Alcantara – The high-tech fabric from Italy

Since fall 2020, we also offer the high-quality microfiber fabric Alcantara for our stroller handles as an alternative to genuine cowhide and medical-grade imitation leather. At ANGELCAB, we place the highest value on the use of natural materials. Why we nevertheless decided to include the synthetic material Alcantara in our range, you will learn in this article.

The material

Alcantara is a high-quality, high-tech microfiber fabric that has been 100% manufactured in Italy since the 1970s using a patented Japanese technology developed by Miyoshi Okamoto. It is known for its velvety and particularly soft surface, reminiscent of suede, and is made of polyester and polystyrene – but the exact composition is still a well-kept secret. Most people know Alcantara from the automotive sector, where the fabric is often used for seat upholstery or cockpit surfaces. But Alcantara has also long gained a foothold in the furniture industry as an alternative to leather due to its uncomplicated processing and durability as well as its elegant aesthetics.

The most characteristic feature of Alcantara fabrics is the velvety soft velour-like surface and elegant design, which gives each surface an individual aesthetic. In addition, the fabric is particularly durable, breathable and easy to clean. The lightweight material can even be washed and ironed. It feels nice and warm in the winter and pleasantly cool in the summer (just like our wool for the textile parts). In addition, it is a fabric with excellent grip, which is ideal not only for supercars, but also for strollers. Since Alcantara is also lightfast and heat-resistant, the material is also suitable for outdoor use – and daily walks in wind and weather.

The company

All the positive properties of Alcantara suit us very well and can be seamlessly transferred from the automotive and furniture industry to our ANGELCABs. However, that alone was not enough for us. Decisive for our decision to include a microfiber fabric in our collection were the high quality, the durability and the pleasant grip of the material.

Just like the stroller handles made of natural and synthetic leather, Alcantara handles are also sewn by hand by our partner company, a traditional saddler with decades of experience in the equestrian sector. The working time for this is about 2 hours. For us, the handmade decorative stitching is not only a pretty design element with recognition value, but above all a sign of the highest craftsmanship. We are very proud to be able to contribute to the preservation of the Bavarian craft tradition.