On the runway, we saw it in Dior’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection, but it is a legendary presence in Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags. In 2020, the Kelly Himalaya was named the most expensive handbag in the world, selling for €365,545 at auction, a record surpassed in May 2021 by another Kelly, which sold for €464,000. What mainly determines its price is the material, the Himalaya leather, famous for its natural degradé effect.
Credit: Dolce & Gabbana, Hermès
The degradé is a chromatic effect achieved by gradually blending two colors across the same surface. In most cases, it is artificially created: it starts with a white crust leather onto which color is applied using an airbrush or by hand with a sponge. This technique can be used on various types of leather, including exotic leathers, as seen in Fendi’s Peekaboo in lizard leather and Dolce & Gabbana’s Marlene in alligator leather.
Credit: Fendi, Dior
In the case of crocodile leather, however, this effect can be completely natural. To understand the secrets of this material, we spoke with La Patrie, a company specialized in tanning fine leathers. The so-called Himalaya leather takes its name from the snow-covered peaks of the mountain range and features a matte white center that fades toward shades such as grey or beige along the sides. This effect is very visible on crocodile leather, whose natural pattern remains visible even after tanning. In some cases, a slight lightening treatment is applied to the central area to further enhance the chromatic transition.
Credit: La Patrie
The high price depends both on the rarity of the raw material and the complexity of the craftsmanship. Crocodile species are protected by international regulations such as CITES, which governs the trade of endangered flora and fauna. This drastically limits the availability of authentic, certified, and legal leathers. In addition, the tanning process is extremely delicate and must preserve the texture and natural patterns of the animal.
