T H E S TA RT E R S
“When we go shopping
for bags and shoes and
things that we want to use
for a long time, we always
look for three things:
simplicity, functionality
and durability.”
The finished bodies will then be delivered to Manila,
where we collect and assemble them with straps made of
leather from Marikina.
For the rest of the leather products from From
James, we have our own standard patterns for standard
goods like wallets and passport holders. Bags are usually
custom-made, so we derive from a peg that the client
wants and then make our custom touches.
What can you tell us about the materials you’re
using? What is it about leather or abaca that
makes for great crafting? And what can you tell us
about the communities that produce these?
Both materials—abaca and leather—have stood
the test of time. They’ve turned old and are now new
again. Old is the new “new”! Haha! Leather and abaca
complement each other really well and they look really
good together, like star-crossed lovers. #SobrangBAGay
sila! (They go well together) LOL, but it’s true. Where
"A well-constructed leather craft has been innovated
enough to fit the form and function that the user needs,"
shares From James. "A failed construction is a failed craft."
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