Deer Mesh: A Sustainable and Luxurious Leather Stole

Bringing Together Tradition and Modernity

Deer Mesh stands out from other stoles due to its innovative double-face mesh design. Crafted from two layers of extremely thin deerskin, this stole is surprisingly light, supple, and comfortable to wear. Unlike traditional leather stoles that can feel hot and heavy, Deer Mesh defies expectations with its breathable and lightweight construction.

One of the key features of Deer Mesh is its versatility. It is available in a variety of solid colors as well as the traditional Kyoto tie-dye. Additionally, a luxurious version of the stole is adorned with gold leaf using the traditional Kanazawa method. This process, which has been used to gild famous landmarks such as the Kinkaku-ji temple in Kyoto, adds a touch of Japanese tradition and luxury to the stole.

Not only is Deer Mesh visually stunning, but it is also made from sustainable materials. The deer leather used in its production is a byproduct of deer raised for meat in New Zealand. The leather is carefully selected for its consistent quality and minimal blemishes. By utilizing the entire piece of leather without any seams, waste is minimized, making it an environmentally conscious choice.

Deer Mesh is not only a fashion statement but also a practical and durable accessory. The mesh design ensures that the stole does not easily wrinkle, making it easy to store and maintain. Over time, the leather adapts to the wearer's skin, becoming even softer and more comfortable. This evolving stole truly challenges the notion of stoles as consumable items.

The production process of Deer Mesh involves intricate craftsmanship. The leather is dyed without any surface treatment to preserve its natural texture, softness, and breathability. The delicate Kyoto tie-dye technique, traditionally used for washi paper and kimonos, is applied to the deerskin, adding a touch of elegance to the design. The stole is then cut into a honeycomb pattern to ensure a moderate volume and lightweight feel.

Adding to its allure, Deer Mesh features gold leaf applied using the traditional Kanazawa method. Kanazawa is renowned for its gold leaf production, and the artisans in this region have honed their skills over generations. The gold leaf used in Deer Mesh is incredibly thin, measuring 1/10,000th of a millimeter. Its beautiful whitish gold color and minimal yellowing make it a symbol of Japanese luxury.

The Deer Mesh project began in 2015 and was completed in 2020. Throughout the design process, Kohei Nishino and his team faced various challenges, including reducing the thickness of the deer leather to achieve lightness and excellent wearability. Through collaboration with experts in leather production, they successfully developed a stole that is both fashionable and sustainable.

Deer Mesh has received recognition for its exceptional design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Fashion and Travel Accessories category in 2022. This prestigious award acknowledges the practicality, innovation, and professional quality of the design, contributing to a better world.

Deer Mesh is not just a stole; it is a testament to the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. With its sustainable materials, exquisite craftsmanship, and evolving nature, this leather stole is a true work of art.