Weave leather as you would weave a basket.
More than 15 years have passed since we have continued to pursue leather.
Since the launch of our brand, our motto has been "light and supple leather that can be used as a daily necessities. While we have not changed this root, we came across the technique of "weaving" in our pursuit of materials with new textures and expressions. This technique brought out charms in leather that we had never known before, and led us into a new world of craftsmanship.
Transparency and lightness created by leather.
The material is goat skin, which is tanned, shaved thin, and cut into thin strips (even leather with many blemishes can be used if cut). The leather is then joined together to form a long, flat cord, which is woven along a wooden mold.
Compared to making a bag of the same area, about five times as much leather is needed. The amount of leather is not only large, but also a lot of time and effort is put into it.
The weaving technique is called "cobblestone weaving," a technique often used for baskets. The regular weave, which resembles layers of pebbles, is attractive for its transparency and lightness.
Feel the craftsmanship.
The knitting is done in an atelier in India.
There are many weavers in this village who take pride in their mesh weaving skills. The proof of their high skill can be seen on the reverse side of the fabric.
While there are many products that are usually beautiful on the surface but have noticeable scuffing on the reverse side, the invisible details are also beautifully woven.
Even more surprising is the way the handle is connected to the body.
No other fasteners are used for strength, and no reliance is placed on sewing. By fully utilizing the suppleness of the leather, the entire bag has a consistent and smooth impression.
The reason was the "density" of goatskin.
REN's goat mesh series has a lightness that is apparent the moment you hold it. This is because goatskin leather is used. Goat leather has a higher fiber density than leather from other animals such as cows, and it retains its strength even when shaved thin.
The camel, sage gray, and black leathers are tanned with vegetable tannin, which makes them shinier with each use and allows the user to enjoy the pleasure of growing leather.
The flavor of the weaving is also in the design.
The nice thing about leather bags is that they can create a sense of weight and luxury, but we want to be able to use them in the summer, for example, without feeling self-conscious.
The goat mesh series is filled with these thoughts.
The first bag we made was a lunch bag. This bag was based on REN's pigskin (pigskin) lunch bag, and was redesigned to take advantage of the mesh characteristics of the handles and bottom.
Various molds are made later. Flat or round handles. Recently, the tassel drawstring type has been gaining popularity. Although the design of each type is meticulously detailed, the primary focus is to bring out the best in the weaving process.
Even a frayed spot becomes a joy.
The unique charm of leather is that it becomes more comfortable as it ages.
You are attracted to it, and what I want you to focus on is the interesting upbringing of the individuality that comes with the mesh.
First, it stretches. The way it stretches depends on the shape and handle, but flat handles have a strong tendency to do so. Sometimes the leather joints will come undone, and sometimes the weave will come undone. In that case, re-glue the untied part.
And for good reason.
The purpose is to blend in with the texture of the weave by daring to loosely glue the pieces together. This changes the overall atmosphere of the work.
People live their lives as if they are weaving their days together, interacting with various things. If a bag can be a part of that, it will surely mature in a loving way.
How you raise them is up to you. I want you to be aware of this.