The word "minimal" is now commonly seen in fashion, interior design, and lifestyles. Its use is expanding, but the meaning and image of the word "minimal" varies from person to person.
We at Munekawa have also used the term "minimal" on our blog and social media.
Having been making leather products for over 20 years, I have come to realize that minimalism is not simply about reducing the number of things you own or eliminating decorations .
Selecting materials, considering the structure, reviewing the design, and repairing broken items - in each of these decisions, we can see the criteria for selection that are not influenced by trends.
This time, we would like to introduce the "charm of minimalist leather products" that we have discovered through the creation of Munekawa's products.
It's actually harder to remove features
When you think of a minimalist tool, you might imagine something that has had all its functions stripped away. However, when actually creating a product, I find that deciding what to keep is more difficult than what to remove.
For example, the bell-shaped key case "Bell," which Munekawa has been making for nearly 20 years, is an item that makes use of this determination of "what to keep."
Bell-shaped key case
We considered what functions are important in a key case and made numerous prototypes until we arrived at the minimum requirements for a key case: " The ability to store a large number of keys and make it easy to take them in and out ."
The mechanism that allows the key to slide out due to its weight when you unhook the back is also the result of considering how to make the action of "taking out the key" simple.
The structure is symmetrical, so you can remove the key with the same action regardless of your dominant hand.
Bell was created by working backwards from the idea of " a comfortable and easy-to-use design for anyone ." This simple design will remain unchanged even as trends and lifestyles change, and you can use it for a long time.
▶︎Bell -shaped key case M Bell M product page
▶︎Bell -shaped key case M Bell S product page
There's a reason for omitting decorations
There is an aspect to it where it is said that "simple designs without unnecessary parts or decorations are less influenced by trends," but from the perspective of a creator, I feel that being minimalist also has practical benefits.
Encase envelope-style long wallet
The envelope-style long wallet "Encase" does not use any metal fittings such as zippers or buttons.
By eliminating metal fittings, Since it does not get caught, it is less likely to damage the fabric when placed in the inside pocket of a jacket, and it is easy to take in and out of a bag.
Additionally, metal fittings are parts that can break over time, so eliminating them also contributes to reducing the risk of breakdowns.
This design has remained almost unchanged since its release. Some users have been using it for over 10 years, and the envelope-shaped design stands out even more as the leather color deepens.
Thin coin purse Undo
The slim coin purse "Undo" is a coin case that Munekawa has been making for over 20 years, improving upon and improving over time. It is a long-selling item that takes advantage of the natural aging characteristics of leather, despite its simple structure.
The Undo function has been changed to remove stitching from previously sewn areas.
Coin cases are subject to stress because the lid is opened and closed every day, and previously the threads in the folding area were prone to breaking. By eliminating the stitching in this area, we have now been able to reduce the risk of breakdown.
We believe that by making small improvements like these, we can provide leather products that can be used safely and for a long time.
▶︎Undo Slim Coin Purse Product Page
Repairability is also a selection criterion
However, any tool can become damaged. Munekawa also tries to eliminate unnecessary parts as much as possible and make the structure less susceptible to breakdowns, but if you use it for a long time, some malfunctions will inevitably occur.
That is why we place great importance on Munekawa products being designed to be easy to repair .
By designing it so that only the broken parts can be replaced, repairs can be carried out smoothly and the product can be returned to the customer quickly. This is another benefit of the minimalist structure.
At Munekawa, we do everything from selecting leather to finishing in-house, so we have a system in place where staff who are familiar with our products can accurately handle repairs. Our commitment to in-house production also translates into the quality of our after-sales support.
▶︎Related article: Why Munekawa values in-house production
A material that highlights minimalist designs
The minimalist design, stripped of all decoration, allows the material itself to define the product's character.
Because there is no excessive decoration, the texture and color of the leather directly determines the overall appearance. This is why we cannot compromise on the selection of materials.
Munekawa's main material is Buttero, made by Walpier, an Italian company that is a leading example of vegetable tanning.
Vegetable tanning is a traditional method in which raw hides are slowly processed with plant-derived ingredients, giving the leather a firm, firm texture and a translucent color. The traces of blood vessels (blood veins) and wrinkles that remain on the surface also add character to the leather against a simple design.
Another important factor is the durability of the material . Vegetable-tanned leather has tight fibers, so it is less likely to lose its shape and maintains its structure even after long use.
The Buttero used by Munekawa is We use an original process that presses the leather fibers under high temperature and pressure to further increase their strength.
By doing this, the color deepens and the luster increases the more you use it, so the change over time itself becomes a reason to continue using it for a long time.
For minimalist products that are not influenced by trends, it is important that the material be long-lasting. A material that grows is also a condition for achieving both aesthetic beauty and practical durability.
summary
This time, we introduced the appeal of minimalist leather products from Munekawa's perspective as a maker.
The Bell, Undo, and Encase introduced here are all items that have been on the market for nearly 20 years.
Lifestyles and trends have changed considerably since then, but our products remain popular and purchased by many people to this day.
How to preserve functionality, why unnecessary parts and labor are eliminated, the system for repairs, and How to identify materials. If you keep this perspective in mind, it will be easier to find tools that suit you, regardless of trends.
Munekawa produces simple yet functional leather products, including the ones introduced here. If you see something that catches your eye, be sure to check it out in their online shop or at their flagship store in Daikokucho, Osaka.
▶︎Bell -shaped key case M Bell M product page
▶︎Bell -shaped key case M Bell S product page
▶︎Encase Envelope-style Long Wallet Product Page
▶︎Undo Slim Coin Purse Product Page
