Horsehair was the material of the very first Ai bag. Rare, natural, and woven on Victorian looms dating to 1872 at one of the last remaining horsehair mills in southern England secured by Akris specifically for this collection. Lighter and more resilient than leather, it develops a richer character over time. Black and brown tones come from the natural shades of the tail. Only white horsehair can be dyed, in a palette as broad as pure cashmere.

Cervocalf is one of the house's most important leathers sourced from Tuscan tanneries and barrel-dyed for colour that saturates all the way through. At 1.6 mm thickness, it holds its shape without stiffness. The name derives from the Italian word for deer: cervo.

Soft and tactile, suede brings a seasonal warmth to the Ai silhouette. Available in a refined selection of seasonal tones.