Keese takes a straightforward approach to everyday objects. They want to make things that can be used easily by anyone, regardless of age or gender, rather than following short-term fashions or trends. Their products – tote bags and small accessories – are effortlessly stylish. Leather, canvas and vintage fabrics are used and individual pieces display slight variations. Each item is made by hand and minor differences in texture or colour are left as they are rather than corrected, so the process remains visible in finished piece.

The bags are intended to be used regularly over a long time and both materials and the construction process are focused on durability – making them strong enough to wear in rather than wear out.

This durability doesn’t come at the expense of clean and elegant design. They don’t make a wide range of products but they focus instead on the idea of a “universal” shape that’s simple enough to suit a wide range of people. and strong enough to be perfect for many uses.

All images: © Keese