Pimp My Strap
CROWN Singapore|March 2017

We speak to two local leather crafters who know how to dress up a watch and turn it into a conversation piece.

Melissa Kong
Pimp My Strap

STONE FOR GOLD – XIE HUI

This LaSalle alumnus clearly has a creative streak in him. Having made accessories for himself and his friends while still in primary school, Xie Hui later picked up leather crafting to earn a bit of spare cash.

Today, his handcrafted goods business makes everything from wallets and bracelets, to watch straps and car key cases. When we visited, there was even a prototype for a pair of boots.

“I’m a trained designer rather than a craftsman,” Xie Hui reveals. That doesn’t mean his craftsmanship is inferior though, as evidenced in the quality straps and accessories on display in his studio. For those keen to learn more about leather crafting, he also conducts regular workshops where you can get hands-on experience in fashioning leather goods.

How did you get your start in leather crafting?

I started making accessories like belts, wallet chains and rings when I was in primary school. During my student years in LaSalle, I saw people doing leather craft, so I picked it up as a hobby, as well as to earn pocket money from selling my creations at local designer stores.

Did you have any formal training?

I’m a trained designer but when it comes to leather crafting, I’m self-taught. I’ve been doing this full-time for five years. Back then, there wasn’t much information on leather crafting even though it’s all the rage now. There also weren’t many leather crafters in Singapore—maybe just four or five. So I picked it up mostly from trial and error, from Japanese and Taiwanese magazines, as well as books.

Where do you source your materials from?

この記事は CROWN Singapore の March 2017 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は CROWN Singapore の March 2017 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

CROWN SINGAPOREのその他の記事すべて表示
Luminox Introduces The Pacific Diver Adventure
CROWN Singapore

Luminox Introduces The Pacific Diver Adventure

Luminox introduces the Pacific Diver Adventure that combines the brand’s penchant for robustness with a bit of shine

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 4 - 2021
Irresistible Chimes From Jaeger-LeCoultre's Reversible Icon
CROWN Singapore

Irresistible Chimes From Jaeger-LeCoultre's Reversible Icon

Irresistible chimes from Jaeger-LeCoultre’s reversible icon

time-read
3 分  |
Issue 4 - 2021
Chopard L.U.C's First Automatic Flying Tourbillon
CROWN Singapore

Chopard L.U.C's First Automatic Flying Tourbillon

A gorgeous rendition of Chopard L.U.C’s first automatic flying tourbillon on the occasion of the Manufacture’s 25th anniversary

time-read
3 分  |
Issue 4 - 2021
TAG Heuer Updates The Iconic Carrera Collection With Time-And-Date-Only Models
CROWN Singapore

TAG Heuer Updates The Iconic Carrera Collection With Time-And-Date-Only Models

TAG Heuer updates the iconic Carrera collection with time-and-date-only models

time-read
2 分  |
Issue 4 - 2021
Three Of A. Lange & Söhne's Most Unique Innovations Come Together
CROWN Singapore

Three Of A. Lange & Söhne's Most Unique Innovations Come Together

Three of A. Lange & Söhne’s most unique innovations come together in the Zeitwerk Honeygold ‘Lumen’

time-read
3 分  |
Issue 4 - 2021
Throwback-Inspired Watch That You Need This Year
CROWN Singapore

Throwback-Inspired Watch That You Need This Year

Bvlgari’s Gerald Genta Arena Retrograde 'Mickey Mouse' is the only throwback-inspired watch you need this year

time-read
3 分  |
Issue 4 - 2021
Desire A Tourbillon For Your Collection?
CROWN Singapore

Desire A Tourbillon For Your Collection?

Desire a tourbillon for your collection? Best go to the source.

time-read
2 分  |
Issue 4 - 2021
Vacheron Constantin Brings Collectors To Time And Again
CROWN Singapore

Vacheron Constantin Brings Collectors To Time And Again

Excellence in astronomical and calendar complications isn’t so much a pursuit, but a promised land that Vacheron Constantin brings collectors to time and again

time-read
5 分  |
Issue 4 - 2021
Hue The World
CROWN Singapore

Hue The World

Blancpain’s new vibrantly coloured collection with mechanical sass

time-read
3 分  |
Issue 4 - 2021
Vacheron Constantin Miniature Enamel Painting
CROWN Singapore

Vacheron Constantin Miniature Enamel Painting

How does one start to appreciate Vacheron Constantin’s piece-unique Les Cabinotiers Westminster Sonnerie – Tribute to Johannes Vermeer pocket watch?

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 4 - 2021