Something about my labours of love...
I love designing and bringing forth into existence my Bag, Strap, Belt and Jewellery ranges. Every aspect of the process is important and fascinating to me. Some items such as the Nina Crossbody bag with interchangeable straps go back to 2012. It started life as a clutch and morphed into something practical as my main form of transport back then was my Triumph Triple, also I intended to travel, a lot! There is no better education than immersing oneself in a life different from ones own. Other designs come and go yet this remains my baby and the most popular design by a mile!
I choose beautiful leathers left over from big European and Australian design production. Not only for the textures and the crazy prints but trusting best practise in the chain of European and Australian production. The leather pieces are then carefully designed by me, occasionally making changes to size or shape then cut and sewn by longtime friend and leather guru Brata and his brother in Bali and completed by me in Australia. We have worked together for a decade and support each others livelihood. I know who makes my product, where it comes from, who it supports and in what conditions it is made. This is extremely important to me. Still, up to this day only three people myself included make my bags.
All my belts, straps, the Leather and tapestry Totes and denim products are made in melbourne by myself. I use solid English and Taiwanese Brass for the bag rings, d-rings and armlets. The brass and leather armlets are all handsewn by me. I do make leather bracelets too and one off jewellery and these, along with other handmade products, will be featured as specials when I have time to make them!
The only thing imported from China are the fun and “of the fashion moment” Leopard and Multi coloured Straps and they are the top of the range options, jacquard, cotton, nylon. They are woven and very durable. This is my only nod to fast fashion. I personally prefer to invest in quality and still wear jackets, leather pants, shoes, bags and especially accessories that I have had for over thirty years. Things made with love and respect for the maker, the material and the process align with my own personal philosophy of a life lived well and in all respects I continue to be open and grateful to any new wisdom.
I hope you love my labours as much as I do and that they bring you practical as well as aesthetic joy.
Kristina x