Why did this former engineer-turned-leather craftsman take apart Hermes bags?

In an era of mass production, Lin Yi Shiang applies a high level of mastery into the creation of his leather products, which are completely crafted by mitt. His bespoke leather appurtenances are made for his eponymous characterization, Atelier Shiang.

"Most products on the market are either made by machines or they are partially machine-made and partially handmade. I'm adept at making everything with my hands, including cutting the leather and patterning," shared the Taipei-based craftsman.

When Taipei-based artisan Lin Yi Shiang left his engineering job to pursue his passion in leather craft, there were no leather crafting schools in Taiwan to speak of, and so he taught himself from scratch.

What would commonly take a leather manufacturer a day to exercise, Lin would need three to 4 weeks to attain. But he wouldn't have it any other way. Role of why he makes everything by paw is the euphoria he gets when he's saddle-stitching – his favourite footstep of the procedure.

"With every sew, I experience it's kind of meditative, as if I'm the only person in the world making this leather piece. I barely hear annihilation, only the sound of my fingers touching the leather and threading the needle," he waxed lyrically.

A self-taught artisan, his favourite tools are the awls and leather knives. "An awl is something I use when I demand to punch in holes and exercise the stitching at the same time. I apply a leather pocketknife to ready and skive the thickness of the leather," he described.

Lin uses tools, threads and ethically-sourced leather imported from French republic – the same vendors that work with well-known luxury brands. The hand-stitch thread and pricking iron, for example, are the aforementioned ones used by Hermes. And the tanneries, where he acquires his leathers, also supply to Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and other big fashion houses.

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Lin'south appreciation for leather began in his youth. "I visited Gongguan Night Market place when I was a university student and I saw a guy selling handmade leather crafts. I enjoyed looking at the leather as well every bit feeling it. Since and so, I take fallen in love with leather bags or just the feel of leather," he said.

Shiang's appreciation for leather began in his youth, with visits to Gongguan Night Market every bit a University educatee. (Photograph: Freestate Productions)

It was just after working many years as an engineer that he decided it was time to beginning Atelier Shiang. At the time, he also became a father and wanted to spend more time with his family. "To me, existent luxury means that I go to spend fourth dimension on what I savor doing. I think this is something that's relatively rare present – to get paid to exercise something you lot beloved," he admitted.

Lin is a father to a toddler. (Photo: Freestate Productions) "To me, existent luxury means that I get to spend time on what I enjoy doing. I think this is something that's relatively rare nowadays – to get paid to practise something you love." – Lin Yi Shiang Short of applying for an apprenticeship at an international luxury house, there were few resources for Lin to hone his skills when he was starting time starting out. "In the beginning, there were no leather crafting schools in Taiwan. I spent most of my time learning on my ain," he revealed.

Left to his own devices, he would spend hours examining various leather products to sympathise their make. He even took apart a few vintage Hermes numberless to finesse his paw-stitching techniques.

One of his most challenging projects was to incorporate an antique rose-cut diamond cross pendant into a long wallet. "I applied a special technique and set the cross into the leather. The feel of the wallet was good and the client was happy with what I had customised for him," he said.

From custom lookout man straps to exquisite bags and wallets, Lin'southward dedication, discipline and meticulous attention to detail is evident in each item he crafts, and a testament to his background equally an engineer.

The quality of his products is, we cartel say, on par with those sold past big-name brands. "The moment when ane product is finished, I become to feel how it has transformed from its original skin to the concluding product. Every time later on I finish, I feel reluctant to hand it to the client," he joked.

Recently, Lin's work caught the attention of international brands like Graff and Jaeger-LeCoultre, who invited him to deport leather appreciation workshops. He's even had the opportunity to interact on a bejewelled leather collection for American characterization Cody Sanderson.

To him, annihilation handmade and bespoke is considered a luxury particular, even if it doesn't sport a well-known characterization. "Real luxury is not about how much yous spend. It is nigh knowing what yous truly demand and finding someone who can bring it to reality. It's something that coin can't buy."

Adapted from the serial Remarkable Living. Watch full episodes on CNA, every Sunday at 8.30pm.

"Existent luxury is non about how much you spend. Information technology is nearly knowing what you truly need and finding someone who tin bring it to reality. It'due south something that money can't buy." – Lin Yi Shiang

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Source: https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/remarkableliving/leather-craftsman-taiwan-atelier-shang-177131

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