2010ECCO Leather

Rough skins

Rough Skins is a collection concept with leather samples developed in collaboration with Ecco Leather. Studio Nina van Bart conducted an in-depth study of leather characteristics and created a collection of samples that introduce new structures and finishing possibilities for leather applications in the furniture industry and for interior objects. This research was undertaken during Nina van Bart’s training at the Design Academy in Eindhoven, at the invitation of Ecco Leather.The pioneering company opened its laboratory to a select group of students, providing a creative environment focused on experimenting with leather finishing techniques. Nina van Bart concentrated on matte and delicate finishes, drawing inspiration from the aesthetics of aged materials such as weathered concrete and oxidation-perforated metals.

The design process

Studio Nina van Bart explores material qualities and assists manufacturers and material brands in rethinking their collections and products. The studio challenges all aspects of surface materials in architecture, including their fabrication, processes, and applications. The aim is to create architectural surfaces that are functional, innovative, and evoke a distinctive atmosphere in our surroundings through colour and texture. This project marked an early stage in Nina van Bart's career in surface design. In this project, she focused on matte and delicate finishes, referencing the aesthetics of aged materials such as weathered concrete and oxidation-perforated metals.By studying both artisanal and industrial leather techniques, she integrated efficient production processes into the design process. This enabled her to work with various techniques to achieve unexpected and surprising results. She cooked, cut, waxed, and perforated the leather; she sanded, printed, embossed, and laminated it—until a collection of leather samples, each with exceptional qualities, was created.