"Quality leather is a living material. It does not stay the same — it responds to use, to climate, to the oils of your hands. Over time it builds a patina that is specific to you. This is not wear. It is character".
How
we
work
Pombo is a one-person studio. Every piece is made by hand, with care and precision at every stage — cutting, skiving, stitching, finishing. As the studio grows, some stages may involve trusted specialists or a small team, but the standard does not change: every piece is held to the same criteria before it leaves.
We work in editions of up to twelve pieces. Not because scarcity is a strategy, but because more would be dishonest. A maximum of twelve allows us to know each one. To notice when something is off. To decide not to ship it.
Each capsule is a closed chapter. When an edition sells out, it may return as a second run — numbered from where the first left off, same construction, same hands. What we do not do is pretend an edition is gone when it is not.
We do not produce by season. We produce when we have something to say — and the craft to say it with.
THE
POMBO
CRAFT
Every Pombo piece takes time. Not because we are slow — because we are precise.
Each piece begins with the leather: selected, measured, cut according to the pattern. The pieces are skived — thinned at the edges so they fold and seam without bulk. Then prepared: edges treated, surfaces conditioned, hardware positioned. Then assembled, stitched, and finished by hand.
A small piece may take three hours of hands-on work. A medium piece between nine and fifteen. The most complex pieces can take up to thirty hours. These are not continuous hours — the process has intentional pauses: time for an edge finish to cure, for an adhesive to set, for the leather to rest before the next stage. Rushing any of these moments shows in the finished object.
The pauses are part of the process too. Some are for the material — an edge finish that needs time to cure before it can be burnished, an adhesive that must set before the next layer. Others are for the hands. Precision work is physically demanding: the focus required for a flat seam or a clean bevel does not hold indefinitely. Stepping away — and coming back — is how the standard is maintained.
That time is what you hold when you hold the piece.
Care Instructions
Does leather change over time?
Yes — and that is the point. Marks, warmth, softness over time. The piece becomes more itself the more it is used.
How do I keep it looking good between cleans?
A soft horsehair brush is enough for day-to-day maintenance. If the piece looks slightly dull or has surface dust, brush it gently — no product needed. This is the most frequent gesture, and the simplest.
How do I clean my piece?
A soft, slightly damp cloth handles most situations — as often as needed, no fixed schedule. No solvents, no alcohol-based products, no chemical cleaners.
What if it gets wet?
Let it dry naturally at room temperature. No hair dryer, no direct heat — both shrink and crack the leather.
Can I leave it in the sun?
Briefly, yes. Prolonged direct sunlight or heat will dry and fade any leather. Store away from windows when not in use.
The colour is transferring onto my clothes. Is that normal?
With new pieces, dye can transfer onto light fabrics before the surface fully sets. This fades with time. Avoid prolonged contact with light-coloured clothing in the first few weeks.
Nappa — smooth or embossed grain
Supple, refined surface. Condition once or twice a year with a cream for smooth finished leather. For embossed grain, clean with a soft dry cloth — scrubbing can flatten the texture over time.
Suede & nubuck
Soft, matte, brushed surface. Use a suede brush in one direction to remove dirt. Apply a protector spray before first use. Never use conditioning creams — they darken and flatten the nap permanently.
Calf leather
Fine-grained and smooth. Clean with a soft damp cloth whenever it looks dirty. Condition every 3–6 months — calf dries out faster than bovine and benefits from regular moisture. Handle with dry hands and avoid prolonged friction against rough surfaces.
Vegetable-tanned leather
The most reactive of all — it absorbs oils, light, and marks, building a deep patina over time. Condition with a natural wax or balm once or twice a year. Avoid water when new. Scratches blend in over time.
Something needs attention?
Write to hello@pombo.studio before attempting any repair yourself. Many issues are simpler to fix than they appear — and easier before a home remedy makes them permanent.
Repair
We stand behind what we make.
If a piece fails due to a construction defect within two years of purchase, we will repair or replace it at no cost to you. This is our legal obligation under EU consumer law — and our personal commitment to the craft.
Damage that comes from use — a worn edge, a stretched seam, a scratched surface — is a different matter. We assess repair requests case by case. We will tell you honestly what is possible, what it involves, and what it costs. We are not a repair service for all leather goods — only for pieces made in this studio.
To request a repair, write to hello@pombo.studio with your order number and a photo of the piece. We will respond within 3 business days.