This week we are featuring Kerstin of DAKA. I had the privilege of getting to know her at the SF Gallery 143 Opening Party in December. I decided her bags were just too cute to not have in our store.
As seen in this photo Kerstin picks some of the softest and creative pattern leathers out there, which are basically in the shape of the animal. The charge is by the square foot, ranging from $3 - $4 something per foot. These leathers are so soft I wanted it as a pillow.
Kerstin then hand draws her own creative designs, such as birds, trees, or dots; she then cuts out sections of the leather. For the current bag she is making the dots represent berries, so this retro pattern looks great for the variety of colors.
She uses grommets for the handles because the leather is soft, this protects it from being ripped.
The handles are usually made with a thick cotton fabric or leather. Even though these two bags as her most popular designs, she also does custom made bags, eye pillows, and coin purses. Kerstin is currently working on designs for wallets that could match the bags. My favorite aspect of her messenger bag is the picture window. You can slide a post card or picture in to change up the design of your choice.
Find these items in the future at SFGallery143 or visit her site at www.dakabag.com!
