Obsessive process makes for fabulous textures in leather.

There is a constant balancing act in the consideration of pattern scale, feasibility and effect.

But the range of pattern effect is fabulous, from tulips to roses to wads of chewing gum.

Smocking is done by selectively pinching and stitching fabric on the reverse side into patterns.

In leather there is a wrestling component to it due to robust material… it doesn’t always want to go where you put it.

Smocking is one of my favorite methods of textile manipulation. It’s much more dramatic than quilting and some patterns can be impossible to mass produce

If you want it, you have to do it one at a time.

#fabricmanipulation
#leatherbag
#wowwhatstudio

Smocked Bag No. 3…. Now in 3D

After experimenting with many patterns, Anna landed on this tulip effect for her final bag in that series.

Each bag was designed to be squeezy and extremely fun to touch, critical at a time when many were masking and distancing from one another.

When some kids dream of growing up to be pilots or dancers, Wow What Studio Creative Director Anna had dreams of making her own fancy purses. This very short series of handbags had her living that dream.

Bringing the romance this Valentines Day with a blast from the past: Smocked Bag No. 3

This was back when our leatherwork was all about ruffles and wrinkles for squeezy, fancy bags.

Ruched handles and heart shaped patterns.

Its story starts decades ago…