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