Previous
BRAZILIAN HIDES ADD EXOTIC TOUCH TO NZ INTERIORS
Added: (Fri Aug 27 2004)
Premium quality, hardwearing affordability and luxurious glamour are just three characteristics of a new range of cowhide products under the exotic brand name, Debandada.
Imported from Brazil by the Auckland company Debandada (Portuguese for stampede), the sumptuous collection includes a huge choice of supple-as-fabric cowhide rugs – from the traditional black and white markings, to the more unusual ‘salt and pepper’ and sought-after pure-white.
The striking skins are also suitable for upholstery, rugs, throws and decor accessories.
Debandada is the brainchild of New Zealander Kirsty Mosaner and her Brazilian husband Marcelo, and is the result of extensive research into the hide market, both in New Zealand and overseas.
All Debandada skins are hand-picked by Kirsty for their quality, beauty, individuality and suppleness.
Marcelo and Kirsty were both raised on farms. “I have always thought cows to be the most beautiful creatures,” says Kirsty. “When I first visited Brazil I was absolutely amazed at the difference in Brazilian cows to the breeds I was used to seeing here."
“The Brazilians aren’t quite as ‘pure’ as New Zealand farmers in their approaches to breeding, mixing hot climate breeds like the Brahman with countless others. The results are beautiful ‘mongrels’ with striking markings – the sorts of exotic patterns and textures that just aren’t available here.”
The Brazilians are also particularly advanced in their tanning techniques. “We researched and found the very best tanneries in Brazil. The hides produced are silky soft and have the most amazing gloss to them.
“I don’t believe anything like it exists here. We have a huge selection of colours and patterns available.”
…/2
–2–
A further aspect of superior Brazilian craftsmanship can be found in the repair of the hides. A combination of the tanning process itself and the fact that cows are not continually sheltered or monitored means it is relatively rare to find a perfect hide.
“The Brazilians have an intricate system for repairing hides,” says Marcelo. “Repair work is almost invisible to the eye, which means a repaired hide can often appear flawless.”
The Debandada collection also includes dyed and printed skins and the products are equally suitable for traditional or contemporary interiors. Plans are also underway to develop a new line of designer stencilled skins.
Also on offer is a complementary collection of homewears such as ottomans, cushions, leather boxes, trays, bins and aprons.
Debandada will donate one percent of the pre-tax value of all cow skins sold within New Zealand to the RSPCA. International cow skin sales will benefit the WSPA. The WSPA (www.wspa-international.org) is currently campaigning for improved legislation and conditions for the long-distance transportation of livestock.
The Debandada collection is available for viewing by phoning 09 522 1050. Purchases can also be made through the company’s secure e-commerce website, www.debandada.com. From the July 1, Debandada will also have an exciting stand in Isle One of the Auckland Home Ideas Centre www.homeideas.co.nz.
–ends–
For further information, images, to view the Debandada range or to borrow products for shoots, please contact Kirsty Mosaner on (09) 522 1050 or 027 222 6230. Or email kirsty@debandada.com.
CARING FOR YOUR COW HIDE
Debandada hides are extremely hardwearing. To keep hides as new, follow these steps.
1) Include your cowhide rug, furniture or cushions in your normal cleaning routine. Vacuum or shake rugs and cushions to remove dust and dry small particles or dirt.
2) Rotate your rug or move it to a different location from time to time to ensure it wears evenly.
3) Cowhides do not like the damp or wet. Use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from a room, or place cowhide outside (on a sunny day) underside facing the sun to air. Don’t soak the cowhide or put into the washing machine.
4) Brushing hides vigorously with a hard plastic brush is a good way of removing dirt and dust. This helps to keep the hair soft and fluffy. It also straightens the hair follicles and re-distributes oils, leaving skins soft and glossy.
5) Common spills such as wine, coffee, tea, juice, food, soup, urine and vomit can be treated quite simply. First, immediately soak up excess liquid with a paper towel or sponge. Next remove solid matter with the blunt edge of a knife by scraping gently in the direction of the hair. Then wipe with a damp (but not wet) sponge or cloth using a mild, soapy solution. You can wipe and rub the hair vigorously in any direction. Finally, clean with a damp cloth using a one percent white vinegar / 99 percent water solution (this balances the PH levels).
6) Fat, grease, lipstick, tar and chewing gum can be treated in the following manner: remove solids by scraping gently with the blunt edge of a knife. Then apply Eucalyptus oil directly to the affected area by dabbing gently with a soft cloth or cotton wool. Finally wipe with a damp (but not wet) sponge or cloth and mild soapy water. You can wipe and rub the hair vigorously in any direction. (Most stains can be treated this way, but Debandada cannot guarantee removal.)