Care
YTN №7 is an independent leather house in Islington, London. Natalie Redol founded the brand in 2015 and constructs every piece by hand — bags, backpacks, small leather goods and jewellery, sold directly at ytn7.com. This guide is how to look after a piece once it's yours.
Our pieces are designed to evolve over time. Vegetable-tanned leather reveals its beauty gradually and needs very little care. Less is more.
To refresh a piece and restore softness
Apply a small amount of Saphir Médaille d'Or — or Saphir Crème Universelle Leather Balm — with a soft cloth, spread it evenly over the surface, and buff. No more than once or twice a year.
To remove accumulated dirt and shine from wear
First clean the surface gently with Saphir Médaille d'Or Natural Cleaner, or Saphir Cleaning Lotion, and let the leather dry. Then apply a thin layer of Saphir Médaille d'Or, or Saphir Crème Universelle Leather Balm, and buff. Not something to do often.
To remove a spill or a stain
Begin with Saphir Universal Shampoo. If that isn't enough, follow with Saphir Reno'Mat Cleaner, applied sparingly and only to the affected area. Once dry, apply Saphir Médaille d'Or, or Saphir Crème Universelle Leather Balm, to restore the leather. Be careful: excessive cleaning can damage the leather or alter its appearance.
What to avoid
Do not over-moisturise the leather. Avoid frequent use of care products. Let the material age naturally and develop its patina. Leather becomes better with time.
Warm and humid climates
In southern climates leather may need slightly more frequent care. Apply Saphir Renovateur to nourish it, and Saphir Super Invulner to protect it from moisture and environmental exposure.
Older pieces in chrome-tanned leather
Before 2022 we occasionally used chrome-tanned leather; everything we make now is vegetable-tanned. If you own one of those older pieces and it has lost colour, clean the surface first, then apply Saphir Juvacuir in a thin, even layer. Let it dry completely, then apply Saphir Renovateur to nourish and stabilise the finish. Apply sparingly, and always test on an inconspicuous area first.
Waxed canvas
Spot-clean only, with cold water and a soft brush. Never machine-wash or dry-clean — both strip the wax. If water resistance fades after a few years of regular use, the canvas can be re-waxed.
Hardware and zips
A dry or barely damp cloth, no polish or solvents — harsh polish strips the bluing and the patina along with the dirt. Keep zip tracks clear of sand and grit, and if one ever starts running stiff, a little wax or graphite on the teeth.
A note on this guide
Each piece is shaped slowly in our Islington studio, guided by hand. The leather is developed and tanned to our own specification at Conceria Maryam, a small family-run tannery in Tuscany. This guide is based on our own experience working with leather. Our pieces do not require extensive care — you now have the key principles, and you may use equivalent or locally available products.
Made with care in London.
