Download PDF Sales Sheet The introduction of Vespa ("hornet" in Italian) has created a buzz. Cortina has combined a unique color palette, a distinctive texture and a contrasting surface treatment to produce one of the most unusual leathers on the market today. Unlike many tipped leathers that are produced on leather "splits," Vespa is made using large European whole hides that are substantial enough to hold a pebbled grain, yet light and supple enough for upholstery use. Usually tipped leather is produced with a simple black wash. However, each Vespa hide is treated with a tone-on-tone finish, specifically chosen to enhance the base color, resulting in a sophisticated new variety of tipped leather.