Our products are truly hand-painted in different colour tones
Doux Amour, derived from the French phrase meaning ‘sweet love’, epitomises the creation of exquisite, handcrafted leather accessories. Committed to responsible fashion, the brand uses naturally processed Italian leathers, hand-painted and crafted by skilled artisans, to produce timeless, durable pieces that cherish history and tradition. In an interview with Fibre2Fashion, Founder Saahiil Kapoor discusses hand-painted leather products.
What are the main challenges businesses face when sourcing high-quality, sustainable materials, and how can these be overcome?
When companies aim to source top-notch sustainable materials, the primary hurdles they encounter include procuring in bulk for small startups like ours and focusing on intricate handmade techniques rather than mass production. These are significant obstacles in the realm of slow, sustainable fashion.
In an era increasingly dominated by automation, how can companies ensure they attract and retain skilled artisans?
In an age where automation prevails, companies must retain talented artisans by continuously supporting traditional crafts and artisans through fair pay and improved social welfare.
What trends do you anticipate will shape the luxury handcrafted goods market in the next few years?
As many brands shift towards mass manufacturing, we anticipate that fully handcrafted pieces will become a true luxury in the future.
What was the inspiration behind founding Doux Amour?
My experience of working with multinational businesses spurred me to launch my brand. Given India’s rich tradition, I believed it was critical to highlight the worth of our handicrafts within the country rather than exporting them.
What criteria do you use to select the naturally processed Italian leathers and other materials for your products?
We prefer vegetable-tanned crust leather because it is minimally processed, allowing us to use it as a blank canvas for our unique patterns. Furthermore, it is environmentally friendly, which aligns with our dedication to sustainability.
Can you describe the process and the significance of hand-painting leather in your collections?
At Doux Amour, we carefully select our materials, emphasising a commitment to nature, sustainability, and long-lasting quality. Hand-painting leather is a meticulous technique we embrace to lower water usage and minimise the environmental impact of harmful chemicals.
We hand-paint premium Italian leathers, crafted through natural processes, to create unique pieces that reflect our fundamental principles. This process not only adds a distinctive flair but also supports more artisans while delivering exclusive and exceptional products.
How do you ensure the longevity of your products, considering the delicate nature of handcrafted leather goods and the environmental factors they may encounter?
Leather, much like fine wine, matures beautifully over time. To maintain the longevity of our handcrafted leather goods, we suggest storing them in a dry environment, preferably in a cotton bag to shield them from excess moisture. It is also essential to expose the leather to sunshine regularly and keep it in good condition by gently cleaning or waxing it with a soft cotton towel.
Could you share more about the ancient techniques of production that you use and how they contribute to the uniqueness of your products?
We eschew the automated assembly line in favour of the expertise passed down through generations of our diverse artisans. Our unique essence lies in incorporating a variety of crafts into our products and their eclectic blend. The product is entirely handcrafted by a single karigar (artisan), with occasional assistance from select essential craftsmen for tooling, hand stitching, weaving, and edge colouring.
What steps do you take to minimise your environmental impact, particularly in terms of water usage and chemical release?
We thoughtfully choose materials for Doux Amour products, focusing on values such as environmental respect and long-lasting quality. Our Italian leathers are meticulously hand-painted to reduce water usage and minimise the release of harmful chemicals into the environment. By using labour-intensive processes, we not only involve more skilled artisans but also create exclusive, distinctive items that stand out as our signature pieces.
How does the involvement of different artisans add value to the final product, and what does this collaboration look like in practice?
Involving numerous craftspeople in the creation process of our items adds substantial value to the finished product and our society. Each craftsman has a distinct skill set; some specialise in hand painting, some in tooling, and others in sewing. Occasionally, we enrich our items with hand embroidery, collaborating with various groups of artists to enhance the uniqueness and quality of each piece.
What are the signature features that define a Doux Amour product, and how have these evolved over time?
The distinguishing characteristics of a Doux Amour product have evolved over time. Unlike many other goods on the market that claim to be hand-painted but are sprayed, we ensure that our products are truly hand-painted in different colour tones. This complex technique produces a woodgrain finish with depth, which has become our distinctive style, setting us apart from competitors in the market.
Looking towards the future, how do you see Doux Amour evolving, and are there any new directions or projects that you are particularly excited about?
As we look to the future, Doux Amour intends to grow by involving more craftspeople from diverse backgrounds to maintain the integrity of our unique style. As we expand and enhance our product offerings, we will continue to prioritise craftsmanship and collaboration.
Which methods have proven most effective for engaging customers in a market that highly values exclusivity and craftsmanship?
We are privileged to have social media, which has allowed us to connect with our audience and receive an abundance of love and support from our customers and influencers who appreciate our products.
Finally, what strategies would you recommend for artisanal businesses looking to expand their international presence?
I would suggest that artisanal businesses focus on maintaining their core ideology of handcrafting and avoid diluting their brand with machine-made products.
Interviewer: Shilpi Panjabi
Published on: 18/06/2024
DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.
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