Leather making in Tokyo
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collaboration with Nakano Katsuhiko - His factory
The story.
As I'm pushing the door of the workshop, the smell of the leather, the noise of the machines and the feeling of passion completely fills up the atmosphere. I meet Nakano Katsuhiko and present him my sketchbook. 2 weeks later he is helping me bringing my idea to life.
A story about people, their passion for sharing knowledge and the common joy of making things by hand.
2 weeks to develop my idea.
Nakano was busy so the earliest date we could agree on was in 2 weeks to take a day to craft together the bag. Since at the beginning I only had a rough idea of the look and the functionalities that I wanted.
That time in between has been essential for me to sit and work on the design of my bag.
Defining functionalities.
I wanted the bag to look simple and minimal but functional on the inside with pockets to organize my things. Pen, sketchbook, wallet, keys and phone.
Sketch process
Working on scale.
Sketching gave me a good idea of the functionalities and look. Now I needed to make things physical to start refining my design.
First paper mock up to define the functionalities, shape and straps length
Paper mock up
Ergonomic work.
After a couple of paper mock up I could figure out the length of the strap and the hight and size of the pocket so they perfectly suit me.
From paper to textile.
To get a closer feel of the final bag and continue to refine my model it was time to work with fabrics.
Japanese fabrics
Developing the design, I’m getting closer to something I like
Choosing fabrics.
I quickly discover the amazing variety of fabric and colors available. Confusing first it took me some time to get familiar with the different fabrics and to find the texture, density and colours that I liked.
Making a fabric prototype.
Working with fabric has been a great help to refine my ideas and continue the process. It was important that I get as far as possible to use that prototype as a support for discussion during the workshop with Nakano.
Getting closer to the final design
29th September
Workshop with Nakano Katsuhiko at His Factory.
Arrived just on time for the meeting, an intense day where I could experience and see all the process of making the bag, that took us around 8 hours to achieve the final result.
Starting with cardboard Patterns.
We used a series of pattern to help us cut the leather and canevas with the right shape.
Combining Leather and Canevas.
To make the combinaison of the two materials we used a glue and after making the holes, I could make the hand stitches.
Stiching by hand to secure the two pieces together.
Working with the inside of the bag.
The inside was cover with a fabric to give a clean look and the pocket stitched on top of it. The ring is used for attaching my keys.
Finishing the outline
Working on the inside pockets
Cutting the straps.
Different model where available to cut the strips of leather. With pressure the leather is perfectly cut and allowed us to save time and go directly to the assembly.
Cutting the straps
Mounting the straps and finishing.
The assembly of the straps is made with two clamps to secure it.
Preparing to stich and choosing the good color
Assembly of the straps, figure out the positon.
The final result
More than a bag it is a beautiful memory of that collaboration which celebrate the passion and joy of making.
What I have learned from this experience
I have discovered the artisan side of making things, the beauty of doing things with hands, passion and with time.
I gain a more sensitive feel for quality, textures, colours and how things feel at the touch.
Learned about the techniques and experienced the making a product from the idea to a final product
Thank you Nakano Katsuhiko for your patience, generosity and passion.
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