restyled handbags
from leather shoes & boots
the story behind the bags...
Silai’s first collection ‘Up-cycled Leather Handbags’ was inspired through the notion of re-inventing clothing items that people had thrown out or no longer had use for. This idea came from Silai’s environmental and ethical concerns where over consumption is still a major concern for our world’s environment especially within fashion. And with fashion being one of Silai’s biggest passions, it was natural to have found the first inspiration within this field.
To develop the bag range, innovative design ideas were required which when combined with ethical and environmental principles lead to a very unique and quirky collection.This work resonates and inspires the audience to think.
Before the idea of up-cycling shoes and jackets into handbags was born, Silai had already established roots with artisans abroad and had done many projects with various craftsmen. It was important for Silai and its products to maintain a close relationship with artisans when working on projects.
With each bag being unique in nature it was natural for Silai to seek out skilled craftsmen to help produce the bags. The journey taken to develop the sample range to its production stage has been one which has been of great inspiration to Silai.
sunset clutch bag
womens
Up-cycled from a pair of boots and shoes and lined with a suede leather jacket.
sandlewood boot bag
Womens
Up-cycled from two pairs of boots and two pairs of shoes and lined with a suede leather jacket and finished with a vintage gold belt as a strap.
sand dune boot bag
Womens
Up-cycled from a pair of embossed boots and vintage shoes. Finished with a vintage belt as a strap.
redwood shoe bag
Unisex
Up-cycled from mens shoes and brogues. One pair of mens shoes and a suede leather jacket makes up the shoe bag. Off cut leather used as a strap.
Safari shoe bag
unisex
Two mens vintage shoes and a suede leather jacket make up this larger shoe bag. Leather strap made from off-cut leather.
mahogony boot bag
womens
Up-cycled from a pair of boots and a leather jacket for the lining. The belt from the jacket is used to create the strap.
Meet the crafts person...
Meet James Spencer, a specialist leather craftsperson working with leather for over 30 years.
"I am a craftsman and a leather specialist. Perfection can be achieved but with hard work and dedication."
James started working with leather from a very early age, learning skills from his father. He has spent many years perfecting his craft and whilst James isn't a handbag designer we both worked together combining his technical expertise with my design skills and bartered our time to create the samples you see above.
We decided to take our working relationship back to the old school way of bartering where I worked for James restoring leather motorbike gear in exchange for his knowledge on using the right techniques and machinery to bring my bags to life.
For me this was of super importance as Silai is all about collaboration and coming together with craftspeople to create something that's unique and original and the Silai bags are no exception.
To work with James you can visit his website www.splr.co.uk
How to Place an order...
All bags are made as a collaboration between you, the craftsperson and myself. This way of working helps to create a connection between you and the bag from the very beginning. We feel this is important because we hope this bag will stay with you forever and eventually be passed onto someone else, never to be placed in landfill or forgotten. We believe that working together will bring about a totally unique bag never to be made again in the same way so that you feel you have something truly special.
This way of working means we can work towards being sustainable and only create bags when there's a need so that we don't over produce or over consume. We only start the making process once we receive an order which is why we need to allow up to 6 to 7 weeks before the bag is delivered to your home.
Here are the steps that take to get the bag you desire:-
- Select one of the styles and fill in the form below and leave a little message of what you have in mind.
- We will set up a call to discuss what you would like and we will go about sourcing the right materials* to get the process started
- We will create a mock-up of the design and give you a chance to reselect the shoes and boots if you feel it's not what you had imagined
- Once you are happy, we will go ahead and create the bag and keep you posted on the progress and once it's ready, it will be packaged and delivered to you at your chosen destination.
* We have a number of charity shops, markets and online resources that we go to to source our materials, only buying pre-loved, or unwanted shoes, boots and jackets.
Go ahead make an inquiry today and fill out the form below.