Tag Archives: leather

Paper saddlebag hangs over the edge to keep your desk organized

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We only have a very finite desk space, constrained by the available area in our rooms or offices. We can always stack up desk organizers or have drawers beneath to make up for it, but those can only go so far. One underutilized area of our desks is often the sides, and there will always be at least two free edges even if you have a corner table. Taking advantage of that unused space, this rather unusual desk organizer hangs a saddlebag on the side of your table, providing not only a place to put pens and notebooks inside, but even a spot for your phone or drink on top. Best of all, it’s made of a sustainable material that looks more like luxurious leather than paper.

Designer: Tilla Goldberg for Richard Lampert

You’d normally hear of saddlebags only in relation to horses or even camels, but our work desks are just as much beasts of burden as these animals. And just like on those, the SALTO dangles off to the side to provide more storage than our overcrowded desks can already accommodate. It’s deep and spacious enough for notebooks, pens, cables, or even headphones, just about anything you want to keep out of sight but still within easy reach.

It even has enough room for a power strip, which is probably the last thing you’d think of putting inside. The bag’s design actually creates a simple loop at the bottom for the strip’s cable to pass through, becoming the only location where it snakes its way to a power outlet. It’s an unusual but effective cable management system, letting those wires all drop off to the side and disappear into the abyss that is the SALTO bag.

There is one odd and potentially problematic part of the saddlebag’s design, at least in the way it’s being advertised. The half-circle tray that sits on top becomes a place for more important items you’ll always want to have access to, like your phone or a glass of water. The latter, however, might be a cause for concern, considering how the weight of the bag’s contents could very well be heavy enough to pull that tray off the table. You can probably imagine the disaster if that drink spills inside, especially if there’s a power strip there as well.

The SALTO is also a very sustainable design that’s surprisingly made of paper. Technically, it’s a type of washable vegan paper that’s being used as a leather alternative, which explains its fabric-like texture and composition. It definitely looks elegant and stylish, especially when hanging from a minimalist desk that has all its clutter cleared and dumped into this bag.

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Pad & Quill leather accessories for Apple products live on in new brand

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The design and especially the price of Apple’s devices easily mark these products as luxurious goods. Thus it’s not that unusual for owners to be overprotective of their expensive investments, covering them up with protective cases that sometimes trade style for protection. Fortunately, there is a class of accessories that actually add even more class to these devices, particularly through the use of luxurious materials like leather. For more than a decade, the name “Pad & Quill” became synonymous with these leather accessories, offering elegant protection for Apple’s premium products, but it, unfortunately, had to file for bankruptcy last year. The name might be gone, but its legacy now lives on in a new brand from the same founder, continuing the practice of delivering high-end leather products to match your equally high-end iPhone, iPad, or MacBook.

Designer: Brian Holmes

Nothing says stylish luxury better than leather. There will always be arguments regarding the way it’s sourced and produced, but there’s little debate that the material is immediately associated with premium products. Some smartphones even try to ride on that trend by slapping some vegan leather on their backs, but the real deal is harder to pull off unless it’s on an accessory.

Pad & Quill is a name that Apple fans have looked to when it comes to those leather accessories, but due to the recent pandemic, the business had to close down a few months ago. That’s not to say there’s no longer a market for premium leather Apple accessories, just that the brand folded due to circumstances. Thankfully, P&Q’s founder isn’t calling it quits and has started a new endeavor with a new name but with the same mission.

Burton Goods will continue the legacy of offering high-quality leather cases for Apple’s latest products. It isn’t just about using leather, though, and the brand is promoting its precision craftsmanship, attention to detail, and practical functionality alongside the material. Of course, these accessories also serve to protect your precious Apple devices while also being durable products themselves.

At the moment, Burton Goods’ selection of products is limited to Apple’s latest models, from the iPhone to the iPad Pro to the MacBook Pro to even the Apple Watch. There are also plans to include leather bags that will bring these all together, but the exact timeline for their appearance has yet to be revealed. The revival of Pad & Quill’s spirit does also resurrects the question of the sustainability of genuine leather, and it might be a good opportunity for this niche market to reassess that aspect of luxury for the sake of future generations.

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This Japanese Quirky Bag Designer Created these Stylish Leather Backpack To Amp Up Your Dog’s Style

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For many of us, our dogs are not just pets; they are cherished members of our families. We love taking them along on our adventures, but it can be a bit of a hassle carrying all their essentials like treats, toys, and poop bags. Imagine if your beloved furry friend could carry their stuff stylishly and practically. Well, Japanese brand Tsuchiya Kaban has come up with a creative solution – a leather dog backpack that allows your dog to tote around their essentials with panache.

Designer: Tsuchiya Kaban

Tsuchiya Kaban is known for its quirky and innovative bag designs, such as ones meant for holding snowmen or watermelons. Now, they’ve turned their attention to a different type of companion – our dogs. The design of this miniature carry-on backpack draws inspiration from Japan’s iconic ‘randoseru,’ the traditional school backpack commonly worn by students. It’s a thoughtful nod to Japanese culture and a perfect fusion of tradition and modern pet accessory design.

The history of the randoseru, the traditional Japanese school backpack, is a fascinating tale rooted in both culture and fashion. Its origins date back to a significant moment in Japanese history when the crown prince of the time received a distinctive backpack upon entering elementary school at Gakushūin. In tribute to the country’s soldiers, this backpack was designed to resemble the military’s rugged and sturdy backpacks. This noble gesture soon captured the imagination of the public, and the backpack’s unique shape swiftly became a fashionable statement. Over time, the design has evolved and adapted, but the essence of honoring Japan’s military heritage remains embedded in the modern randoseru, inspiring Tsuchiya Kaban’s innovative leather dog backpack, which pays homage to this iconic Japanese tradition while catering to our beloved four-legged friends.

What makes Tsuchiya Kaban’s leather dog backpack truly special is the choice of material. The high-quality leather used in crafting the backpack matures beautifully over time. This maturation process symbolizes the growing bond between a pet and its owner, making it a sentimental and meaningful accessory for any dog lover.

Tsuchiya Kaban understands that your dog’s comfort is paramount. The backpack is attached to an adjustable leather harness designed to fit snugly on your dog’s back. The straps, made of durable nylon, ensure that neither your dog nor you will experience any strain during walks or adventures. The cleverly designed buckle allows for easy adjustment, ensuring a perfect fit every time, regardless of your dog’s size or shape.

For those leisurely walks or spontaneous runs with your furry friend, an optional leash can be directly attached to the backpack. This feature ensures that your dog stays safe and secure while still enjoying the freedom of movement.

The stylish leather dog backpack by Tsuchiya Kaban launched on December 14, 2023, and is available online.

Tsuchiya Kaban’s leather dog backpack is not just a practical solution to carrying your dog’s essentials; it’s a statement of style, tradition, and the unbreakable bond between you and your furry friend. With its thoughtful design and high-quality materials, this backpack ensures both your comfort and your dog’s happiness. So, if you want to add a touch of elegance to your dog’s outings while making life a bit easier for yourself, consider investing in this unique pet accessory. Your dog will undoubtedly appreciate the extra attention and care you’re showing them, and you’ll enjoy the convenience and style this innovative backpack provides.

 

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This Leather iPhone 15 Pro Case + Wallet is perfect for those who don’t want Apple’s FineWoven cases

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FineWoven is great for the environment, but the folks at The Verge have some pretty nasty stuff to say about its overall quality. It looks good for precisely a day, and then starts fraying, gathering scratches, getting dirty, and becoming quite the eyesore. FineWoven may have a lower impact on the environment on face value, but it doesn’t last as long or look as good as leather – so if you’re bummed out that Apple’s discontinued making leather cases for their iPhones, don’t worry… Mujjo hasn’t.

The Full Leather Wallet Case for the iPhone 15 Pro is everything your smartphone needs to look great while staying protected. The case comes clad in premium European leather tanned in the Netherlands, with remarkable grain and a choice between black, brown, and blue finishes. A machined metal rim around the camera protects your precious lenses, while a polycarbonate inner structure with a microfiber interior lining keeps your phone protected from bumps and scratches. Moreover, each Wallet Case comes with a slot stitched into the back that holds two cards that you can easily fish out whenever you need… and unlike MagSafe, the wallet doesn’t accidentally detach while you pull your phone out of your pocket.

Designer: Mujjo

Mujjo’s leather cases complement the iPhone beautifully. They use the highest-quality leather and are tanned using a special DriTan process that doesn’t use any water whatsoever, bringing down the leather’s carbon footprint drastically. Moreover, Mujjo’s cases are built to last, and patina beautifully over time, so you’re less likely to swap them out after a year or two.

The cases feature a 3D leather wrap around a polycarbonate inner frame. The camera bump as well as the buttons on the case are made from recycled metal, and the phone features a luxurious Japanese microfiber lining on the inside that ensures your iPhone 15 Pro’s glass back doesn’t get scratched. The cases are even MagSafe compatible, which means you can snap Apple’s MagSafe charger onto the back and have it juice your iPhone’s battery. You’ll have to remove the cards, though.

Full Leather Wallet Case on the iPhone 15 Pro

Mujjo’s cases don’t just protect your phone, they respect their aesthetic too. The cases come made from the highest-quality leather (Gold Rated by the Leather Working Group) while also ensuring the leather is processed adhering to strict environmental standards, sans the use of harsh chemicals. Moreover, unlike Apple’s FineWoven which shows signs of wear and tear within days of use, Mujjo backs its case with a 2-year warranty against craftsmanship/manufacturing defects. The leather case adorns the iPhone beautifully, and patinas with time, gathering even more character as the leather ages. Mujjo’s Full Leather Wallet Case is designed to be compatible with the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max with a price range of $54 to $64 depending on the model and size.

Full Leather Wallet Case on the iPhone 15 Pro

Full Leather Wallet Case on the iPhone 15 Pro

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Tanner Goods recycled leather wallets make the old new again

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Plenty of people love leather, from designers to fashionistas to connoisseurs and everyone in between. Leather looks great and also feels great in your hand or on your skin, and unlike most materials, it ages gracefully. In fact, the way leather ages is almost as unique as the person using it, developing different patina patterns depending on how it has been used, which can vary from person to person. As beautiful and biodegradable as it might be, its source and production are highly controversial. Synthetic leathers, on the other hand, just don’t cut it in terms of quality and sustainability. There are new kinds of more sustainable and more ethically-sourced leather being developed, but while we wait for them to become more commonplace, the least we can do is to make sure that not even a scrap of leather is wasted, which is exactly what these handsome leather wallets are doing.

Designer: Tanner Goods

While leather itself is more sustainable than materials that use synthetic fibers or chemicals, its creation is, unfortunately, a questionable process. Of course, it continues to be the material of choice for many premium products, many of which produce plenty of waste from scraps and cutoffs that are simply thrown out. While reusing these pieces won’t exactly eradicate the leather problem completely, it does mean that there could be less need for fresh leather every time a new product is made.

That’s the kind of smart reuse that Tanner Goods is proposing with its newest addition to its leather wallet collection. The wallets are made from 100% recycled leather that was ground from the cutoffs of their own leather gloves. These are then bound with natural latex, which means that the process and the materials are at least more sustainable than manufacturing leather wallets from scratch.

The results are wallets that are nearly identical to the non-recycled versions, except perhaps in the shades of brown that might have been a design choice to visually differentiate the two groups. In terms of the tactile qualities, Tanner Goods says that the wallets match those of the leather gloves they were sourced from, which might mean they’re also distinct from your conventional leather wallet. The “fresh” leather, for example, looks smoother and shinier, while the recycled leather has a more textured surface and less gloss. It’s not a perfect match, but it also gives the wallets their own distinct personalities.

It’s just a small drop in the sea that is the leather industry, and this strategy might not apply to larger leather products. A more substantial and long-term solution would be to produce more sustainable and ethical kinds of leather, such as those made from plants. Those still have kinks that need to be ironed out, but in the meantime, small efforts like this could still go a long way in making recycled leather more known and accepted, especially when it looks and feels like new leather anyway.

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Faux leather desk mat keeps cables in order using magnets

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With computers and mobile devices becoming an important part of our work or school lives, it is almost inevitable that cables will snake their way onto desks, twisting and tangling into a sordid mess. As if keeping desks tidy wasn’t already difficult, cable management adds another layer of complexity to that chore. There are desks that offer one solution or another, and those often rely on fixed and inflexible designs. Accessories do give a bit more freedom, but it’s often an all-or-nothing affair that bundles all those cables together in one place. This magnet-powered system, on the other hand, lets you decide where you want to keep those cables, and its beautiful PU leather base also protects your desk from scratches and spills.

Designer: Function 101

Even before computers started living on our desks, desk mats have been providing a combination of protection and decoration for sometimes plain or damaged tables. With our lives becoming a tad more complicated, these desk accessories have also started evolving to go beyond the call of duty, offering additional functionality ranging from temporary paper storage to even wireless charging.

Function 101’s Desk Mat Pro is part of this new breed, though you might not be able to tell at first glance. The PU Pebble Leather gives it an elegant and stylish character, and it would already fulfill its purpose just by itself, making your desk look more appealing while also keeping damaging liquids and sharp objects from ruining your desk. In reality, however, it serves as a base for a rather creative cable management system, thanks to a metal-infused inner layer that provides something for magnetic objects to stick to.

The heart of this cable management system is really the Cable Block XL, a minimalist cube with a cutout that lets you easily slide in any cable. Powerful neodymium magnets make it stay in place and prevent cables from dragging the blocks away. You can place the blocks anywhere you want or need them on the Desk Mat Pro or even on a bare metal desk. You can even combine blocks in a row to keep all the cables in one area or have them individually in different places for better space efficiency. You have complete freedom in how you want to design your cable management system and still look good, whatever you end up with.

Being a magnet-based system also opens the Desk Mat Pro to more than just blocks. There is, for example, an upcoming “coaster” that can fit an Apple MagSafe charger for iPhones, removing the need for a tall cube if all you really need is a low puck. It could also accommodate other magnetic accessories and decorations, ensuring that these don’t get accidentally knocked around and cause a domino effect that ends up spilling your drink. Then again, that’s what the Desk Mat Pro is also for anyway.

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This leather-covered chair folds flat like a folder for easy storage

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Most people dream of owning eye-catching furniture, but not everyone has room for fancy yet large tables or distinctive but voluminous seats. Space becomes even more of a problem if you find yourself hosting guests once in a while, but not often enough to warrant purchasing permanent chairs in your already cramped living quarters. Foldable tables and chairs have become solutions to this dynamic space problem, but most of these sacrifice aesthetics in exchange for flexibility. Of course, there are some exceptions, especially within the realm of speculative or concept design, where form and function are both treated with equal dignity. This foldable chair, for example, clearly has a utilitarian construction, but it still manages to throw in a few design elements that give it the same stylish characteristic as leather-covered furniture and stationery.

Designer: Jeongwoo SEO

Traditional foldable chair designs come in wooden or metallic forms, with hinges and pivots that allow parts of the choir, usually the seat, to fold up or down to create a more compact shape. Although it’s a practical and simple design, it’s definitely not the only way to fold a chair. Given certain factors, it might not even be the best solution.

The Folio Chair takes a different approach to the folding puzzle, requiring no hinges or screws to implement the mechanism. Instead, it seems to take inspiration from papercraft and art such as origami, where simply pushing or pulling a single part can change the object’s shape. In this case, pulling the top of the chair upward causes the folds of the seat and the back legs to straighten up and lie flat on the middle layer that serves as the supporting structure of the chair.

The end result is a very flat but long piece that is almost reminiscent of a folder, which is probably where its name comes from. In addition to being easy to carry around, whether by the handle or under your arm, it also makes the Folio Chair easy to store away. You even have a stack of them either lying down or standing up in a closet, depending on how much space you have.

The Folio Chair also has a distinct charm with its leather surfaces and stitch marking at the edges. This calls to mind not only the leather upholstery used on more luxurious furniture but also the leather bindings on some notebooks and organizers. To some extent, it’s a design that wouldn’t look out of place in an office, even though it’s clearly meant for more casual settings.

Despite its unique proposition, the Folio Chair might still raise some concerns regarding its practicality and safety. While it might be flatter than most folding chairs, it is also a lot taller when collapsed, taking up more vertical space instead. Depending on the materials used, it might also seem a little bit unstable, simply relying on physics and folding patterns to make sure the chair doesn’t collapse under a person’s weight.

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Sustainable Bio-leather made from food waste and algae gets National Runner-Up at the James Dyson Awards 2022

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Meet Kudarat, a leather alternative synthesized using algae, food & fiber waste. Created by Divya Verma of the National Institute of Design in India, Kudarat bases itself on the concepts of circularity & sustainability, target SDGs (sustainable development goals). Kudarat leather resembles animal leather but is cruelty-free, waterproof, compostable, antimicrobial, and possesses good tensile strength, making it perfect for practical applications. It secured the National Runner-Up position at this year’s James Dyson Awards, narrowly being beaten by a design for a reusable epipen.

Designer: Divya Verma

A textile designer by profession, Divya’s journey toward reinventing leather began with watching her mom diligently compost all organic and food waste at home, using the proceeds to then cultivate a veritable garden of plants, fruits, and flowers. “While researching its nutrient values, I learned how food waste ends up in landfills, rots & releases harmful greenhouse gases such as methane contributing to global warming”, she said. “Similarly, fiber waste from the textile industries pollutes water bodies, enters our food chain, and harms life on land & underwater to a large extent. This motivated me to come up with a new material that utilizes renewable natural resources & helps in waste management.”

Kudarat uses natural fiber waste, bound together using natural binders, biopolymers from algae, and natural waterproofing agents. Once the sheets of bioleather are made, they’re dyed using natural colors derived from food and flower waste, like vegetable peels, walnut shells, wood chips, roses, and marigolds. “The development of material does not require large land or water resources and does not lead to carbon emissions”, Divya mentions. “It is free from chemicals and the production requires temperature below a 100 degrees [Celsius] & is energy efficient.” The leather looks, feels, and lasts as long as traditional animal-hide and even lends itself to embellishment and embroidery… but if and when discarded, will biodegrade naturally in 8-12 weeks while leaving zero harmful chemicals behind.

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Leather Gas Can Bag: High Octane Fashion

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Who hasn’t dreamed of walking down the side of the road and motorists stopping to ask if you need a lift to the gas station and you explaining the gas can you’re carrying is actually a leather bag? Etsy shop krukrustudio is selling these large leather purses that resemble old military-style gas cans. “Well, it’s about time somebody did it,” I thought to myself when I first saw them.

The bags are available in thirteen different dyed leather colors, so there’s sure to be one to match your outfit, especially if that outfit is an oil-stained mechanic’s jumpsuit. Of course, red is probably the best choice as far as realism goes. But how many gallons does it hold? Will gasoline pour out from its zipper or seep out of the leather?

The bags sell for $180, making it significantly cheaper to carry an actual gas can full of gasoline. Sure, this thing might not have the practical carrying capacity of a leather bag, but what better way to show up at a party with five gallons of warm beer?

This quirky-looking desk has an interesting way to keep your stuff to a minimum

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Desks come in a variety of sizes to fit not just available space but also the owner’s habits and preferences. Some like keeping a small table to make room for other pieces of furniture, but most people probably opt for wider and larger surfaces where they can put a lot of things on top. Large desks with many drawers are double-edged swords, though. While they do keep your tools within easy reach, they also invite clutter to pile up until you’re overwhelmed visually and mentally. The Pocket desk concept design errs on the side of simplicity and minimalism, giving you just enough space for what you need at a given time and room for only one book at a time.

Designer: Joao Teixeira

While some feel that limitations and constraints can be suffocating, they can also be ironically liberating in some sense. They make you really consider what’s essential and get rid of excess baggage. When applied to product design and furniture, those constraints force you to Marie Kondo ideas and things, throwing away what isn’t necessary, whether for good or for the time being.

The Pocket desk’s simplicity is exactly like this. There are no drawers or hidden compartments where unnecessary stuff can creep in and pile up. Whether you’re using it as a workstation that you clean up every day or as a more permanent desk, the limited area really pushes you to pare down and only put what you need on top. Despite that simplicity, however, the desk actually has some interesting highlights, both in terms of function as well as visual design.

Its name actually comes from the pocket at the back that serves as a bookstand. You won’t be reading from this position, of course, and it acts more as a temporary holding ground for a book that you might be reading currently. There’s little room for more books on top of the desk, so it sends a message of only biting what you can chew when it comes to reading material. It isn’t a simple cutout either and uses a leather sheet to cradle the book inside.

The Pocket desk also seems to have a tube theme going for it, and not just because of the metal legs that hold it up. Instead of having four separate legs, Pocket has two tubes on each side that bend and curve to support the desk. The tabletop joints are also tubular, with the actual top inserted inside. This gives the impression of embracing the tabletop while also keeping its arms open to the person sitting in front of it.

Pocket’s design is supposed to be about valuing details, none of which scream their presence into your face. Subtle visual cues like shapes and contrasting materials create an interesting visual that adds some life to a room. Its simple forms and simple functions make it a good option for space-constrained people, if only because it will make them think about what’s essential and what can be kept away from your desk.

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