Rusted Leather

handmade sneakers made from flower rusted leather

16 March 2026

Munich based high end footwear brand nat-2 and designer Talia Luvaton present a very special collaboration by launching handmade sneakers made from flower rusted leather. Designed by Sebastian Thies, the sneakers are handcrafted to order in Italy.

Reaction between damp leather and oxidized metal

“Rusted Leather” is a material-based technique developed by the studio as part of an ongoing exploration into the physical and chemical manipulations possible within vegetable-tanned leather. The process creates unique surface patterns through the natural reaction between wet leather and oxidized metal elements.

As moisture activates the interaction, traces of rust are transferred onto the surface, producing organic marks and tonal variations that cannot be fully controlled or repeated. The technique is combined with fresh, natural flowers, allowing botanical imprints to merge with oxidation marks.

Born from materials research, the process emphasizes time, chance, and transformation – giving each piece a unique and evolving character. The other materials and components used, such as high-quality outsoles, removable insoles, lining, and laces, are all locally and responsibly sourced by the nat-2 workshop and fairly produced in Italy.

www.nat-2.eu
www.luvatonstudio.com

image credit: Sebastian Thies