Exploring the Artistry of Handmade Leather Crafts in Singapore

Acclaimed for its classic style and durability, leather has been the go-to for designing and building accessories. The highly desirable textile product is supple to the touch and can be moulded into different shapes and sizes. With its diversified nature, the versatile material has been transformed into varying silhouettes and structures. While leather goods from luxury houses have always been sought after for their longevity and value, we look at how these Singaporean craft makers apply their craftsmanship to designing quality products.

The independent homegrown label fuses the traditions of leather crafts with a modern twist. At Devil’s Play Craft, they pride themselves on top-quality craftsmanship and any compromise is non-exceptional. You can expect a range of contemporary accessories from pouches, to AirPods cases and bags with elevated details like studs, beadings, or fringe. Apart from the hand-made goods, the brand offers custom orders and restoration services. One of their most distinct pieces comes from the ‘Poison Heart’ collection — unique one-of-a-kind patchwork heart-shaped pouches that can store small essentials like keys or cards. If you are seeking a fresh spin, Devil’s Play Craft ticks all the boxes for modernised artisanal leather goods.

What started out as a hobby for Ben has transposed into a small business selling and designing bespoke crafts. Specialising in tote bags and leather essentials, Bens Leather Crafts uses vegetable-tanned and occasional chrome-tanned hide full-grain leathers only. With great attention to detail, their collections are designed with minimal details and sleek saddle stitchings whilst ensuring the robustness of the products. Its perennial designs are made suitable for everyday use and the rigours of daily carry. Customers will have the choice to customize the canvas finish (waxed/unwaxed), leather straps, and additional engravings upon making a purchase. Look no further than Bens Leather Crafts for a classic style.

Founder Xie Hui (Stone), embarked on this hobby by making leather accessories for his friends. The 4-man team at Stone For Gold is known for their exquisitely and wholly crafted leather goods that continue to push the boundaries in bespoke craftsmanship with their carefully researched techniques and tools. The yearning passion of these craftsmen has showcased different manipulations of the material while taking it with great care. Their range is designed with exotic skins, with items compromising wallets, pouches, bags, and belts. Specialising in luxury watch straps and key forbs, Stone For Gold flaunts exceptional service and quality. Workshops are also available for the team to bestow their knowledge to budding makers.

Having been in this field for a decade, Reservoir Dayak Leather Goods started out as a small business at a void deck. What sparked the founder’s devotion to starting his own business was his newfound passion for leather crafting after receiving a revelation from a trip to Thailand. The artisan has been sharing his stories and behind the scenes on his Tiktok account, @izzat.reservoir.dayak, and garnered heaps of views and followers. Following an invigorating approach to his crafts, Reservoir Dayak Leather Goods incorporates textural details like the fusion of different types of leather and braided rope straps. The products are hand-stitched and hand-made, if you are looking for a customised gift for loved ones, Reservoir Dayak Leather Goods is definitely an option to keep in mind.