Crown x Horween

Founded in 1905 by Isidor Horween, Horween Leather Company remains one of America’s last great heritage tanneries — still operating in the heart of Chicago after more than a century of craftsmanship. In this film, President Skip Horween takes us inside the meticulous, months-long process of creating genuine shell cordovan — one of the world’s most revered leathers. From the initial de-hairing and pickling, through the 60-day vegetable tanning and hand-curried finishing, every stage is performed by skilled hands using the same techniques passed down through generations. Unlike mass-produced leathers tanned in a day or two, Horween’s cordovan process takes nearly six months — steeped in heritage, patience, and a secret blend of natural oils and waxes that give the leather its legendary depth, shine, and longevity. This is not just leather.