Responsibility on the inside.
Recycled linings and threads on the inside — where it matters most
Recycled linings and threads reduce waste while maintaining strong performance where it matters most.
Performance:
- Strong interior structure
- Tear-resistant linings
- Durable stitching without virgin plastic dependence
Used across many products where structure and longevity are priorities.
Comparing the materials we use
| Material | Source | Key Benefits | Environment Impact | Used In |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LWG-certified leather | Audited tanneries | Durable, ages beautifully, premium feel | Reduced water & chemical impact | Leather bags, wallets |
| Recycled nylon fabric | Post-consumer / industrial waste | Lightweight, abrasion resistant | Lowers fossil fuel use | Travel & everyday bags |
| Canvas fabric | Heavy-duty woven fabric | Rugged, breathable, timeless | Long lifespan reduces waste | Utility & lifestyle bags |
| Recycled linings | Recycled polyester blends | Strong, lightweight interiors | Reduces internal material waste | All bag interiors |
| Recycled threads | Recycled synthetic fibers | High seam strength | Reduces virgin plastic usage | Structural stitching |
LWG-certified leather
Source
Audited tanneries
Key benefits
Durable, ages beautifully, premium feel
Environmental impact
Reduced water & chemical impact
Used in
Leather bags, wallets
Recycled nylon fabric
Source
Post-consumer / industrial waste
Key benefits
Lightweight, abrasion resistant
Environmental impact
Lowers fossil fuel use
Used in
Travel & everyday bags
Canvas fabric
Source
Heavy-duty woven fabric
Key benefits
Rugged, breathable, timeless
Environmental impact
Long lifespan reduces waste
Used in
Utility & lifestyle bags
Recycled linings
Source
Recycled polyester blends
Key benefits
Strong, lightweight interiors
Environmental impact
Reduces internal material waste
Used in
All bag interiors
Recycled threads
Source
Recycled synthetic fibers
Key benefits
High seam strength
Environmental impact
Reduces virgin plastic usage
Used in
Structural stitching
Measured, Not Marketed
Facts that define how we craft, source, and build for longevity.
Ensures responsible tanning, reduced water use, and controlled chemical processes
Reduces reliance on virgin materials without compromising performance
Longer product life equals lower long-term environmental impact
Traditional tanning is resource-intensive — controlled processes make a real difference
Material shortcuts lead to faster wear, poor ageing, and waste
“Materials are not a marketing choice for us — they are a responsibility. Every number you see here reflects a decision we made to do things properly, even when it was harder.”
— VILL OKSEFahad Hasan, Founder
Our materials are chosen as part of our broader Responsible Business commitments, balancing durability, ethics, and environmental impact.
MATERIALS & SOURCING — FAQs
What materials does VILL OKSE use, and how are they sourced?
VILL OKSE products are made using 100% genuine leather (primarily full-grain and top-grain) sourced exclusively from Leather Working Group (LWG)–certified tanneries. We also use recycled nylon, canvas, recycled linings, and recycled threads where durability and performance allow.
Every material is selected for strength, longevity, and real-world use, not appearance alone.
What makes LWG-certified leather important?
Leather Working Group (LWG) certification ensures that tanneries meet strict international standards for environmental impact, water and energy usage, chemical management, traceability, and worker safety.
For customers, this means the leather used in VILL OKSE bags and wallets is responsibly produced, safer for daily handling, and built to last.
How safe are VILL OKSE materials for everyday use?
All VILL OKSE leather is tested to meet international safety standards. It is ASO-free, PCP-free, and within REACH limits for Chrome VI. Metal fittings are lead-free, and linings are chosen for durability and safety.
These standards ensure long-term comfort, safety, and reliability during daily use.
Why does VILL OKSE allow natural marks and aging in leather?
Natural grain variations and gradual aging are signs of authentic, high-quality leather.
Rather than masking the surface, we allow the leather to age naturally — developing a patina that reflects real use over time. This approach preserves fibre strength and ensures the material remains dependable for years, not just visually perfect at purchase.
Why does VILL OKSE use recycled materials in some products?
We use recycled materials only where they meet our performance standards.
Recycled nylon, linings, and threads help reduce waste and reliance on virgin resources while maintaining strength, abrasion resistance, and durability. If a recycled alternative doesn’t perform reliably, we don’t use it.