Photo by Liz Silvia

Assembling the Rho handbag is a unique task that’s not without its challenges. Because of the sculptural curve of this design there isn’t a definite point of reference when the pieces are being assembled, making attention to detail an imperative. If done incorrectly, the structure could deform and cause the bag to not hold its striking shape.

Photo by Liz Silvia

This week in the studio I spoke with one of our designers, Nic, while he worked on one of the more difficult stages of the Rho: setting the bag’s gusset into its framework. A perfect tension is achieved by stretching the leather while the gusset is being worked into the bottom of the bag. This process leaves much room for error, as success depends entirely on the skill of the artisan and his or her experience working with the material. Our creative director Lindy says it's best described as “easing in the gusset," because much like setting in the sleeve of a bespoke suit, it’s a meticulous and perfected kind of tailoring.

Photo by Liz Silvia

In addition to our usual leather, we also make the Rho in luxurious bridle leather, which is an even more daunting task as the hallmark of bridle is its strength and stiffness. This makes it much harder to stretch and form around the curves of the Rho, especially when it comes to easing in the gusset. More on the particulars of bridle leather later! For now, these Rhos are moving on to be buffed, ground, and stitched. 

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