i posted an overview of the price list in the handbags thread for gucci 05... i received a booklet today and here's what gucci has to say about it:
A reinterpretation of these historical themes has brought forth a brand new leather. La Pelle Guccissima expreses the new code of achievement for the house of Gucci. Led by classic calf leather, chosen for its smooth full-grain texture and flawless surface, it is an ideal material for the new production techniques used for La Pelle Guccissima, while rspectul of the outstanding tradition of the artisan leather craftsmen of Florence and Tuscany. The modern environmental tanning process obtains "ethically correct" leather that is treatd with natural products to preseve intact the qualities of the raw material. The printing method revives an ancient hot-stamping technique to apply the double G logo or the horsebit motif on the leather, creating an embossed effect. Dyeing and refinishing are still performed by hand and by talented artisans who use brushes and buffing pads with utmost care. After a first application of color, which requires a weeklong interval to ensure full absorption, the leather is treated with natural waxes to protect it during the subsequent hot-printing phase. Wax, in fact, is a lubricant that isolates and protects the grain of the leather from the extrem heat of the metal used to imprint the logo. After the excess wax is removed during the washing stage, the leather is ready for buffing, which is done by hand using brushes covered with wool fabric.
The unparalleled details that distinguish La Pelle Guccissima -- the hot-printed logo, the thorough and meticulous craftsmanship, the sophisitcated color progression -- are the exquisite result that only expert hands can produce. These artisans -- the bearers of ancient techniques and knowledge handed down over the centuries -- are the most precious asset of the Italian fashion industry.
Gucci's carefully selected raw materials and skilled craftsmen are the best assurance of an exclusive material such as La Pelle Guccissima that possesses the essence of the brand and the allure of a product whose value increases over time.
(sorry if there are any bad typos...)