It’s about time I had a few more Creative Gents on the LAB, right? Well, I’ll be filling the void starting right now. Get a load of these handsome leather goods from Noah Marion.
Noah’s eponymous brand uses untreated, undyed natural vegetable tanned leather to create staples for any style-conscience handmade lover. Each item is made to order, ensuring that you really are getting an item made with love, just for you. Feast your eyes on these:
I can’t tell you how much I love this dopp kit. I have to have one of these soon.
Noah was kind enough to let us interview him about his creative process. Pay special note to his comments about blog inspiration, Ray and Charles Eames and the other famous Ray that inspires him.
1. What inspired you to began your collection?
The inspiration to begin my collection was born out of the desire to add to the world in a beautiful, designed and thoughtful way. I saw a substantial growth in people’s consciousness and understanding of how products are made and where they come from. With that people took interest in products that were sustainable and meant for longevity; not the inevitable path to the landfill. In this realization I felt inspired and driven to produce and design goods of quality and substance. Intended to age and weather with the times. Intentionally crafted to upend the prevalent notion of “design for obsolescence.”
2. Can you name a favorite source of inspiration?
My inspiration comes from varied sources: blogs, books, magazines and most importantly people. However, my favorite source of inspiration comes from the days of yesteryear. A time when products were made functionally and built tough. Objects were crafted with grit and fortitude. Much of my design inspiration comes from objects I have inherited from my grandfather or other relatives and the like. I have an affinity for collecting and in this habit I have come to appreciate the things that stand the test of time.
3. What materials do you love to use?
I am in love with ceramics, leather, wood, steel/metal, concrete and canvas. My palette is quite utilitarian and ultimately following function.
4. Do you have a dream collaborator?
Charles and Ray Eames. I know that’s two people but they’re not one without the other. They are the mother and father of modern design.
5. When you need a musical muse, who do you turn the volume up for?
I am constantly exploring new music and find the volume reaching upwards regularly. I adore singer/songwriter/folk styled tunes and generally will be caught listening to Ray Charles, Patsy Cline, Edith Piaf, Dean Martin and other old timers.
6. How do you use social media/blogging to promote your work?
I am an avid social media promoter. I utilize instagram, twitter, facebook, tumblr, designispiration, google+, my blog and many more avenues to spread the good word. If it weren’t for this avenue I wouldn’t be where I am today. I owe all my success to social media. . .well that and my family and friends!
7. Where do you see your shop/project going?
I am seeing a great amount of growth in my business and have plans for a new line of home goods and furniture. I would like to sustainably grow to the point where I have a shop filled with gainfully employed craftspeople, designers and business-savy individuals all working under one roof.
Thanks Noah for the interview! Feel free to leave comments and questions for Noah below.
Find & Follow Noah Marion Quality Goods:
SHOP | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER