Audi 2007 Annual Report Download - page 104

102 DESIGN&CREATIVITY
Leather samples are stacked high on the tables in the Centro
Stile (styling center). One beneficial quality of this natural
product is its remarkable durability. “The leather for our seats
practically has to breathe,” Perini explains, “whereas for
airbag covers, we want leather that is durable but will never-
theless tear easily when it needs to.”
Lost in his thoughts, László Vass arranges the Lamborghini
leather samples and compares them with the samples of calf-
skin, cowhide and horse skin that he has brought with him.
“Glossy leather is better suited to shoes,” he says, “while matte
is preferred for cars.” This is really the only thing on which the
two experts can find no parallels. “We also manufacture
durable products,” muses Vass. If cared for properly, welt-
sewn Budapest shoes look brand-new even after ten years.
“We aim to leave leather in its natural state.” Vass favors plant-
based tanning agents and inserts leather even between the
upper and the inlay. “Our shoes transmit real emotions,” he
says rather poetically. “We even emboss them with the names
of our regular patrons.”
There is no question that Lamborghini leather has to meet
the toughest quality standards. They are tested not only for
tensile strength and resistance to abrasion, but also fire reac-
tion and stain resistance. Only the best cowhide is used. Scar-
ring from insect bites or barbed wire is a no-no. Each individ-
ual pre-treated skin arriving from the tanneries is subjected to
an inch-by-inch visual and tactile examination. “Our leather
must be inherently luxurious,” says Perini. At Lamborghini,
everything is done in the name of exclusivity. After all, only
ten of these exceptional Italian cars are produced every day.
Leather quality is also a big issue for Vass. When the shoe is
cut, great attention is paid to integrity, tautness, durability and
stretch. Elegant shoes for special occasions are mostly made
from calfskin, while cowhide is used for more casual models.
Both men see themselves as artists. “My work is most similar
to sculpture, because I use materials to shape a product that
creates new values,” says Perini. Vass, an enthusiastic collector
of contemporary art, adds: “Materials have always provided
inspiration for art.” •
“The customer has to sense the crafts-
manship, from the stitching to the seat
covers. Only then will it be good enough
to bear the Bull logo.”
Filippo Perini, chief designer at Lamborghini
whirring of sewing machines. This is no place for flapping or
fussing. Leather needs peace, quiet and tender loving care. As
Perini says: “We want the customer to sense the craftsman-
ship, from the stitching to the seat covers.” Only then will it be
good enough to bear the Bull logo.
“Come and feel this leather,” the chief designer calls to
his Hungarian guest, László Vass. The selleria reminds the
master shoemaker of his own workshop, where he has been
making the famous Budapest shoes for almost 40 years. His
shoes are equally in demand in New York, Barcelona, Paris
and Tokyo.
Luxury and leather are also dominant themes in the life of
Vass: His workforce numbers just 20 people, all experts in
their craft. Vass has trained many of them himself. His hand-
picked team comes from every corner of Hungary, and is pre-
serving the old tradition of shoemaking. Even in 2008, in his
small workshop in Budapest’s Rákospalota city district, shoes
are made using only knives, sewing, cutting and punching
tools. “In my trade, what matters is the delicate perfection of
details, and although you can do a lot with machines, we stick
with the traditional methods,” says Vass.
Vass, a famous face in fashion circles, has brought a few
pairs of his Italian models with him, as a tribute to the home of
the leather shoe – Italy. These two leather experts from such
different environments are curious to learn something from each
other. “Creative people need to go through life with their eyes
open,” says Perini. He is positively enthusiastic about the curves
of the Hungarian shoes, as keeping up with trends in fashion is
important to him. “That’s why in 2004, we also began working
with Versace.” The result: Working with the Lamborghini cus-
tomization team “ad personam,” the Versace designers left
their mark on the interior of the Murciélago. The bottom sec-
tion of the instrument panel, the doors, the roof lining and the
central console are all covered with fine-grained nappa.
Dream car: The Murciélago is the epitome of luxury:
Leather trim comes as standard, of course.
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