DESIGN NAME: Grace
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Women's Wallet
INSPIRATION: We became aware of a distinct lack of elegant, African inspired women's wallets made out of long lasting, quality materials. We wanted to create a classic piece that combines bold African aesthetics with the refined grace of a sophisticated lady. Inspired by the traditional brass jewellery of Southern Africa, our luxurious women’s wallet brings an air of elegance to any ensemble.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Handcrafted by specialised exotic skin leather craftsmen in Cape Town, South Africa, Grace features a gold rotating bar mechanism that secures the diagonal flap. The bars repetitive rings allude to the traditional brass adornments of Southern Africa. It provides a contrast to the diagonal of the flap and echoes the symmetrical scales of the crocodile skin. Grace comes in black, brown and white.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Grace can be held in hand, inside a handbag or hung over the shoulder by using the gold detachable chain. The gold rotating bar sits over the flap, which is further secured by a magnet embedded in its lining. The gold bar comfortably sits at different heights on the flap depending on how full the wallet is. The inner comprises of a note pouch, 12 card slots, and a coin pouch - finished with a gold zip and nameplate engraved with the company logo.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: Calie Parese began the research and development of the Signature Collection in the United Kingdom, January 2016. The collection launch took place in London, February 2019.
|
PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Grace is made from locally sourced Nile crocodile. Crocodile skin was chosen for the wallet's outer as it is durable yet elegant, with its soft gloss finish and its symmetrical scales. The inner is made of Nappa leather which was selected for its luxurious feel and practical qualities. It is handcrafted in Cape Town by leather craftsmen who have inherited their family trade from three generations past.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: H: 105mm x W: 206mm x D: 35mm approx.
Grace is presented in a pure cotton flannel drawstring dust bag and branded shoulder box. The use of the dust bag for storage and transport after purchase will prolong the life of the purse by minimising the chances of fading or scratching.
TAGS: Calie Parese, African Luxury, Crocodile Skin Wallet, Handcrafted, Exotic leather, South Africa
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Numerous research methods were employed with the objective of producing an African inspired luxury women's wallet of international quality, handcrafted in South Africa.
We met with industry professionals to gain insight into crocodile farming practices and manufacturing techniques. We used WGSN for trend forecasting, Maya for design visualization, competitive analysis for market placement and pricing as well as showcasing our sample collection in luxury safari lodges for direct customer feedback.
CHALLENGE: One of the biggest challenges came in sourcing crocodile skins of international quality that adhere to our brand’s strong sustainable and ethical values. This challenge was addressed by sourcing from suppliers that are a part of Exotic Leather South Africa (ELSA).
ADDED DATE: 2018-09-21 11:54:58
TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
IMAGE CREDITS: Image #1: Photographer Amanda Jane Dalby, Variations, 2018.
Image #2: Photographer Amanda Jane Dalby, Variations, 2018.
Image #3: Photographer Amanda Jane Dalby, Variations, 2018.
Image #4: Photographer Amanda Jane Dalby, Variations, 2018.
Image #5: Photographer Amanda Jane Dalby, Variations, 2018.
PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: Patented. 6044101. Alice Paula Pearse, Catherine Anne Pearse. 2018. United Kingdom.
Copyrights belong to Calie Parese Limited, 2019.
|