Posting Postalco

Postalco: A stationery and leather goods company inspired by mail. Notice that their logo is a carrier pigeon.

Following on seamlessly from the below enthusing on my favourite Hong Kong finds, Kapok I'd like to share one of the 'little treats' that I bought myself from that gem of a store. A legal document folder by Postalco. Until this weekend I was not familiar with the brand, although I do vaguely recall being excited by their collaboration with Opening Ceremony last year, but now II fear I will evolve in to an obsessive consumer. Postalco is a stationery and leather goods company based in Tokyo and owned by Mike and Yuri Abelson. What began with an interest in the international transport of mail progressed to paper, its immediacy, warmth and universal nature, which in turn led to some experimentation and research in to methods of carrying paper. They moved to Tokyo in 2001 from Brooklyn where Yuri worked as a graphic designer and Mike as a product designer. As Postalco, the Abelsons combine their individual strengths to produce finely crafted products that have garnered them praise and devoted fans not just in Japan but around the world...and now me!

The range of Postalco products...I covet it all.

I have to confess that I am more than a tad romantic towards brands such as Postalco in the face of the seemingly dying art of craft. The elegance of Postalco is all in the details. The neat thread works, subtle curves and meticulous craftsmanship. Despite being born in the US, Postalco strikes me as the perfect Japanese company and it comes as little surprise that it is hugely successful there. Simple forms that belie obsessive attention to details and quality, masking intricate design considerations and construction challenges. Mike and Yuri along with the help of their local Japanese craftsmen make products that don’t shout for your attention, but rather sit naturally in your bag, on your table and in your hand...or in this case, my hand...

A close up of my latest acquisition. Here I am wearing my E. Tautz Breton and white shirt from Bespoken.

The moment I picked up the above document holder I just had to have it. Thankfully, Kapok's knowledgeable proprietor was on hand to talk me through the accessory and the deal was soon sealed. The design couple wanted a way to carry papers and documents that would function and age well. A little experimentation resulted in a series of document carrying envelopes made from pressed cotton and calf leather complete with an adjustable button closure. As the design evolved from their interest in the human behavior of carrying items in our daily lives, I thought I'd share what I've been carrying in my freshly acquired accessory...

A look inside my legal envelope...borrowed LG Notebook, limited edition Kapok x Moleskin, pen, keys and Gucci card holder.

If you are interested in hearing more about this wonderful brand then I point you in the direction of Tramnesia who interviewed the couple as part of their Working feature last year. Postalco demonstrate that by concentrating and perfecting the skills you possess can very well lead to broader horizons, new lessons, and richer experiences - the kind of life I certainly want and I'm sure I'm not alone...