CARPINCHO
A material defined by nature, not industry.
Carpincho — known internationally as capybara — is one of the rarest and most distinctive leathers used in luxury craftsmanship.
Its value does not come from trend or novelty. It comes from biology, geography, and regulation.
WHAT IS CARPINCHO (CAPYBARA)?
A species native to South America.
The carpincho (capybara) is the largest rodent in the world, native exclusively to South America.
It cannot be farmed at industrial scale. It does not exist naturally outside this region. Its leather cannot be sourced legally elsewhere.
This geographic reality defines its rarity.
Rarity begins with origin.
WHY CARPINCHO (CAPYBARA) LEATHER IS UNIQUE
A surface that cannot be replicated.
Carpincho (capybara) leather is instantly recognizable by its natural follicle pattern — small, round markings distributed organically across the surface.
These are not defects. They are the material’s signature.
No embossing, stamping, or artificial process can recreate this texture authentically.
Key characteristics
- ✓ Naturally textured grain
- ✓ Lightweight yet resilient structure
- ✓ High breathability
- ✓ Soft, flexible feel
- ✓ Distinct visual identity
What nature creates cannot be engineered.
BREATHABILITY & COMFORT
Luxury worn close to the body.
One of the most valued qualities of carpincho (capybara) leather is its natural breathability.
This makes it ideal for:
- ✓ Footwear
- ✓ Gloves
- ✓ Crossbody pieces
- ✓ Items worn for extended periods
It regulates temperature naturally, offering comfort in warm and transitional climates.
Comfort is a property of good material.
COLOR & TINTING CAPABILITIES
Color that respects the grain.
Carpincho (capybara) leather absorbs pigment differently than other leathers.
Color penetrates the surface while allowing the natural texture to remain visible. This creates depth, variation, and movement — never flat uniformity.
This property allows for:
- ✓ Rich natural tones
- ✓ Deep colors without surface masking
- ✓ Unique variation between pieces
No two dyed hides will ever look the same.
Uniform color is industrial. Variation is luxury.
LEGALITY & REGULATION
Why access is limited.
Carpincho (capybara) leather is regulated under Argentine law and international trade agreements.
Legal sourcing requires:
- ✓ Proper permits
- ✓ Traceable origin
- ✓ Compliance with wildlife and export regulations
Unauthorized sourcing is illegal.
Legality protects rarity.
QUALITY GRADING SYSTEM
Not all carpincho (capybara) leather is equal.
Carpincho (capybara) leather is graded into four quality tiers, based on grain integrity, surface consistency, and structural quality.
FIRST QUALITY
Highest grade, cleanest grain, optimal integrity
SECOND QUALITY
Natural variation, suitable for selective use
THIRD QUALITY
Increased surface markings
FOURTH QUALITY
Lowest grade, generally unsuitable for luxury
Only a small percentage of hides qualify as First Quality. CASSINO’s Estrella line is produced exclusively using First Quality carpincho (capybara) leather.
Quality is decided before design begins.
CASA CARPINCHO
Our partner in Argentina.
CASSINO sources carpincho (capybara) leather through Casa Carpincho, Argentina’s most established and respected house specializing in this material.
Their role includes:
- ✓ Ethical sourcing
- ✓ Quality grading
- ✓ Regulatory compliance
- ✓ Long-term stewardship of the material
This partnership enables CASSINO to access First Quality hides consistently — something very few houses can claim.
Access is built through trust.
WHY CASSINO LIMITS PRODUCTION
Scale would compromise truth.
Carpincho (capybara) leather does not allow for mass production.
CASSINO intentionally limits output to:
- ✓ Preserve material integrity
- ✓ Maintain First Quality standards
- ✓ Respect the sourcing ecosystem
- ✓ Protect long-term availability
This is not scarcity as strategy. It is reality.
Some limits cannot be negotiated.
HOW THIS MATERIAL IS USED AT CASSINO
Respect dictates design.
CASSINO designs around the material — not the opposite.
This means:
- ✓ Certain silhouettes are possible, others are not
- ✓ Production timelines remain flexible
- ✓ Availability is always material-driven
Every Estrella piece exists because the leather allowed it.
Design follows truth.
FINAL CLOSING
Carpincho (capybara) leather is not rare by choice. It is rare by nature.
CASSINO exists to respect that reality — and to translate it into contemporary luxury without dilution.
ACCESS
Explore Estrella, join the waitlist, or request Private Client access.