Image courtesy Polène website.
A sculptural tote with two ways to wear it, the Polène Cyme moves between an open basket shape and a flower-like silhouette. Its care ritual should be just as considered as its design.
Polène is a family-run French leather house founded in 2016, and the Cyme is one of its more recent, design-led releases, built around a sculptural, two-way silhouette rather than a classic shape. It's part of a run of pieces from the brand that trade heavily on considered materials and construction, which is exactly why treating it with generic leather care would miss the point: this is a bag designed to be handled deliberately, and its upkeep should match that.
The Cyme’s shape is part of its story
The Cyme is inspired by the French word cime, a peak or mountain crest, echoed in the ridge that runs along the bag. Open its sides and the straps sit outside for a basket-like shape; tuck the sides in and the straps cross inside for a more gathered, floral form. Move between the two naturally, following the bag’s design rather than forcing folds or straps into place.
Know the materials
The Cyme is described as certified textured Italian calf leather with a 100% velvet microfiber lining. Keep that distinction in mind: care for the textured leather exterior and velvet microfiber interior separately. Check Polène’s care guidance for your exact size and version before cleaning or conditioning.
Care gently for textured calf leather
Lift loose dust with a clean, dry, soft cloth. Avoid scrubbing the texture or pushing product into seams and folds. If Polène’s guidance and the cleaner’s directions allow liquid cleaning, apply a small amount of Gentle Leather Cleaner to a clean microfibre cloth, never directly to the bag. Use very light pressure, do not saturate the leather, and patch-test in an inconspicuous area first. Stop if the surface changes and let each application dry fully.
Our Gentle Leather Cleaner is suitable for leather, suede, canvas, fabric and nubuck. Because the Cyme’s leather is textured, follow the cleaner’s directions and the bag maker’s guidance for this specific finish rather than assuming a method meant for smooth leather applies.
Keep the velvet microfiber lining separate
Avoid transferring leather cleaner, conditioner or protector onto the velvet microfiber lining. If the lining needs attention, follow Polène’s care instructions for that material; do not saturate it or apply leather treatments.
Nourish only when the finish allows it
If Polène’s guidance confirms that conditioning is suitable for your Cyme, apply a small amount of Archive Replenishing Balm to a soft cloth, patch-test first and work lightly over the leather. Do not load balm into the folds. Conditioning can support suppleness in suitable leather, but it is not a guarantee against cracking and cannot repair structural damage.
Let the silhouette rest naturally
After wear, let the tote air in a cool, dry place. Store it without compressing the ridge or placing weight on the folded sides. Whether you leave it open in its basket shape or tuck it into its floral form, support the silhouette gently and let the design do the work.
Preserve the past. Protect the future. Confirm the care guidance for your Cyme, then explore the Archive care rituals suited to its material.
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