Shagreen with Envy — Beverly McCloskey

I love Anya Hindmarch of London The designs are so classic but with a little edge. These Spring 2013 Shagreen Clutches are called Duke and Duchess.

The Duke is elegant for evening & the Duchess in Mustard is perfect for a Spring party.

Its fun to dream! £1,195.00

This Grey Shagreen with Diamond and Rubellite Snowflake Cuff by Italian designer Corso818 will set your back $3,250

Check out our colorful shagreen bracelets! Many more styles and colors in our shop!

This makes the perfect Mother’s Day present!

Surprise that friend that has everything and is always on the cutting edge with the perfect accessory for Spring.     $160 — Surprise that friend that has everything and is always on the cutting edge with the perfect accessory for Spring. $160

How gorgeous is this braided collar and shagreen belt by Alexander McQueen! Shagreen is an exotic leather that is used by couture designers like Gucci, Alexander McQueen, and Louis Vuitton for shoes, purses, and accessories.

A Little History: The bumpy textured stingray leather was used before the middle ages for the handles of swords and for armor. Its a very durable material. My husband has a shagreen wallet and his favorite trick is to hold it up to a candle at a dinner party…its amazing, it does nothing to leather. This exotic leather was imported to Europe in particular France in the 17th and 18th century but really gained popularity during the Art Deco Era for small accessory items and some furniture.

Designer Karl Springer 1980’s Art Deco Style Shagreen box $4,800 from 1stdibs

Art Deco Shagreen & Ivory Box $2,150 from 1stdibs

Check out some shagreen boxes and accessories from our shop!

Pink Shagreen Vase with Bone Detail- $450

Lavender Shagreen Pencil Holder with Bone Detail- $410

Slate Shagreen Box with Bone Detail- $510Today shagreen is still used for the same sort of items as in the 17th and 18th centuries however many designers use faux shagreen instead since the material is quite expensive. Look at this handsome ottoman … — Slate Shagreen Box with Bone Detail- $510
Today shagreen is still used for the same sort of items as in the 17th and 18th centuries however many designers use faux shagreen instead since the material is quite expensive. Look at this handsome ottoman from Bunny Williams Home. She uses a faux shagreen on the center tray. What a perfect name, Tray Chic Ottoman!

For all you Brits out there OKAdirect is a great little catalog shop, sort of the British version of Pottery Barn.

Lantau Faux Shagreen & Gold Coffee Table £835.00This is an image from Architectural Digest of Nina Griscom’s Manhattan Penthouse Apartment; truly a glamorous interior. I love the shagreen and bone accented desk and chair. — Lantau Faux Shagreen & Gold Coffee Table £835.00
This is an image from Architectural Digest of Nina Griscom’s Manhattan Penthouse Apartment; truly a glamorous interior. I love the shagreen and bone accented desk and chair.

Shagreen is one of my favorite materials to design with….whether its jewelry accessories or furniture.