The Hidden Truth About Eelskin
Last year I bought this vintage 70s eelskin handbag in a charity store. It is not the only eelskin bag that I own: I also have a soft red pouch. However, I have not often used them in the belief that the softness of the skin meant it was quite fragile. Research lead me to discover that the opposite was in fact the case. But it was not the only thing I learned …
I found out the real truth about eelskin. I was so shocked I consider it my duty to expose the infamous lies of the fashion industry.
EELSKIN IS NOT EEL’S SKIN!
It is in fact the skin of an unpleasant and unattractive scavenger that lurks upon the ocean floor, eats dead and dying fish, and kills its enemies with slime.
Yes, slime. I am not joking. (If you want to read more about this revolting defence mechanism, click here.)
The creature is the Pacific hagfish, one of few jawless (Agnathan) fish, and it does resemble an eel, being long and thin. Perhaps it was simply a poor and inadvertent translation into English that produced the misnomer, or perhaps it was a deliberate marketing ploy, but whatever the truth of its origin, ‘eelskin’ is certainly a more appealing name than ‘hagfishskin’!
… whatever the truth of its origin, ‘eelskin’ is certainly a more appealing name than ‘hagfishskin’!
This jawless fish is eaten in Asia, so its skin is a culinary by-product, which is ethically pleasing. The resultant leather is highly prized, being very smooth (it feels like silk) and exceptionally strong, making it almost maintenance-free, and is used in the creation of every kind of accessory, clothing, and even furnishings.
Clean & Care
While eelskin can be conditioned occasionally with colourless shoe wax, this is not recommended for lighter-coloured items as over time added oils can darken the pigment of the skin.
For oil stains (grease, suntan oil, lotion etc) apply rubber cement (available from art and craft stores) sparingly to the stain, let dry and peel off. Many applications may be necessary, but it should eventually come out.
For liquid stains, let dry naturally overnight. Water will not stain, but in the case of some other liquid, splash with water to thoroughly rinse out. Blot excess water, but do not rub.
For ballpoint ink stains, rub with clean finger, or if that does not do the job, try a pencil eraser, rubbing very gently. It’s best to attempt this while the mark is fresh. Permanent ink cannot be removed. [Tips from Coast]
Shop
To buy new, check out Maiden Voyage, Sova Leather, and Coast.
Photos: January 2015, April 2016