nendo explores the natural wear of leather with suntan patterns

one of the defining characteristics of leather is the natural changes it goes through over time, which rather than reducing its quality, makes it even more attractive than when it is new — the process of wearing-in transforming its color and feel. nendo elaborates on this attribute, referencing the techniques used to tan leather, to create a collection of products that exhibit unique patterns. he applies ‘invisible’ designs onto leather products through the use of tanning oil or sunscreen, so that at the time of purchase the objects appear to be plain. however, as they are used and exposed to sunlight, the graphic motifs gradually begin to surface, and as more time passes with further exposure, the markings disappear as a result of overall fading. 

the leather products are ‘sun tanned’ to reveal their graphic patterns
all images by akihiro yoshida

created for the tanner’s council of japan, ‘suntan-pattern’ was conceived to highlight the beauty of leather over time. after some experimentation with a number of tanning oils and sunscreens, as well as a combination of the two, nendo settled on using a complete coating of tanning oil, and on areas surrounding the pattern an SPF 50 sunscreen colored to match the leather using a brown make-up powder. this step allowed the studio to avoid the ornamentation of being visible prior to exposure to sunlight due to ‘wet’ colouration that becomes evident when the coating is absorbed. the series of book covers, card holders, containers, folders and stools are available in four designs. 

the patterns start to emerge as they are exposed to the sun

an overall coating of tanning oil, with SPF 50 sunscreen is used to define the resulting patterns

upon purchase the patterns appear invisible

‘suntan-pattern’ products come in four designs