The Maestro Care Guide
Every piece in the Maestro collection is crafted from the finest Italian leathers and materials, made to be worn for years and passed on for longer. With the right care, fine leather deepens in character and lasts a lifetime. This guide walks you through caring for each material we offer, from everyday calfskin to rare exotic leathers.
The Essentials — for all fine leather
A few habits protect every leather piece you own:
- Rest between wears. Give shoes and bags at least a day to breathe between uses. Leather needs time to release moisture absorbed during wear.
- Keep away from direct heat and sunlight. Radiators, car dashboards, and prolonged sun dry leather out and fade its color.
- Store properly. Use shoe trees for footwear and dust bags for accessories, and never store leather in plastic; it needs to breathe.
- Act quickly on spills. Blot gently with a dry, soft cloth. Never rub, and never use household cleaning products on fine leather.
- Build a rotation. Wearing the same pair of shoes daily wears them out far faster than rotating between several.
Smooth Calf Leather
Our most versatile leather is refined, durable, and used across shoes, belts, and bags.
- Wipe with a soft, dry cloth after each wear to remove dust.
- Condition every few weeks with a quality leather cream in a matching or neutral shade to keep the leather supple.
- Polish shoes with a cream or wax polish for shine and added protection.
- Apply a leather protector spray to guard against water and stains, especially before first wear.
Suede & Nubuck
Soft, napped leathers that reward gentle, regular attention.
- Brush regularly with a suede brush to lift the nap and remove dirt.
- Use a suede eraser or rubber block for scuffs and dry marks.
- Apply a dedicated suede protector spray — this is essential, as suede stains easily.
- Never use water, cream, or wax polish on suede or nubuck.
- For water spots, let the item dry fully, then brush to restore the nap.
Exotic Leathers — Ostrich, Crocodile, Alligator, Lizard & Python
Our exotic pieces are among the rarest and most valuable in the collection. Each skin is unique, and each deserves specialist care.
- Wipe gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth, following the natural direction of the scales or quill pattern.
- Condition occasionally with a cream made specifically for exotic leathers; ordinary leather products can be too harsh.
- For crocodile and alligator, a tiny amount of exotic-leather conditioner keeps the scales glossy and prevents lifting at the edges.
- For ostriches, work gently around the raised quill points; avoid over-conditioning, which can leave them looking greasy.
- For lizard and python, always wipe in the direction of the scales to avoid catching or lifting them.
- Keep exotics well away from heat and moisture, and store each piece in its own dust bag to prevent scratching.
- For deep cleaning or restoration, always use a specialist; never attempt it at home.
Peccary & Fine Leather Gloves
Our cashmere-lined gloves pair supple leather with a delicate inner lining, so they need a careful touch.
- Ease gloves on gently, working each finger rather than pulling from the cuff, to protect the seams.
- Let them air-dry naturally if they get damp, never near a radiator.
- Wipe the outer leather with a barely-damp cloth; avoid soaking, which can damage the cashmere lining.
- Store flat, away from sunlight, ideally in a drawer or their original packaging.
Belts
- Roll belts loosely for storage rather than folding, which creates permanent creases.
- Wipe clean with a dry cloth and condition occasionally, matching the care to the leather type (smooth, suede, or exotic).
- Rotate between belts to let the leather recover its shape.
Bags & Briefcases
- Empty and wipe the interior periodically to prevent dust and residue building up.
- Stuff bags with tissue paper when not in use to help them hold their shape.
- Store in the provided dust bag, never in plastic.
- Avoid overloading, which stresses the seams and handles over time.
Cashmere Scarves
- Fold rather than hang to avoid stretching.
- Store with cedar blocks to deter moths.
- Hand-wash gently in cool water with a cashmere or wool detergent, or dry-clean.
- Dry flat, away from heat and direct sun; never wring.
- Remove any pilling gently with a cashmere comb.
Silk Ties, Scarves & Pocket Squares
- Untie ties fully after each wear and hang or roll them to release creases.
- Dry-clean silk rather than washing at home.
- Blot spills immediately; never rub.
- Store rolled or flat, away from sunlight, which fades silk over time.
A Note on Longevity
Fine leather is a long-term companion. Cared for well, the pieces you buy today will only grow richer with age. If your item ever needs professional restoration, we are always happy to advise; reach out to us any time.