It's patent-ly trendy in handbags, shoes, accessories, clothing, and even in jewelry -- Ah, Patent Leather!!!
Have you seen all the patent leather out there and noticed that it's not just the color black that's popular? Today patent leather is hot again! What technically is patent leather anyway? It's a leather that has been given a high gloss, shiny finish. The original process was developed by Newark, New Jersey-based inventor Seth Boyden in 1818 with commercial manufacture beginning September 20, 1819. His process used a linseed oil-based lacquer coating. Modern patent leather usually has a plastic coating.
Hey, shoe critics ... love patent leather?
Or not?

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A bit more about patent leather
Patent leather is leather that has been given a high gloss, shiny finish. The original process was developed by Newark-based inventor Seth Boyden in 1818 with commercial manufacture beginning September 20, 1819. His process used a linseed oil?based lacquer coating. Modern patent leather usually has a plastic coating. Patent leather is sometimes confused with poromeric imitation leathers such as DuPont's Corfam and Kuraray Co.'s Clarino which are manmade materials with a similar glossy appearance.
Patent leather and poromerics are cleaned in a similar way. Dirt adhering to the coating can be removed with a damp cloth, using a mild soap if needed. Minor scratches and scuff marks in the coating itself can be removed using one of several special-purpose patent leather and poromeric cleaners on the market. With wear and tear, patent leather will eventually lose its glossy finish, but will still be smoother than most other types of leather, looking almost rubbery.
Patent leather and poromerics are used in applications where an eye-catching glossy appearance is the most important consideration. Examples include fashion items such as wallets and handbags, dance and uniform shoes, kinky boots and professional wrestling boots, and trench coats. In recent years patent leather has become a popular material for limited-edition sneakers.
Patent leather red wedges
OMG! This Sam Edelman Dixie Wedge in red patent leather is gorgeous!I originally spotted it at Revolve Clothing for a very desirable price of $127.00, but I think that when it got marked down to $64.00, all remaining inventory FLEW out of the store! Girls were clammering for these.
Well, these do have a lot going for them!
Patent leather yellow shoes
Yowzer! Take a look at these spectacularly-bright shoes! They're almost neon-like.I found these at Asos and am sad to report they too are out-of-stock. But, I wanted to show you just how vivid patent leather can be in a yellow color.
When I was in my 20s, I definitely would wear these! How about you?
Patent leather yellow shoes
OK, yes I've already showed you a pair of yellow patent leather shoes, and here's another pair. Those other shoes weren't available at this writing; BUT these ARE!OMG ... these are Marc by Marc Jacobs, available from Zappos for over $300.00. Too much for me, but hey, after all they are Marc Jacobs! They call this color Cedar; it's also in black and white!
Patent leather brown boots
This is an unusual color for patent leather, I think.Pictured here is the Veronica Patent Leather Boot from Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent.
They're made in Italy, so they command a bit of a price tag at $620.00. I found these over at Shopbop.

Beautiful patent leather raincoat by Cynthia Steffe
Patent leather red jacket
I wanted to show you this trench jacket, called the Big Chill Asymmetrical, for several reasons--it definitely looks like patent leather, but it's really faux patent leather! But, who would know, right?It's made of 100% polyester coated with 100% polyurethane and of all things can be machine-washable. Try that with your real patent leather; I wouldn't.
This was originally found at Target of all places for an unbeatable price of $29.99!
Patent leather black capelet
You know, I think it was in the 1970s that I had a black patent leather double-breasted raincoat with a self-tie. Boy did I ever get the compliments on that coat!Well, you can get compliments and be in style with this pretty capelet from Alexander McQueen.
Are you sitting down? Good ... I found this at net-a-porter for $3,390.00!
Patent leather red belt
Oo La La! If you've got the waist, flaunt it with an Elegantly Waisted patent leather belt such as this one!Red is such a vibrant color and hot in patent leather.
You can find a selection of Elegantly Waisted at Shopbop. But, these belts are not inexpensive!
Patent leather red bag
This is the Maxx New York Bridle Patent Top Handle. It is also available in black and yellow--a hot color.It's got some styling extras with a zebra stripe fabric lining, brushed gold hardware, top stitching accents, and four metal feet protectors.
What's nice about this patent leather bag is the affordable price of $98.00; plus it ships free from eBags.
Patent leather black bag
I adore this bag which is made in Italy! It's got quite an unique name: King Pin Forbidden Shopper from Marc by Marc Jacobs.I originally spotted this at eLuxury, but it seems to be out-of-stock.
The Marc by Marc Jacobs brand has been in high demand this past season!
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Patent leather orange tote
This is the Pasadena Julia patent leather tote by Kate Spade. It was also shown in a basic black and a basic white version.The orange color has been a hit this season! You'll have to look around to find one.
This is made from a soft and glassy patent calfskin, trimmed with natural vachetta cowhide, and detailed with the new kate spade logo plate. It retails for $645.00.
Patent leather colorful headbands
If you opted to purchase a Catherine Rapetti patent leather cuff, you may have also opted for a matching headband! I personally like matching fashion accessories to complete my look.These 1-1/2 inch wide headbands are tres chic and not to unaffordable at $50.00.
Patent leather colorful cuffs
This beautiful patent leather cuff bracelet by Catherine Rapetti was the rage! Not only was it one of the hottest styles of bracelets, the wide cuff, BUT it also was in bright colors AND patent leather.Get to know Catherine Rapetti for trendy and fashionable jewelry and fashion accessories!
Patent leather pastel crinkle cuffs
If you're personally not into bold colors when trying to make a fashion statement, and you still want to be in style, these are for you!These patent leather crinkle cuffs from Catherine Rapetti are available in two pretty pastel colors of pink or yellow at $55.00 from her website.
Check out this cool lens on Catherine Rapetti
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Catherine Rapetti -- Designer Accessories
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I've been a BIG FAN of Catherine Rapetti designer items for a few years now. The items of hers that first caught my eye include her giraffe animal print Margaret tote along with her crinkle patent leather cuffs and headbands. The Catherine Rapett...
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Patent leather black cuff
Picture this in white patent leather as well!Specially made for that classy woman with that touch of edginess. Encircle that precious arm of yours with this patent leather cuff shamelessly embellished by authentic white river pearls. An instant hit that would jolt even the most jaded of fashion critics. Designed by the dynamic duo of Babylon Sisters.
Priced quite reasonably at $29.99 at Bamboo Closet.
Drop me a line -- Love Patent Leather?
Got a favorite patent leather item?
Do you love patent leather? Do you wear it? What's your favorite designer item featured in this lens?
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Reply
- Margo_Arrowsmith Margo_Arrowsmith Dec 5, 2008 @ 3:07 pm
- Cool! I remember when Catholic girls couldn't wear patent leather to school because some nuns thought they could let boys look up their dresses. lol Today I don't think much about patent leather, thanks for reminding me! *****
Is it safe to wear black patent leather shoes?
John Powers' classic comic novel of the 1960s Catholic subculture stars Eddie Ryan, a Chicago boy who learns about the important questions in life in his years at an all-boys Catholic school on Chicago's South Side. He views it all through the prism of his Catholic mentality, which often deepens the mystery but sometimes clarifies it.
How to clean and care for patent leather?
Dirt adhering to the coating can be removed with a damp cloth, using a mild soap if needed.Minor scratches and scuff marks in the coating itself can be removed using one of several special-purpose patent leather and poromeric cleaners on the market.
A tip--I used Vaseline petroleum jelly to keep my patent leather shiny and I think this still works! Of course, if you are Cybill Shepherd, you might be using that Vaseline on your face too. ;-)
With wear and tear, patent leather will eventually lose its glossy finish, but will still be smoother than most other types of leather, looking almost rubbery.
Preventive care is to keep patent leather away from other leather, patent leather and pvc items. If you have a soft dust cover, store your item in one.
About the Author of Patent Leather, JaguarJulie
Definitely digging the trend of patent leather -- patently!
Lensmaster JaguarJulie has been a member since March 21 2006, has rated 6,439 lenses, favorited 526, and has created 618 lenses from scratch. This member's top-ranked page is "Stuffed Cabbage *". See all my lenses
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