A leather bag that transforms into three functional shapes according to your needs
ARAMLEE is a contemporary lifestyle product line. Our line of products ranges from leather bags to ceramics and much more.
I am the designer of the brand and my creative focus is on designing unique and practical products.
I wanted to create a bag that provides more than one option. I started playing with paper mock-ups and came up with the idea of a foldable and transformable bag.
The bag transforms from a large to a medium shoulder bag, and finally to a small envelope bag, according to your needs.
*Patent pending (US & International)
I work with Italian leather tanneries and zipper suppliers to maintain a high level of quality.
I work with a local handbag manufacturer that I’ve done business with in the past. They’ve always operated their business ethically and dependably, and have worked with major accessories brands in the US.
It’s important for me to keep the production in the US because I’d like to support local businesses while maintaining the quality of the products.
Since the leather is natural product, there are some parts that can’t be used due to its irregular shape. The industry standard wastage of leather ranges from 20% – 50%, depending on the size of the leather piece.
I tried to find a solution to lower the wastage, and came up with an idea to make use of the scraps. After cutting the leather, all scrap pieces from the bags are gathered and reused to create the pouches. The patch shapes are determined by the scraps, so each pouch will be slightly different.
Because I am upcycling the waste, the cost of the leather is not added to the price for the pouch, and the cost only includes the labor and other material costs.
The wood pendants for the key fobs are handcrafted and made of scrap pieces sourced in Brooklyn, NY.
The retail model for my products is direct-to-customer, to eliminate middle man costs.
In traditional retail, a designer leather handbag is marked up at least 5 times by the time it reaches the customer. However, by reaching directly to you with online sales, I’ll be able to eliminate traditional retail costs and offer you well made products with prices that are less than half of what they normally cost.
June 28th – August 11th : Kickstarter Campaign
August 11th : The campaign ends
August – November: Steel die produced/ Material order and shipping/ Manufacturing for handbags and pouches/ Hand production for key fobs
December: Package and ship rewards
Video : Alastair Casey, Brian Hersey
Editor: Brian Hersey
Adviser: James Casey
Photography : Alastair Casey
Music : Brian Hersey
Samples : Fernando Orrego
Materials : Jenny Hecht
Model : Hana Cho
Factories and suppliers:
Working in the industry as a designer for 17 years, I’ve encountered numerous obstacles during the production stage and there’s always a challenge that suppliers do not fulfill orders on time. I am working with a professional factory and suppliers that have years of experience. Please be assured that I am an experienced designer who’s knowledgeable and resourceful to resolve issues that may occur, and I will try to avoid any delays.
Hand Production:
Wood and ceramic pendants for the key fobs will be produced by my hands. I set up a realistic time line, however if there are any unforeseen circumstances that delay the work, I will always keep open and honest communication with all my backers!