KMT, KEMET, KUMAT
With its ethically sourced leather and recycled woods sealed using fire, the collection is designed to represent that same connection between man and nature, their symbiotic relationship and the peculiar alchemy which occurs only when their wants and needs are perfectly in harmony.
Comprising four new unisex silhouettes – each coming to life in distinctive combinations of materials and tones - paying homage to the iconography of Ancient Egypt’s old Kingdom, created using future-facing materials and processes combined with age-old craft and skilled handwork.
Links between people, places, materials and processes. Past, present and future.
For us, creativity has always been about more than just ideas. It’s something tangible. Something rooted in the real world. Not just in the sense that we create artefacts to be worn and enjoyed — although, of course, that’s true. That is what Sabry Marouf is about. But also in the sense of creating tangible links through the work that we do. Something close to our hearts.
For example, the unique, vase-like construction of The Vessel Minaudiere is modelled after a set of Kohl and cosmetic vessels which belonged to princess Sithathoriunet, the daughter of a 12th Dynasty Egyptian king. Used by both men and women, cosmetics were an important part of ancient Egyptian beautification. Although vessels of this shape were common during the Middle Kingdom, the use of obsidian rimmed with gold identifies them as royal possessions.
THE VESSEL MINAUDIERE
The Vessel brings these incredible objects firmly into the Twenty-first Century. Manipulating responsibly-sourced Mediterranean Ash wood — its surface carefully burnt, using the ancient Shu Sugi-ban method which naturally seals and protects the wood — and ethically sourced natural suede, twisting them improbably like air and water, and creating something new entirely. A sustainable design alchemy that conjures the elemental qualities of water and air, through the properties of fire, wood, and water.
A MODERN DESIGN ALCHEMY
THE VESSEL opens to reveal a compact interior compartment, fully-lined in natural suede with side gussets. After all, elemental power is all well and good — but useability still matters out on the physical plane!
THE TEMPLE LUNCH-BOX BAG
The Temple is a contemporary mirror to the sacred buildings of Ancient Egypt – an artisan-crafted tribute, in ethically sourced leather and recycled woods.
Details that nod to our forefathers
With its gold-plated cartouche lock, a top-handle that subtly mirrors the half-orb of the rising sun, and a set of four finely-balanced feet.
Modern Heritage
The Temple is made with the same reverence for craft and heritage as those buildings from which it takes its name.
THE DJED TOTE
With extra-long handles, metallic hardware, and unusual shape, the Djed Tote is our first truly genderless offering and also our most accessible artefact to-date. A spacious bag with an interior laptop compartment, full zipper closure and a detachable, length-adjustable shoulder strap, this is an artefact designed with everyday use in mind – a nod to the Djed Pillar’s ancient links to stability and strength of heart. Crafted from ethically sourced vegetable-tan leather and lined inside with suede, this silhouette is a symbol of our commitment to sustainability and ethical practice.
THE DJED CROSS-BODY
A reconfiguration of the ancient Djed Pillar symbol, with its high-end hardware and ethical leather construction, “THE DJED CLASSIC SLING” is a luxurious and contemporary interpretation of an eternal concept.
TRANSFORMABLE SLING TRAVEL BAG
Its gold-plated “false door” lock in particular is at once stand-out and subtle. A shape taken from the hidden entrances in Ancient Egyptian pyramids and temples, it alludes to ancient philosophies even as it exudes distinctly modern quality. Interchangeable length-adjustable vegan leather shoulder strap and metal chain-strap