One could easily read the HProject by Holt Renfrew as an attempt to be seen as more socially relevant – hipper, younger, cooler. But the optimist in me sees it as a great way for Holt Renfrew to give smaller artisanal brands more exposure. It is by way of their latest project, Uncrate India (a collaborative project with House of Waris) that I discovered the brand Nappa Dori. The brand was founded in 2010 by Gautam Sinha, a NIFT graduate in Fashion Design, who felt compelled to discard conventional fashion design and explore the world of Indian leather and artisanal craftsmanship.The Nappa Dori name is firmly rooted in Indian origins and literally translated means ‘leather and thread’.
I will admit that I was at first drawn to their leather toolkit but upon further ‘uncrate-ing’ I instantly fell for their Doctor’s Bag and powder coated metal briefcases. Uncrate India is available at H Project shops at Holt Renfrew Bloor Street, Yorkdale, Calgary and Vancouver stores.
The Toolkit is handcrafted in genuine harness leather and 100% cotton canvas with customized slots for tools. Accompanied with a set of tools. You will never have to go hunting for a hammer again. $180 at select Holt Renfrew stores.
The leather bag was designed as an overnighter, carefuly handcrafted in genuine leather but it would also make a great gym bag. And I would probably use it as an everyday bag. Doctor’s Bag, $304
The perfect briefcase – sleek and sexy without being stuffy. Handcrafted in sheet metal and powder coated in high gloss black, with genuine leather details and chrome finished hardware. Dean Briefcase, $309