Pimp My Strap

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

- Melissa Kong

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?