From the love for things that last

The small table in this picture has a long history. It is one of the few items I inherited from my grandfather. He oversaw a workplace, hidden between the many docks in the port of Antwerp. This table was built there. Just imagine, a crude old workshop like that, spitting out a slender table like this one. And that is not the only thing that triggered my fascination. It is so simple but well thought out, with the top panel sliding left or right to get to the lower level. It is also sturdy, and made with quality wood, so this table will last me my whole life and well beyond. It will age, but retain its essence. And every time I use it or look at it, I feel a sense of joy.

I must admit I'm not a fan of the word "sustainability". It's been thrown around too much and I feel it has lost its essence. People also confuse the true meaning of it, often confusing it with "environmental". I rather prefer the centuries-old Japanese philosophy “Mottainai” which embraces the idea of respecting resources and their value while also reducing waste. Take leather for example, the base material for nooto. It is definitely not environmental. The environmental cost to grow animals is very high. Factors like the origin of the leather, the way it was treated and such also play a role. And don't be fooled by claims that "it is a byproduct". It's not. So why do I use it in creating nooto?!

For the same reasons I love the table. Nooto is made with leather, which, if treated right, will only become more beautiful with age. Aside from replacing a band once in a while, nooto will last you a lifetime. Unlike all forms of non-animal leather which are always coated with a protective layer of PU plastic. Which means it will crack and wither with age, unlike leather, which will collect a nice patina over time.

So until the time there is a true durable replacement for leather, I will do my best to use either leather scraps or leather grown and tanned in the most environmentally friendly way possible, to craft nooto. And in doing so, I hope to deliver a product that adheres to "Mottainai". That is, if you choose to enjoy it for a lifetime.

Which I hope you will.

Frank