What started four years ago as an experimental art project of made-to-order items has developed into a proper brand and new presence in the luxury market: Makr Leather and Fabric has announced the release of its first comprehensive collection of handcrafted products, which include wallets, cardholders and pouches. Expect in the coming months, a variety of bags, totes and camera cases. Makr is a small carry goods company founded and run by designer Jason Gregory. The brand’s focus is on simple, elegant items to carry your life in. Makr is an appreciation of the simple, the durable and the timelessness of thoughtful design. A vision of the useful as artful—and the opportunity to apply that principle to the everyday. The idea is to continue rethinking and creating practical objects that provide relief from the typical and disposable.
We have had the chance to ask a couple of questions to Jason, the mind behind the project Makr.
How everything started and where are the products manufactured?
I wanted to create something that felt real and timeless. Something that was more immediate than waiting for a huge construction project to realize something I had half heartedly drawn. This is inline with my insistence on manufacturing locally. I want the work to be in my hands rather than sent off to be interpreted. All of the products are designed and patterned by me. I then cut 85% of the items and have them sewn. Once sewn the products are returned to the workshop for edge finishing and painting. 70% are made in Florida and the rest is made in a small family owned factory in Ohio.
Are you working on new projects? Future plans?
I just released the large bags. I have some different colorways coming out in those as well as constantly developing new items. Because I make all of the wallets I can constantly change those up and use new materials, finishes, etc. I work closely with my other factories for the larger items so those are always developing. My future plans are just to refine my processes and continue designing and making relationships with stores and media outlets. There are a lot of projects that are happening but I dont like to talk about them until they actually happen.
All Makr products blend the tradition of handcraft with the contemporary. Leather is laser etched, yet hand sewn. And soft deerskin is paired with industrial wovens. Materials are carefully selected and every item is designed, patterned and cut in house. Pieces are produced in small quantities by an even smaller group of people, and all assembly is done by family-owned companies within the U.S.
