Behind The Design | A Conversation with Jason Gregory of Makr

The Makr design studio, Winter Park, Florida

On our trip to Winter Park, Florida, back in June 2016, some really cool things happened; we bumped into a Zac + Azriel, a lovely couple from Nebraska who have been reading Buckets & Spades for as long as they can remember, and secondly, I got to visit the design studio + workshop of a brand I've been following since way before Instagram + Twitter even existed.

Around eight years ago I can remember stuffing my university research folder with grainy print-outs (my fault, not theirs!) of Florida-based design studio Makr's leather goods, for a project I was working on. On a boiling afternoon last Summer I found myself sitting in the passenger seat of Founder Jason Gregory's van, being shown around Winter Park, Fl, the town he calls home.

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Mat - First off, how did you get started with Makr, and has the concept and idea evolved over the years?

Jason Gregory of Mark - Makr started as an art project while I was working at an architecture firm. I was learning how to work with a CNC laser, experimenting with cutting and etching. It was a strange introduction to patterning and product development. I really loved the idea of cutting something flat and turning it into a three dimensional object. The precision of these machines and the ability to replicate a form without having to pay for tooling or dies really started the project. It was mostly small wallets at first and that led into finding factories and developing the soft goods.

I had always wanted a wood shop and was building furniture at my house so that was the next step after I had a sense of what Makr was starting to be. We are constantly evolving but the core of what we are doing has stayed the same.

- Did you always have a passion for craft or was it more of a case of discovering something you had found you were good at?

I’ve always made things and cared about the quality of what I was making. I would never call myself a craftsman, I am a designer first. The craft aspect of my work came after the design, it’s always been about the repetition or editions of objects. CNC (Computer Numerical Control) is crucial to our work, I would say almost every single product that we make is touched by some form of CNC machine. That being said, I don’t like it when something is so obviously made using a laser or milling machine, the goal – the art of it, is to blend the hand with the capabilities of the machine.

Campbell Cole '16 Simple Collection

Nottingham's Campbell Cole once again serves up some minimal leather accessories for their new Spring Summer '16 Simple Collection. Never straying too far from their staple shapes, rather refining and tweaking from season-to-season, the British-made Simple Collection features a key wrap, card holder, coin pouch and bi-fold wallet. 

A couple of intriguing new features have been added; a paracord lanyard and zip puller, as well as that sweet honeycomb vegetable tanned leather and polka-dot print. Find out more about Campbell Cole with our Conversation series.

Campbell Cole's Simple Collection is available here.

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Shinola Comes To UK | Where American Is Made

By nature I'm a curious person, and with that comes thousands of bookmarked pages from years of having access to the internet. As a self-confessed Americana addict, admittedly a large portion of these bookmarks are US-based blogs, brand, manufacturers, magazines, restaurants, sign-makers, car dealers, deserted towns.....all tapping into my dream of an American road trip. It comes as no surprise that Detroit-based Shinola is one such brand. I'd take a guess that I found these guys through A Continuous Lean – like most of these things right?

Having met a few of the Shinola team, and seen their products close up at the Pop-Up Flea back in November, I was pleased to hear they've recently launched their UK webstore, as well as opening a flagship retail space in London. The Shinola name has been building up momentum over last couple of years, and it was great to share a cola with a brand that I'd only previously been aware of on the internet.

Shinola is committed to producing quality products and providing jobs in the city they love, Detroit. The city has a well-documented history of production, and Shinola's aim was to bring grass-roots manufacturing back to where it belongs. Providing fulfilling jobs and transferable skills is a big part of their business model, and something I wish I'd be exposed to more at an earlier age. For the parts that can't be made in Detroit, they source from other American manufacturers who share their vision.

Made in America - Build in Detroit 

The people of Shinola produce a well-rounded range of items; watches, wallets, bags, journals, stationery, sporting memorabilia + gifts and other Americana-assured products. You'll also find collaborations with local designers, sporting goods and even pet accessories. Not to forget their rather handsome range of bicycles. But for me it's their watches that really stand out, and Nik certainly agrees too, having tried one on back in November. This is where the brand really comes into its own, not only by the design but also the construction. Each watch comes with a lifetime guarantee, which is a testament to how strongly they believe in their handmade production methods - making it something which can be passed down to the next generation.

Next month I'll be heading down to the brand new Shinola flagship in London, on Newburgh Street, just off Carnaby Street, but until then you can explore their new UK website and get familiar with products and the people that make them happen.

This post is in partnership with Shinola. Thank you for taking the time to support the businesses that make this blog happen.

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Visiting Best of Britannia | Farmiloe Building London

Last week, we were invited to Best of Britannia - a showcase of British-Made products from independent + small companies. Located in the historical Farmiloe Building, in the heart of smart and trendy Clerkenwell, it’s an event that offers equally impressive sights on the stands and on the walls. We met some old friends and made some new ones. Our pals at Albam were on hand to show us their new Made in England socks, and we met up with Pantherella to grab another pair of socks in return for a couple of photos. Socks, it seems, are something the UK is proud to produce.

Of the many brands on display, a couple which caught my eye were: Trove, with their ultra-thin leather wallets; Walsh, the Bolton-based trainer brand; Susannah Hall's perfectly fitting tweed jackets; and the impressive origami stand of shoemaker Hetty Rose. Another which caught out attention was the handmade bags + leather accessories by Charlie Borrow.

Drinks were, again, high on the agenda it seemed. A sip of spiced single malt (with cracking label design) from Albion Racing Club on our way in, and a glass of Boodles Gin on our way out. Finally, we had the chance to meet well-known, well-liked, and well-renowned fellow fashion writer Grey Fox. Always nice to put a face to a tweet.

Over the next few weeks we'll be looking into exploring and sharing more from these new discoveries. We’ll be back at Best of Britannia next year and I’m sure the brands we met will be too, hopefully after a successful 12 months of business. - Nik

You can find Nik at - Conrad's Beer | Twitter | Instagram

Noise Goods Interview | With Love From Portugal

Instagram has been in our daily diet of social media for a few years now. It's an invaluable tool for wanderlust + inspiration as much as it is for killing time of the daily commute. For me I've found it incredibly useful as a way of discovering talented designers, illustrators and brands from all over the world. One of those such is a leather accessories brand from Portugal named Noise Goods. After a few weeks of chatting to the man behind Noise Goods, Pedro Fernandes, I decided to place an order for their handmade Coin Wallet. Following on from I decided to turn our emails into an interview, they have a worthy story to share.

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Buckets & Spades - First off, tell us a little but about Noise Goods, your background, and how you started the brand?

Pedro Fernandes - I was motivated by the need of change. I've never cared much about the fashion industry and I know we already have too much clutter around us. I realised that all my buying choices were pretty bad, but my wallet was even worse. I bought a lot of wallets that lasted a couple of months, and even worse, I really didn't much liked them. I started developing my own wallet just for fun–the Coin Wallet–and quickly found myself with the knowledge to start a brand motivated by those principles. Developing products that last longer than the majority, have a rugged, acute aesthetics, and that are environmentally and economically more responsible by choosing local resources.

Jaqet Flip Wallet | Handmade in California

I’d never normally have enough money to fill a money clip. By coincidence, when Jaqet sent their latest flip wallet to me, I’d just cashed in lots of change and had enough money to test it out.

A money clip is a garish thing really, reserved mainly for striped-shirted bankers who want to show off and members of Floyd Mayweather’s Money Team. I can see the benefits though. Like the wallets from Bellroy, they reduce the bulk surrounding your money, so fit much more neatly in the pocket of your tailored suit or skinny jeans.

The flip wallet from Jaqet is a money clip, but one sandwiched between a strip of leather. It’s a more refined and less conspicuous look. It’s still extraordinarily slim, so tucks away neatly, and leaves space for a card or two in the folded pockets at each end. I’ve found it’s a great replacement for an Oyster Card wallet, as the leather is thin enough to read the card through, while the clip is strong enough that you’re not scrabbling across the floor to pick up your cash for five minutes afterwards.

My only issue with the wallet is it’s size. Clearly made for US currency, it’s ever-so-slightly too small for a twenty pound note, leaving an ugly edge protruding - although I don’t often have many of those, so it’s not a huge problem. Perhaps this is one Mat should have taken for throwing the dollars around on his trips to Orlando… - Nik
 

You can find Nik at - Conrad's Beer | Twitter | Instagram

Mamnick Leather Card-Holder | Everyday Objects

Never ones to overcomplicate things, Mamnick have just released a fine example of how to get a practical, everyday product spot on. The Leather Card-Holder comes in four colour options, each handmade and stamped in Japan by Hiroiki Ogawa, especially for Mamnick. Each colour is limited to seven pieces in the UK, and comfortablity houses three cards + notes. I'd bet my money on the Teal version being sold out by the end of the week, it's an absolute belter - Be quick!

The Mamnick Leather Card Holder is a part of their new Black Label collection.

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The Importance of Quality | Belts by Mackenzie & George

Apart from a moment of frivolity in an Oxford cobblers, I’ve never spent more than £10 on a belt, buying mostly from Topman or Gap, which usually feel a little delicate, but work well until they need replacing 12-months later.

Struggling to think of a Christmas present (for myself) last year, Mackenzie & George presented me with the perfect answer when I stumbled across their belts online. Their chestnut leather and brass buckled Chester might be £45, but it’s a quality, sturdy handmade leather belt that is going to last a long time. At 40mm it’s designed for wearing with jeans and the large buckle would definitely look strange on a neat pair of chinos, but it works well on my tan Levi Commuter skinny chinos when worn with a pair of chunky boots - like a Red Wing Heritage Chukka, as worn by Mat here.

It’s tempting to ‘save’ money on the hidden items of an outfit, like socks and belts. Often, it’s a false economy though, costing more to replace worn out socks and broken belts every few months then save up and buy one item of good quality.

Check out Mackenzie & George’s new catalogue for 2014 here. - Nik.

You can find Nik on his blog,  Twitter + Instagram.

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Mr Benn’s Adventures With Turnbull & Asser

Classic British children's cartoon Mr Benn has been immortalised in the form of a limited edition range of pocket squares, by London shirt markers Turnbull & Asser. Four original pieces of artwork have been design by the cartoon's creator + illustrator, David McKee, taking the audience of one of many of Mr Benn's infamous adventures. Each design is based around the show's first episode, "Red Knight", which aired back in 1971.

Limited to 50 pieces for each design, the Mr Benn's Adventures Pocket Squares will be available exclusively this May at Turbull & Asser.

I'm in London for a couple of days so sorry if I've not replied to your comments + emails!

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Made In These Isles GIVEAWAY Reminder

There's only a few days left to enter the Made In These Isles Giveaway, up for grabs is a Small Castle x Made In These Isles Leather Glasses Case. The piece is constructed from super soft but durable red leather and has been handmade in Nottingham, England. 

Have you entered yet, what are you waiting for?

How to Enter

To enter this giveaway you must be a subscriber of Buckets & Spades Blog. Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter. The more ways you follow, the more chances of winning you have. Remember, you can come back and enter this giveaway daily! This giveaway is open worldwide. If you have any questions or would like to know further rules of the contest please email/tweet me.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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H&B London - Made In England Leather Wallet

Wearing - 55DSL Jacket via TKMaxx, Crest Jumper c/o Reiss, Levi's 511, Boots c/o UGG, Ralph Lauren Socks. Vintage Gloves.

Buying into well known and established brands is usually a good sign that you're spending your money on a quality item. But what happens when those products don't match up to their price tags? Stephen Brister found himself faced with that same problem. Over the years Brister experimented with various brands, both well known in the industry and via recommendations, but he was never happy with the quality and construction.

The conclusion was not to keep searching for the perfect wallet but to find a way of producing it by himself, and in 2012 Brister left his job in the city to pursue his passion, founding H&B London. Armed with designs for the perfect wallet buzzing around in his head, he enlisted the expert help of a small leather goods workshop in Bethnal Green, London and set to work.

The resulting product is a work of art. As soon as I opened the box I knew that a H&B wallet was the real deal. A classically designed piece which doesn't compromise on construction; the quality is something I can imagine my Grandad giving the nod of approval to. Designed to fit seamlessly into a jacket or trouser pocket and constructed in the finest Italian leather, I would go so far to say that the British Racing Green Billfold Wallet is by far the most stylish accessory I have ever owned. Currently, H&B stock a small range of leather goods and cufflinks, each piece being hand crafted with care and attention in their London studio.

Stopping off at the local for a pint also seemed like the perfect opportunity to also try out the super comfy UGG Kaldwell boots and this new wool jumper from Reiss. Looks like the classiness is rubbing off!

For more information on H&B London visit here.

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