It all started with one drawing...

As I mentioned in my first post, I’ve always wanted to create something that was MINE. I first considered branding myself overall and creating a personalized webpage, but decided that a better way (for me) was to create something myself.

The idea all started during my second year of graduate school. I was always looking for “the perfect” backpack, one that was not too big but not too small, and still fashionable. I looked for months until I gave up and decided to design my own. Seeing that the last time I picked up a pencil to draw something was most likely in high school I was a bit hesitant, but decided to go for it anyway… after all the backpack would only be for me.

With an upcoming trip to Peru for the holidays, and considering the lower cost of production and high quality of leather found in the mountains, I started reaching out to family and friends looking for any relationships with leather makers in Arequipa. Much to my surprise the recommendations came rushing in and shortly after I had meetings set up for my three-day venture into the highlands of Peru, an area I had never visited.

The weeks coming up to the trip I started doodling more and more and looking at my favorite brands for their newest bag styles. I decided if I’m going to have my own backpack, why not create a few other pieces to adorn my closet.

The second product I designed was the fanny pack. The last fanny pack I had worn was over 15 years ago, on location at Disneyland, that Minnie Mouse fanny pack carried my 12-year-old essentials while allowing my arms to be free to explore. Seeing that I have a decent amount of travel lined up for the summer months (pre-launch) I figured it was time to revive the fanny pack trend and the new design was born. The backpack and fanny are probably my favorite ones so far.

As with anything I own, I like to have unique aspects within each product, whether it’s a flashy color, bright accents or a cool pattern. I realized I needed to add a special something to these pieces… and with that I came up with our unique weaving pattern.

I’ve always been one to enjoy a good cross-stitched keychain but weaving? I’ll confess I’d never dabbled in that. But this whole experience was all about trying new things and seeing what stuck so I sketched a couple of appealing patterns and bought some faux leather strands to be able to feel and see what the patterns looked like up close and personal. It actually wasn’t until I was in Arequipa touching, smelling and feeling all the different leather types that I finalized THE pattern all my designs would include... I can’t wait for you to see!

The more time I spent re-drawing, cutting mock 3D models and starting to fall in love with different leather colors and uses I realized, I must not be the only one who would love to own one of these. I’ve always been proud of my style and fashion sense so after a few idea bouncing sessions with friends and family… daph. was born.

As with any product, the brand itself is essential so the thought behind what kind of brand daph. would be took lots of reflection and self-thought. I wanted to create a brand that related to many different lifestyles, from adventuring nomads to the every-day girlboss.

No matter what point in your life, what stage of your goals you’re at, daph. products are there for you. Whether to carry your travel essentials, techy gadgets, or night on the town basics, you can count on our brand to represent your polished and authentic self.

As you will see, our designs are clean and minimalistic for you to dress up, or down the item as you wish. Although simple, our goods are of high quality, hand-crafted one at a time and hold a unique finish to ensure durability. Our trademarked pattern is one of kind, using both sides of the leather for distinct texture.

Our first collection will include earth tones that can be used year-around with upcoming collections including bright shades, dependent on YOUR feedback.

Which brings me to an essential part of our brand, daph. is as much mine as it will be our customers. I love designing products that I find practical and essential for my everyday life, but obviously, I can’t think of everything. I want the users of the product to inspire me and call me out on things I may have missed or overlooked, I want to create products that people will love and nurture, and I can’t do that alone.

Just a few more weeks until samples come in and photos can come up… hope you are getting as excited as I am!

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This weblog does not represent the thoughts, intentions, plans or strategies of my employer. It is solely my opinion and I have not been paid to write this post. 

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