NEW FINDS
This bag blends practical luxury with Filipino craftsmanship
FINO Leatherware's Royal Atlas bag has a story to tell.
Crafted in collaboration with renowned Filipino architect Royal Pineda, the collection is a luxurious take on an everyday "architect's" bag that can carry essentials.
"I always design things that are relatable to me, something that I can use every day. In that sense, I think of myself as the end-user at the start of any design process," Pineda said.
There are four bags in the line for different use cases: the Atlas Clutch to fit just the basics on a night out; the Atlas Crossbody, which will work as a city bag; the Atlas Tote for your everyday carry; and the Atlas Overnighter, perfect for trips.
"It is for creative Filipinos who are proud to carry their identity through cities, airports, studios, and landscapes," the architect shared.
"We were intentional about making it distinguished yet still casual. It is honest, relaxed, and lived in. There is nothing pretentious or flashy about the bag. It carries the modern Filipino sensibility with conviction and dignity. I wanted to create a bag that we can truly call ours.”
The bag, made with full-grain leather, draws from the ancient Pasiking, a traditional carrier made of rattan, nito, and bamboo, which is often used by the indigenous people of the Cordilleras.
Pineda searched for ancient Filipino weaving techniques and gravitated towards pre-colonial traditions. "I was not interested in repeating other leather weaving that other brands were already doing."
The bags feature a "Royal Weave," which is achieved by punching slots on a panel of leather and weaving through strips of leather to make it water-resistant.
"You cannot commit any errors, otherwise
the entire panel of leather is wasted. It is also important to understand that choosing the right
kind of leather is important," Pineda said of the production process.
The collection got its name from how it's meant to be a travel companion. "It is always moving, but deeply rooted in identity," he added.
The pieces from the Atlas collection will be available in limited quantities through FINO Leatherware stores.
