Natural leather is a material that combines beauty and durability, making it perfect for crafting unique bags and shoes. About how I design my bags, I start by taking the measures of a bag that inspires me and then consider the type and colour of the leather and the intended purpose of the bag, ensuring each design is both functional and stylish. For shoes, I start with a shoe last that fits the type of shoes I want to create, designing with both aesthetics and comfort in mind. Sometimes, I incorporate materials like wood and fabric to achieve a unique look. While I love leather, I strongly oppose animal cruelty and believe human should consume only as much as it really needs.
I should mention that as making bags and shoes is my hobby, the materials I use are the ones I can find in retail stores and the instruments I use are very basic ones, so final products are constrained by these limitations.
Bags
I think my fur bag is quite elegant, if I may say so myself. The photo of the side handle holder illustrates how I meticulously design every component to enhance the bag’s overall shape.
I love nubuck because it’s both soft and durable. The nubuck bags I crafted in 2008 or even earlier are still in good condition, which I find amazing and worth the time spent on them. The bag with yellow paisley pieces holds a special place as it was the first bag I ever made.
I personally wood-burned the design on the wood-leather bag, preferring the intricate and delicate result over the common laser burning techniques available today. The patchwork leather bag is the reverse side of the patchwork nubuck bag shown earlier. Creating it from small leather pieces was like solving a puzzle, resulting in a versatile bag that complements different outfits. Using pieces leftover from other bags reflects my respect for nature and commitment to using resources wisely. For the backpacks and the purple handbag, I used my leather bag teacher’s models. The tiger bag features a painted and carved panel by a a very nice and delicate artist known by the brand Banoye_Irani.
Shoes
Stepping into the shoe world taught me a lot about my feet. Although learning the basics of shoemaking was a time-consuming process, it was incredibly rewarding, providing me with the skills to create or choose proper footwear for a lifetime.
I take pleasure in customizing my shoes to match my husband’s shoes and my bag, creating a cohesive and unique style. The turquoise men’s shoes were crafted using my leather shoe teacher’s model, while the designs for other shoes were created using a shoe last. For sandals, I measure directly on my foot and design intuitively. The grey sandal, though simple in design, offers exceptional comfort and practicality.
Exploring the world of bags and shoes has been a journey of discovery and creativity. Each piece I create tells a story and embodies a blend of artistry, functionality, and respect for nature. If you have any questions or comments about my work, feel free to reach out!