[HushTug] The leather fan sample is complete!
Hello! I'm Nakajima, a designer at HushTug.
This time, I'd like to introduce a new genre of sample that is a bit different from our previous products.
Moving a little away from everyday items like bags and wallets, we decided to create a "leather folding fan" that incorporates a sense of the season and Japanese aesthetics.
Many of you might be thinking, "What? A leather folding fan?"
However, once you see the finished product, you'll surely feel that this challenge was worthwhile.
Why a "leather folding fan"?
Actually, this idea had been brewing for 2-3 years.
One day, while strolling through a department store with our CEO, a leather folding fan caught our eye.
We both got excited, exclaiming, "This is incredibly cool!" and started thinking, "We want to make one someday."
However, there were numerous challenges.
To maintain ease of folding and aesthetic beauty, the leather thickness had to be 0.3mm or less, but we couldn't find the technology or craftsmen who could achieve that.
Then, a manufacturer in Kyoto contacted us after seeing our e-commerce site, expressing their desire to collaborate. It was a fated encounter with a folding fan craftsman.
Here is the completed leather folding fan!
Here is the completed sample.
After final adjustments, it is scheduled to go on sale from late July to early August.
○Design Features
・A simple yet elegant appearance based on black
・The fan frame is made of black-dyed bamboo.
・The leather part has a supple and soft texture, with a process that gives it a subtle sheen when light hits it.
・We plan to laser-engrave our logo on the outermost ribs of the fan (currently under adjustment).
○Attention to Detail
・It is thicker (3.5cm) than regular paper fans, providing a sense of solidity when opening and closing.
・It's a product that "feels good to use," as you can really feel the breeze when fanning.
・The back of the fan surface is meticulously dyed, minimizing the unevenness unique to leather.
○Kyoto Fan Certification
This folding fan was crafted by a craftsman who preserves traditional Kyoto techniques.
It is certified as a "Kyo-sensu" (Kyoto folding fan), which is proof that it was made by a craftsman affiliated with the Kyoto Folding Fan Association, and its prestigious manufacturing background is also one of its charms.
Why HushTug is taking on traditional crafts
While we have mainly focused on bags until now, we also feel the potential in the combination of "Japanese essence × leather."
For example, our popular drawstring bag is one such example.
Just like with this leather folding fan, we want to continue carefully shaping products that we feel compelled to challenge ourselves with, even if they take time.
Also planned for display at stores! Please pick it up and experience it.
After sales begin in late July to early August, the folding fan will be sequentially displayed at HushTug stores.
We encourage you to pick it up, fan yourself, and experience the texture and weight of the leather, and the pleasant feel of opening and closing it.
Regarding the scent, it emits a faint, natural leather aroma, making it a product that can be enjoyed with all five senses.
Finally - Please tell us your "I wish this existed" ideas.
The realization of new challenges like the leather folding fan was possible thanks to our encounters with reliable craftsmen and the support of all of you.
If you have any ideas for "interesting leather items," please let us know.
It may take some time, but we hope to bring them to life one by one.
Related video here
Store Information
In addition to our online store, HushTug also has physical stores.
You can actually see and touch the products sold online. You can also purchase new items on the spot, so please feel free to stop by.
*We only accept cashless payments. Please note that cash payments are not accepted.