Rio Leather: Textured, Timeless, and Full of Character

Every once in a while, a leather arrives that seems to whisper stories of warmth, strength, and subtlety all at once. That’s exactly what the Rio leather brings to the table. One of the most striking versions you’ll find right now is Rio Red — offered in Sidekick, bookcover/folio, Cascade, and Number 10 styles — and it’s worthy of deeper attention.

Shop the Rio

What Makes Rio Unique

• Chrome-tanned, textured, and tumbled finish
  The Rio Red leather is chrome-tanned, which offers some softness and flexibility, and then it’s textured and tumbled to make the surface more lively and tactile.

• Soft to medium hand
  It sits in that sweet spot — not stiff, not floppy — with just enough body to hold shape but enough give to feel pleasant in the hand.

• Thickness around 2 mm
  The Rio variants in the Sidekick and folio/bookcover category are approx 2 mm thick.

• Closure options & durability
  As with many Chic Sparrow leathers, Rio offers closure flexibility: either the elastic with a metal brad or a snap, depending on your preference. 

• A patina that stays true
  Unlike leathers that shift colors wildly over time, the Rio maintains integrity. The texture, grain, and character evolve, but the core identity remains constant: you receive something bold and age it gracefully.

Rio in the Sidekick

If you choose Rio Red for a Sidekick, here’s how it shapes your journaling experience:

• It fits personal-size inserts (3.75" x 6.75") comfortably, like the 416-page grid notebook you already use or love. 

• The textured surface adds visual and tactile interest — a familiar favorite for those who enjoy the feel of textured leathers like Crème, but with a bit more edge and grit. 

• Over time, the Rio Red Sidekick will carry marks, scuffs, and highlights that tell your story — those lived-in details are part of its charm, not blemishes.

Rio Across the Collection

Because Rio is available in multiple formats (folio/bookcover, travelers notebook, Number 10) you can build a coherent set. Collect them all in your favorite size: Cascade, folio and number 10, and personal sized sidekick. Consistency in leather choice ties together your journaling kit in a way that feels curated and intentional.

A Story in Leather: Why Rio Belongs in Your Hands

Every leather carries a mood. Rio whispers of dusk-lit streets, of letters sealed in red wax, of a journal dipped in boldness but softened by time. When you slide your fingers over its textured surface and feel the gentle pliability, you know you’re held in something crafted, not mass produced.

In a world filled with glossy leathers that show every nick and every smudge, Rio’s texture helps mask the small imperfections while still allowing character to emerge. It’s forgiving, yet exposed. It’s bold, yet enduring.

Integrate Rio into Your Journaling Life

• Match your mate: If you already have a larger notebook in a different leather, a Rio Sidekick won’t exactly “match,” but it can beautifully complement by contrast.

• Let it age naturally: Resist over-polishing or aggressive conditioning. Let the marks build, let the color mellow, and let the leather’s story become yours.

Shop Now