What skills did Francois Dumas and Michael Marriot teach you?
Although these designers do not have a direct connection with leatherwork, they taught me a great deal about how to design a product. The internships, in Amsterdam with Dumas and in London with Marriot, have shaped me into the designer I am today.
Do you have a favourite technique?
My skillset is mainly focused on the sewing machine but during my internship at Michael Marriot I focused on making leather into a constructive material and I did a lot of research into cuir bouilli, an ancient technique to make leather hard by exposing it to boiling water.
©Jamie Sinclair
Where did the idea of making bags come from?
As I get most of my inspiration from looking around me when I am on public transport or walking around in cities, I have always been intrigued by what bags people wear when they are out. My first project that made an impact was a bag for baristas on the road – it held 6 milk jugs, 2 weighing scales, 2 coffee tempers and a range of spoons.
Do you have an ideal bag?
I always look for the most efficient solution possible. However, as I do not want the efficiency to compromise the good looks of a product, my ideal bag is one that is extremely practical and efficient yet remains trend aware and stylish.