[HushTug] The leather fan sample is complete!
Hello! This is Nakajima, a designer at HushTug.
This time, I'd like to introduce a new genre of sample that is a little different from our previous products.
Moving away from everyday items like bags and wallets, we've created a "leather fan" that incorporates seasonality and Japanese aesthetics.
Many of you might be thinking, "What? A leather fan?"
But once you see the finished product, I'm sure you'll agree that this challenge was worthwhile.
Why a "leather fan"?
Actually, this idea has been brewing for 2 to 3 years.
One day, while strolling through a department store with our CEO, a leather fan caught our eye.
We both got excited, thinking, "This is incredibly cool!" and decided, "We want to make this someday."
However, there were many challenges.
The leather thickness had to be 0.3mm or less to maintain ease of folding and aesthetic beauty, but we had great difficulty finding the technology and artisans who could achieve this.
Then, a manufacturer from Kyoto saw our e-commerce site and contacted us, expressing their desire to create something together. That's how we fatefully met a fan artisan.
Here is the completed leather fan!
This is the completed sample.
After final adjustments, it is scheduled to be released for sale from late July to early August.
○Design Features
・A simple yet elegant appearance based on black
・The ribs are made of bamboo dyed black.
・The leather part has a supple and soft texture, and is processed to have a subtle sheen when light hits it.
・The guard sticks of the fan are planned to have a laser-engraved logo (currently being adjusted).
○Attention to Detail
・It is thicker (3.5cm) than regular paper fans, giving it a solid feel when opening and closing.
・A product where the wind can be felt strongly when fanned, making it "pleasant to use."
・The back of the fan surface is carefully dyed, minimizing the unevenness unique to leather.
○Certification as a Kyoto Fan (Kyo Sensu)
This fan was created by an artisan who carries on the traditional techniques of Kyoto.
It is certified as a "Kyo Sensu," proof that it was made by an artisan affiliated with the Kyo Sensu Association, and its background in time-honored craftsmanship is one of its charms.
Why HushTug Takes on Traditional Crafts
While we have mainly developed bags until now, we also see potential in the combination of "Japanese essence × leather."
For example, our popular drawstring bag is one such example.
Just like this leather fan, we hope to carefully give form to products that we feel compelled to challenge ourselves with, even if it takes time.
Also to be displayed in stores! Please come and experience it firsthand.
After its release in late July to early August, the product will be progressively displayed at HushTug stores.
We encourage you to pick it up, fan it, and experience the texture and weight of the leather, as well as the pleasant sensation of opening and closing it.
As for the scent, a faint, natural leather aroma subtly wafts, making it a product that can be enjoyed with all five senses.
Finally – Tell us your "Wouldn't it be nice to have this?" ideas.
The realization of new challenges for us, like the leather fan, was only possible because of encounters with reliable artisans and the support of all of you who encourage us.
If you have any ideas like, "It would be interesting to have this kind of leather item!" please let us know.
It may take some time, but we hope to gradually bring each idea to life.
Related videos here
Store Information
HushTug operates physical stores in addition to its online store.
You can actually pick up and view the products sold online. You can also purchase new items on the spot, so please feel free to stop by.
*Only cashless payment is accepted. Please note that cash payment is not possible.
