When I was a little girl patent leather was considered a delicate material and we only wore it in in the spring and summer and only when the weather was dry. Modern patent is just the opposite, it is an all-weather material. I remember many a sad Easter morning, when I wanted to wear my new patent leather shoes and Easter finery to Church - but the weather was bad and Mom made me wear my old boots and winter coat to Church!
My understanding is that "in the old days" patent leather was created by applying layers and layers of linseed oil to leather and then burnishing until the surface was hard and shiny. My husband served in the Navy in his youth, and he told me that the Sailors used to buy a patent leather (linseed oil) version of Navy Shoes for their dress uniform, because it was so easy to keep a high shine on them!
Modern patent leather is made by applying some kind of (polymer?) coating over the genuine leather to protect it and make it shine. This Kristin Pleated Satchel is made from what Coach calls "crinkle patent" and I prefer it to "smooth patent" because I think that the crinkle patent looks more natural.
Yes, my TPF name is "Kate V" I didn't realize that it could easily be misread! But now that you say it I see what you mean. I will ask an administrator for the site if I can change it to "KateV" that would be simpler! Thanks!
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