LN: Can you say something about the history of your company or your work, what inspired you to enter this field?

I started my journey nine years ago when I discovered that I couldn't find a decent bracelet for my first expensive watch. So, as a handyman, I decided to make one. Needless to say, first attempts were disastrous, but slowly, with a lot of practice, reading leathercrafting books, watching YouTube videos, I became better and better. Later on, I honed my skills with generous help of my friend that has been working for Hermes and Louis Vuitton.
 

LN: Describe the activity of your company / work and tell us about your brand

The activity of my company is, to focus on small leather goods like watchstraps, belts and wallets, but also making various bespoke bags.

The purpose of my brand is that, together with the customer, to create product that lasts, ideally and heirloom for generations to come.

LN: How would you describe your passion for Leather? Why is it such a unique material?

There’s a story I heard from my friend whose father is a cobbler. His grandfather was a cobbler and his grand grandfather as well. He told me that his grand grandfather made a school bag (kind a messenger bag looking like a backpack) for his grandfather. Also, his father used the same bag and my friend as well, in their primary schools. He told me that he repaired the same bag, and his son is having it now. Leather is the only natural material capable of being a true heirloom.

LN: When you think of a new strap collection or leather good designs, what are your precise requirements? 

Most of my products are either customer-specific (after precise instructions) or bespoke. For the bespoke orders, I gather as much information from a customer about the product she/he has in mind, about her/his style, preferences, intended usage, etc. When it comes to watchstraps, I have a kind philosophy that a watch strap should enhance the total visual and tactile experience of wearing the watch. 

LN: Among the creations you imagined which one is your favourite and why?

The ones that fulfil my customer dreams :) There are two bags I made for a lawyer in Norway, exactly the same but different colors (to match his shoes). The customer approached me with a small set of requirements like, what he is intended to carry every day, it should be classic, but also not too classic and it should be robust so one day his son can inherit them. It was just an order that perfectly matched my goal of being a craftsman. 

LN: What should a consumer need to know about leather?  

Simply, it is the most durable and sustainable natural material that exists. 
 


Instagram: @atelierpetrov
Facebook: @atelierpetrov
Twitter: atelierpetrov
Website: https://www.atelierpetrov.com
 
Credits: Atelier Petrov