Jordan Fox : the Allure of Natural Veg
“The beautiful thing about veg is that it can be left alone.”
“You can’t stop the beautiful process.”
Jordan Fox - Foxtrot Studio
Whether you physically enter Fox Trot Studios or peruse the website, you’re slapped with the same impressions. Everything is clean, beautiful, and you want one of each. We came across Jordan Fox’s Instagram a few years back. At the time, I had only been into the craft for a couple years and really admired his craftsmanship. The use of natural veg leather saturates his business. A little while ago, I had the privilege to do a facetime call with Jordan and learn from his experience with this unique type of leather that I’ve grown to love called “natural veg”.
“Natural veg” is vegetable tanned leather that has not been dyed in any way. This allows for a truly unique experience for the owner and quite the transformation for the product.
Jordan’s first introduction to natural veg was through the raw denim world. These two materials have similarities. They both develop patina. Raw denim and natural veg enthusiasts have the understanding that this is a journey to the end goal. There’s something special about earning it and resisting the urge for instant gratification.
Jordan’s take on natural veg is that “Less is more,” and “The materials shine through when it’s not embellished.” Both the start and final patina are beautiful in their own way.
It is fascinating how everyone’s patina takes on characteristics of its owner. Your patina is unique to you. Jordan’s challenge to all of us is to “Embrace the process and imperfections.”
The in-between stage of the journey is everyone’s least favorite.
Just know you’re going somewhere.
Jordan put it this way. “There are those who want to take it from 0-10 on their own terms.” No conditioner or patina help wanted. “Those are the diehards.” And there are those who want the patina yesterday. For those people he recommends applying a conditioner on day one. Sunlight and use also aid to that end.
Every leather crafter that uses natural veg gets this question:
“How should I care for it?”
Jordan’s answer is “Give it at least a year and let it do its thing.” After that, give it the treatment 1-2 times a year. His personal recommendation is a conditioner called Obenauf’s Leather Preservative or Neetsfoot oil (just know this will darken the leather a little).
If you’ve been on the fence on whether natural veg is for you. Take Jordan’s challenge. I don’t believe you will be disappointed.
“The beautiful thing about natural veg is it can be left alone.” “You can’t stop the beautiful process.”
Check out Jordan’s Shop at foxtrot-studio.com