Gone for those days when eco-fashion was considered uncool. Just ask The Remaker, a local leather bag brand that’s retailed at hip stores in Bangkok and a number of European cities. At first glance, The Remaker’s bags look like the typical leather bags you’d find at fashion stores. Take a closer look— and touch them if you can—and you’ll soon realize the difference. The bags are lightweight, the leather soft, the cutting and stitching uniquely interesting. Why, you wonder. These bags are made of reclaimed leather jackets.
"The fashion industry produces more waste than you actually think."
“I’ve been producing pieces from this concept—upcycling— for almost 14 years. Upcycling gives new life to waste from industrial production. Upcycling, infused with creativity, design and innovation, helps prolong the life of materials,” owner Yutthana Anothaisinthawee says. The designer started out by remaking secondhand clothes. He soon realized, however, that refashioning leather jackets is his true calling. “The fashion industry produces more waste than you actually think. Everyone wears clothes. Lots of countries make clothes. And fashion is short-lived. I looked at these leather jackets and thought of the pollution that was produced during production.” This hard-hitting fact inspired the designer to repurpose abandoned, last-season leather jackets into bags.
"It would be great if these bags reminded people of how much pollution fashion can create."
One jacket is used to make one tote while bigger bags require the refashioning of two pre-loved jackets. Needless to say, each piece is unique. The fact that the leather jackets were previously worn gives The Remaker’s bags a soft and lightweight quality. Ironically, Yutthana sells his bags back to where their discarded material came from: Europe. “It would be great if these bags reminded people of how much pollution fashion can create, and what can be made out of waste materials.”
The Remaker bags started retailing in Thailand late last year and received a warm welcome from the fashion set. Yutthana plans to roll out more items, including bags in other colors and leather shoes.
Shop for The Remaker bags at Ecotopia at Siam Discover, The Object Room at K Village, and Warehouse 30.