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How do our products wear and age?
In the lead-up to our 10th birthday party in two weeks, we’re feeling exceptionally nostalgic! ✨
Seven years ago (when hashtags were still a thing), we asked you to send us photos of your Loyal bag so we could see how beautifully it had weathered and aged. We’re of the opinion that each product we make only gains more character as it’s used, taking on the personality of its owner (a bit like how dogs and owners share an uncanny resemblance). We received some amazing pictures and heard your stories of what you loved most about the way your bag had aged. #whatsyourslikenow
Now, almost ten years in, we wanted to see whether our products still live up to the hype! A number of our Loyal friends sent us a photo of their bag along with a story about it's unique characteristics and what they love about it.
We've shared a few of these below for you to read.
First up is Harry's Goodstead Satchel! Harry is the original designer of the Goodstead Satchel and spent two years in Kolkata, alongside his wife Mandy, training our first two intakes of artisans in leather work.
Harry writes, "This is one of the early prototype bags made a decade ago.The first bag we made out of Patrick's leather (our original leather supplier). Still going strong. It had a few gruelling years tracking the streets in Kolkata and has settled into a comparatively cushy life here in NZ."
The next photo goes to demonstrate that not all heroes wear capes. Some of them wear Nelson Messenger Bags instead! 
Eb writes, "I purchased my beautiful Nelson bag in December 21. I am an oncology nurse and take it with me to work every day. It is a faithful companion and is aging like a dream. I volunteered in Kolkata on and off for 5 years, it still has a big piece of my heart. This bag reminds me of the city I love and the many (like your team) still there making an incredible difference every day. Thank you."
Laura's writes of her Vintage Brown Companion Satchel -
"I received my first Loyal Workshop purchase in December 2018. I'd been interning at an anti-trafficking organisation in Ireland and learning what horrendous stories lie behind the fast fashion products that are far too easily available. I decided I wanted to research suppliers that cared more and did more. I decided to invest in this satchel with my pay check and have been using it ever since! I still remember how excited I was when it arrived - every detail, the packaging and every last touch so perfectly made and I thought of Kakali (the maker) creating it with love and wanting it to be so well used. That touch and the card that came with it overwhelmed me so much! Today, almost 6 years on I still use it almost daily and think of her, I hope she's well! Today I used it to go to a conference as part of my job, which was a Tourism Conference held in Titanic Belfast. Someone complimented me on the
bag and I got to tell her the whole story of the amazing work you do - I LOVE that this bag holds so many stories!
Our final photo is of another Vintage Brown Companion Satchel, this time from our friend Shannon, who lives in the USA.
Our final photo is of another Vintage Brown Companion Satchel, this time from our friend Shannon, who lives in the USA.
"I got my Loyal bag in 2016 when I was living in Kolkata. She has many stories to share. From riding on crowded trains, to walking through the market she’s made it through. She’s been around for 3 kids being born and even withstands my twin toddlers pulling her of the counter almost daily. She’s aged well and I’ll have her forever!"
Thanks to everyone who sent their photos and stories in. Our artisans love seeing how the products they've made hold up over time. We're proud of the fact that these are slow-fashion products which will last a lifetime.
Thanks to everyone who sent their photos and stories in. Our artisans love seeing how the products they've made hold up over time. We're proud of the fact that these are slow-fashion products which will last a lifetime.