Oscar Arenas didn’t set out to make slippers. He set out to continue a family tradition. In 2016, he pivoted from his IT career to launch CP Slippers, a brand focused on minimalist leather slippers. But the roots go back much further. Arenas’ grandfather had been crafting these slippers since 1981, experimenting with designs and materials right at home. Now, Arenas is bringing his grandfather’s vision to a broader market with Happy Patina.
The story behind Happy Patina is a blend of tradition and purpose-driven design. The idea is simple: Arenas offers leather goods that develop a unique patina over time, transforming pale tan leather into a beautifully aged, lived-in look. Each product is crafted with premium leather, using methods that avoid chemical treatments. This choice goes beyond aesthetics; the leather becomes a blank canvas that tells a story over time, something that mass-produced goods often lack.
The startup is self-funded, and that’s intentional. The company sits under The Hipster Code, a parent company that also owns brands like CP Slippers, Broton Co., and Muleg. By keeping things in-house, Happy Patina has maintained control over quality and design, sidestepping the pressures that come with investors.
Each product comes with a specially designed care kit to keep the leather nourished and polished, emphasizing longevity and personal care. This is at the core of Arenas’ approach: items that develop character with each use, designed for those who value unique, quality items over disposable trends.
What stands out most is Arenas’ dedication to a high-quality aesthetic, often missing in similar brands. Each of his brands has a unique style and target market, and he’s captured each beautifully.
Happy Patina is a smart concept for a direct-to-consumer shop, and so far, the leather ages beautifully. I’m not usually one for bracelets, but I’ve been wearing one for weeks just to see how it transforms over time.
