iPad Bag
I was recently gifted an iPad (very ironic because a while ago I had been running around the week before my friend’s wedding to get her this and they were SOLD OUT everywhere) and even though I still think its a giant iPhone (or a laptop with no keyboard) I decided I’d make the most of this device. It is advantageous to me for only one reason; it’s a lightweight tool for perusing the internet. You can’t really peruse with the iPhone because the screen is so small.
My main goal was to create a bag that could both house the iPad, and allow the user to use the iPad WITHOUT taking it out of my bag. I thought the bag design itself should reflect the design of the iPad, which is minimal. No design elements on this bag are added without reason.
I really wanted to do something minimal after doing so many “visually enticing/gratuitous” projects, this was the perfect excuse. The only thing this bag showcases is the pony skin material and the iPad.
You notice the edges of the leather are all smoothed out and polished, this is a process called burnishing, which I’ll explain later.
Front and back, without the straps.
The transparent material that is nested in between the leather was something I tested against the screen of the iPad. I wanted to see if my hands could still interact even with this transparent sheet on top of it and yes, it could! You can do everything you want with it without having to take it out of its case.
earphone holes and the “Power On” button were considered for the design as well.
I haven’t really looked into buying any applications but there is one I really like which is free, and that’s the netflix app. You can’t watch netflix on iPad the way you can on a normal computer, you need to download the application to use netflix.
If you’re stuck in the subway waiting for a train at 2 am in the morning (you know you’ll wait a good 30 minutes to an hour) you can watch your favorite shows. In my case that would be LAW AND ORDER SVU. On second thought I really would NOT want to be watching SVU at 2 am waiting for the train. Bad idea. MUNCH is my favorite character on the show, along with Captain Cragen.
Wearing YSL grid necklace, theory blazer, The Row long sleeved shirt and Nike leggings. The bag can be worn at at the hip or shortened. I can’t even be bothered to put on an “enticing” outfit, for now its gym leggings and a throw on blazer.
Okay so as if this post wasn’t long enough, I’m going back a step here and going through the process of burnishing leather. It’s something you’ll notice on bags where the edges of the cut leather are sanded and smoothed out. It doesn’t necessarily make any designed object better, sometimes the designer may decide to go with the “Raw edge leather” look as an aesthetic choice, but for this bag the burnish method was used generously for that ‘finished look’. This is just one part of the process, I decided to photograph steps of the bag extension being made (you’ll notice if you scroll up you can wear it at two lengths).
This is the extension strap that has been fed through the cutter, this device that hooks onto the edge of tables cuts such clean lines that it is almost impossible for me to go back to the knife and ruler.
The pony skin has bonded with another leather strip. You see right now the edges are raw and unfinished…
In comes this Fortuna leather skiving machine (machine is more than 100 years old). This shaves thick leather so that it is easier to work with. Leather is hard to work with when you have to seam two pieces together, the seams can get VERY THICK and bulky, so this machine evenly shaves the leather so that its workable when you are doubling layers.
One side of this leather has been shaved, so its easier to seam or double up.
Creating a loop here for the D ring.
This piece gets the treatment too, you’ll see why in a second.
Now this piece has been thinned as well.
I shaved this piece because I had to loop it over the D ring, and it would have created a thickness that I would not want. It is easier to sew through this piece now that it has been shaved.
A small top stitch needs to be applied to this strap, to hold all layers together.
I got this machine for my shoe-making projects. It is also used through the burnishing process. Machines are ugly, no?
So now I am smoothing the edges of this piece after I stitched it.
Now I am applying a special chemical that gives the raw cut leather a smooth and polished effect. So to perform this miniscule step, you need a chunky ass sanding machine that makes an incredibly noisy sound. I applied about 5-6 layers, before I brought it back to the sander.
After it dries you run it through you sand it down again, with a finer grain so it gets really really smooth. This was before it was sanded.
Here a view of the slight difference that this machine makes, you can see the painted and dried edge, and then the smoothed edge in the middle. 
iPad bags are now available in my shop.
Category: Fashion 107 comments »
June 27th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
This may possibly now be my only reason for wanting an iPad. Amazing minimal design.
June 27th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
This makes me want to buy an iPad just to get the bag to go along with it. Stunning and ingenious as always!
June 27th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
Heavy duty!
It’s a beautiful bag.
June 27th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
I’m looking at this post via iPad and can’t help but wish that mine had a cool place to call home like this bag!
June 27th, 2010 at 10:29 pm
It’s gorgeous, and this is a pretty epic post, lady.
June 27th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by JoAnn Locktov, Crystal/수정, lauren r, Bárbara Bogarín, Amy Wood and others. Amy Wood said: Guys, I know there are some crazy things happening in Toronto right now, but @luxirare just made an ipad bag. http://luxirare.com/ipad-bag/ [...]
June 27th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
Whoa, is that Amy Sedaris?
June 27th, 2010 at 10:36 pm
Ack! I’m so out of it – I just realized now that you had a webshop and that you had monkey fur listed! I remember you telling me that monkey fur was a good investment piece since they can’t make or import them into the U.S. anymore, so I’ve been keeping my eye out on one on ebay that didn’t look totally gross or cost a car down payment. You wouldn’t happen to have any more lying around, would you?
June 27th, 2010 at 10:53 pm
First thing I notice is you are not wearing gloves!
And secondly, craftsmanship is perfect as always – Nothing out of the ordinary there.
The pony hair is gorgeous.
Cheers,
Madeleine Louise
wekilledcouture . com
June 27th, 2010 at 11:02 pm
This is beautiful! You need to sell this design or something…lots of people would jump at the chance to buy something like this
June 27th, 2010 at 11:04 pm
Will you be making any of these bags for your shop? I’m absolutely dying for one – so beautiful.
June 27th, 2010 at 11:19 pm
Sooo is there something you can’t do? I love that your trousers are Nike btw, who’d have thought. I’d so consider begging the bag off you (ie hitman + steal) but then again I don’t have an iPad so that space would have to be used for pocket for spare pads… but oops its seethrough. :’( I luvs you wizard.
June 27th, 2010 at 11:21 pm
erm, hi amazing.
June 27th, 2010 at 11:21 pm
Oh I love this! I never even wanted an ipad, but now I want one just to have a reason to have this bag, lol! It’s so fabulous, what an amazing design!
-Ashley
http://breakfastatsaks.blogspot.com
June 27th, 2010 at 11:22 pm
Oh I love this! I never even wanted an ipad, but now I want one just to have a reason to have this bag, lol! It’s so fabulous, what an amazing design!
June 27th, 2010 at 11:27 pm
OH MY G*D!!!
you are amazing!!!
June 27th, 2010 at 11:31 pm
Such a cool design, and the great deal of work you put into it really shows! I think i’m more of a fan of the bag than the ipad itself… my laptop could definitely use one of these haha
June 27th, 2010 at 11:36 pm
I love your designs. They’re very clearly thought out.
June 27th, 2010 at 11:37 pm
god, it’s marvelous. I can’t wait to see where you go.
June 27th, 2010 at 11:37 pm
AMAZING!!!!!!!
now i NEED an ipad…
June 27th, 2010 at 11:53 pm
Wow – Pooh and SVU in the same purse…what a country!
June 27th, 2010 at 11:58 pm
ummm… I want that bag! can you make me one??? please?? i’ll buy one… I call this bag!
http://labeldeficiency.blogspot.com
June 27th, 2010 at 11:58 pm
@Russell ahahahhahahahahaha the Winnie the pooh thing wasn’t my choice, its the default book that comes with the iBook app, so it was the only book I could flick through. SVU on the other hand WAS deliberate choice.
June 28th, 2010 at 12:03 am
Fantastic!! I’m enraptured with the process and your tools. What kind of sewing machine do you use? Is it the same as what you do your sewn logo with? Do they still make the Fortuna? I am looking to branch out to one that sews leather and would love your recommendation! Sorry for all the questions…
Thanks for great post!
June 28th, 2010 at 12:06 am
I don’t have an iPad, but I certainly want one now. Thanks for sharing a little bit of the “how-to” process. I really had no idea they shaved leather like that. I’m completely fascinated by the entire process. This post makes me feel bold enough to maybe attempt fixing a purse I have with a broken strap.
June 28th, 2010 at 12:15 am
Beautiful bag! Thanks for showing the whole process and construction of the bag!! (:
June 28th, 2010 at 12:20 am
You’re making me want an Ipad – just so I can wear that bag!
June 28th, 2010 at 12:22 am
you are AMAZING.
June 28th, 2010 at 12:36 am
No seriously, Apple needs to cut the check for you because you just single handily made me want to buy the maxIpad.
This is what Celine/Chloe wish they were making and better than all the designer houses [gucci, ferragamo, etc] making a basic incase knock off design and slapping a logo on it.
June 28th, 2010 at 12:58 am
Luxirare for your beautiful design new words have to be invented!
I follow you now for months since I discovered your blog and I am so impressed. Everytime you create something I am wondering what will come next!
No Ipad could wish for a more stylish and practical case!
Roussa from Amsterdam
June 28th, 2010 at 12:59 am
I really didn’t care for all of the hype surrounding the iPad but after seeing your post with this stunning bag, now I want one haha. Thanks for taking the time to show the process of making the bag, it’s very interesting. The bag, as minimalist as it is, truly is a work of art. I love the adjustable strap – it’s so convenient and versatile. I also love the cage necklace that you’re wearing – it reminds me of those YSL cage boots.
June 28th, 2010 at 1:00 am
This is a great idea, and one of the best laptop cases I’ve seen. I love the pony skin on this one, it works very nicely with the simplicity of the iPad – great job. My only bit of constructive criticism would be that some of the smaller design details are a bit old-fashioned. For me, personally, I probably would’ve kept the edges of the front flap more square, used pony hair on the sides of the bag, and maybe different hardware. But that’s just personal taste.
On another note, I’m incredibly jealous of all the equipment you own/have access to. I can only dream…
June 28th, 2010 at 1:15 am
your design is genius, love the transparent side for the ipad!!!
http://www.sylviaetc.blogspot.com
June 28th, 2010 at 1:16 am
the hours and effort you took for that burnishing and then showing us how you did it… one of many reasons why luxirare is different. different and sublime.
June 28th, 2010 at 1:20 am
i can’t explain it… i’ve always been ridiculously attracted to munch.
i know. idgi either.
June 28th, 2010 at 1:49 am
I love what you do….but pony hair? I mean really! Have you seen the videos of how they take the ponies from their mothers and boil them alive. Google videos of how pony hair is made and it will sicken you.
There MUST be something else you can use and still get an aesthetic you’re happy with.
June 28th, 2010 at 1:56 am
You are fantastic!
luxurious and rare.
x
June 28th, 2010 at 2:15 am
i want this bag (and i don’t even own an ipad)! your craftsmanship is impeccable…so talented!
http://style-haus.blogspot.com/
June 28th, 2010 at 2:18 am
[...] Follow this link: iPad Bag | Luxirare [...]
June 28th, 2010 at 2:33 am
Pony skin! I can feel the softness already. All that big machinary for textiles, shoes, bags must need some good organizatin skills and a good storage room for them!
June 28th, 2010 at 3:39 am
I just realized how much I need an iPad… In order, to necessitate that bag, of course. Well done!
June 28th, 2010 at 3:55 am
I had no interest in buying the iPad, til I saw this bag!
June 28th, 2010 at 5:48 am
Don’t own an iPad but I think this is a really good bag design. Also, thanks for showing the process of burnishing leather (now I know what that’s called. haha..). Have always wondered how to achieve the finished look on the edges of leather and you’ve provided some insight!=) Would so love to get one of those machines to work on leather some day. I can totally imagine the thrill of making my own bags!=) Thanks for the great post as always!
June 28th, 2010 at 6:09 am
That bag is incredible!
I love that you post vivid, close-up photos of the process of your designs. I am as intrigued by your design process, as I am amazed by the end product.
Inspiring as always
June 28th, 2010 at 6:36 am
Fantastic as usual! I love ponyhair. I admire your dedication to your craft, very very much. The length you go into for your products.
June 28th, 2010 at 7:54 am
That is one great looking bag! And functional, too! I’d really like one even though I don’t and don’t intend to own an iPad.
http://flashfashfash.blogspot.com
June 28th, 2010 at 9:00 am
love the idea!!
June 28th, 2010 at 9:04 am
This was an absolutely fascinating post, and I feel like I learned more from it then from the econ class I’ve been taking this summer!
June 28th, 2010 at 9:48 am
so great! I love your process ad the pics of the machines. I just dont understand why the ipad is always in view of everybody, this matter is not convenient, for example, in my country where thief are all around.
*i also think munch is great.
June 28th, 2010 at 10:34 am
Thanks for sharing this! Great looking bag. Can we feature this on our blog?
June 28th, 2010 at 11:36 am
@ ipad case sure!
June 28th, 2010 at 11:59 am
Your bag actually makes me want an iPad! Excellent work, and please start manufacturing them!
June 28th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
I feel like I’m attending design school, and i love it
thank you so much for your in depth posts
June 28th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
The simple nature of the design is just so awesome. It is so minimalistic that I’m sure guys wouldn’t mind sporting one too.
June 28th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
WOOOOW this is incredible, as always. seriously, most talented blogger out there.
June 28th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
this is a state of the art bag, love the shape and the colour of it. it seems pretty basic at first, but then after scrolling through the pictures you discover a look of functionality behind it. love the classy design and the see-through compartment for the Ipad. great job
http://elenavasilieva.blogspot.com/
June 28th, 2010 at 3:25 pm
Very cool. Totally inspirational.
June 28th, 2010 at 5:50 pm
I I thought the ipad was cool before, but I honestly want it now if only to have this bag.
Simple, elegant but edgy. Great job!
June 28th, 2010 at 6:03 pm
[...] A Real iPad Bag: Our favorite designer-cum-blogger has created a gorgeous carrier for the iPad. {Luxirare} [...]
June 28th, 2010 at 6:06 pm
Very well thought out and excellent conclusion! I don’t want an Ipad, but the bag is definitely worth lusting after! Good job!
June 28th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
This is so awesome on so many levels! I think you’re a goddess.
And it seems you’ve read my mind. I tried emailing you about burnishing (I didn’t know the term, I called it “leather trim”) but my emails bounced. What is the special chemical used? I’ve already tried using rubberized textile paint to burnish trims.
Again, awesome.
June 28th, 2010 at 7:07 pm
[...] A Real iPad Bag: Our favorite designer-cum-blogger has created a gorgeous carrier for the iPad. {Luxirare} [...]
June 28th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
Very chic… if I weren’t a vegan, I would totally want one of these for my ipad on aesthetics alone!
June 28th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
haha, yes machines are ugly, you’re right.
June 29th, 2010 at 4:39 am
Amazing bag, so pretty!
June 29th, 2010 at 4:39 am
Amazing bag, so pretty!
June 29th, 2010 at 5:19 am
A-mazingly beauuuutiful!
June 29th, 2010 at 6:13 am
YOU ARE A FUCKING GENIUS!
I LOVE THIS. WHY? BECAUSE THE BAG IS PERFECT AND YES, INDEED THOSE EVEN IF YOU HAVE AN IPAD CASE, YOU HAVE TO TAKE IT OUT TO USE IT; AND YES IT FEELS A BIT FRAGILE IN MY HANDS.
I TRULY HOPE YOU PRODUCE ANOTHER ONE OR COUPLE OF THEM AND SELL THEM ONYOUR LUXIRARE SHOP.
THIS IS BEAUTIFUL YET PRACTICAL AND MINIMALISTIC;EXQUISITE
YET NOT TO EXTRAVAGANT.
CHARACTERISTICS YOU DO RARELY RARELY FIND IN ONE PIECE.
LONG TIME I HAVENT HAVE MY MINDBLOWN AWAY BY YOU. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!
JOHN MUNCH IS AS WELL MY FAVORITE ALONG WITH ALEXANDER CABOT.
ON THE OTHER HAND MY LEAST FAVORITE IS CASEY NOVAK. I DISLIKE VERY, VERY MUCH; FIND HER ABNOUSIOUS AND ANNOYING. DO NOT KNOW THE REASON.
HOPE YOU HAVE A NICE WEEK. THAT MUST HAVE BEEN ARDOUS WORK!
PS:
I HAD A DREAM. STRANGELY I DREAMT YOU HAD A BOUTIQUE. IT FELT SURREAL. I WAS THERE IN YOUR 3 FLOORS BUILDIN: 1ST BOUTIQUE, 2ND WORKROOM; WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS; 3RD WAS YOUR HOUSE. PRETTY COOL.
THE MANNEQUINS WERE REAL MODELS, DISPLAYING YOUR MASTERPIECES AND ACCESORIES.
YOUR WORK WAS SEEN AND ADMIRED AS PIECES OF ART.
SINCE EVERYONE WAS DRINKING WINE AND EATING CHEESE, IT GAVE ME THE FEELING I WAS IN A GALLERY.PRETTY COOL.
I WAS SMILING WHEN I WOKE UP. HOPEFULLY ONE DAY I’LL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOP AT A LUXIRARE’S BOUTIQUE.
June 29th, 2010 at 10:42 am
That is incredible!!
June 29th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Your work is truly amazing, I am new to your blog and am inspired by the totality of your posts how you take the viewer along with you step by step and actually share the experience and your wisdom with them/us.
This bag is ingenious!
June 29th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
You are such an ingenius genius! Keep it up
June 29th, 2010 at 11:50 pm
I was glued throughout this fascinating post- loved every bit of the technical process – thanks for the incredible details! Totally in awe of all the equipment you have…love the bag!
June 30th, 2010 at 9:12 am
Hell yeah, this is one fucking impressive bag / post. All cred to you.
June 30th, 2010 at 11:00 am
Seriously exquisite bag… perfect even.
June 30th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
MUNCH!~
and interesting bag (although I am ipad-less)
June 30th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
Very amazing!
June 30th, 2010 at 11:09 pm
Thank was extremely interesting and insightful.
You bag brings back a few memories of classic coach about two decades ago.
As always, thank you for sharing!
July 1st, 2010 at 2:40 am
I can’t believe you made this where do you get your materials and tools? It’s incredible that you do this yourself, i thought something like this would have to be made in some form of manufacturing place. you always amaze me,
July 1st, 2010 at 4:03 am
Ingenious !
July 1st, 2010 at 10:39 am
this bag is soo up my alley. . . i want an ipad just so i have an excuse to buy this bag! well done lady. love the mid-process photos as always
July 1st, 2010 at 3:00 pm
i haven’t comented in awhile, but had to tell you how amazing this bag is. i love it when function and form come together so well!
July 2nd, 2010 at 1:01 am
The level of workmanship on this bag is incredible! I have a new appreciation of your skills and other craftsmen out there who still make bags by hand. Thank you for sharing the process behind the product.
July 2nd, 2010 at 8:18 am
[...] Ah yes. Something for that inner greedy person in you. Looks nice, right? This is an iPad bag, with a bag on one side and an iPad case on the other. Yeah, it’s a bit complicated to explain how that works, but the image above can shed some light. This bag is made out of pony skin and leather, according to its creator. [...]
July 2nd, 2010 at 11:40 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by ladyson, Erin Wong. Erin Wong said: I have decided I want an iPad. So I can buy this iPad bag. http://luxirare.com/ipad-bag/#more-3215 (link from @icednyior) [...]
July 2nd, 2010 at 3:38 pm
you are AMAZING, this is amazing! that is all
xx lluvia
July 3rd, 2010 at 3:05 am
Yay for the fashionable iPad holder.
http://glittermixedwithrockndroll.blogspot.com/
July 3rd, 2010 at 1:38 pm
PURE GENIUS, xoxo
July 3rd, 2010 at 7:41 pm
Making me hungry! When I’m New York, I’ll be sure to check it out.
http://www.artsystyle.blogspot.com
July 4th, 2010 at 9:39 am
You are absolutely amazing!
xo
szucs
July 5th, 2010 at 3:11 am
honestly you’re getting ridiculous now. i like the IDEA of the bag but do you enjoy killing innocent animals? I am pretty sure you do because lately you’ve been really into supporting animal abuse for your vanity. what your doing is really selfish and disgusting, i used to respect you but now you’ve just gone over the line. You clearly have no respect for the value of life.
July 5th, 2010 at 9:32 am
firstly, i love the bag, and the workmanship is amazing as always.
secondly, pony skin isn’t actually made from ponies. it’s calfskin that has been shaved to look/feel like pony skin.
July 5th, 2010 at 9:08 pm
Thanks for taking the time to photograph and describing sanding and polishing the edges. I’ve wondered how to do that to make pieces look professional.
July 6th, 2010 at 5:18 am
anonymous admiration: you are dazzlingly talented, imaginative, and critical about the designs you present here. it’s very inspiring and what you do is beautiful! -both in conception and aesthetic. you definitely have me looking forward to future posts regardless of the fact that i’ve followed your blog pages and pages ago
July 7th, 2010 at 4:54 pm
did you learn all of these skills and knowledge at school? Im going to college for fashion design and I”m worried that they wont give me the technical skills I want to be able to make anything I imagine. please respond
July 7th, 2010 at 6:24 pm
@abby Unfortunately No I did not.
July 9th, 2010 at 11:43 pm
WOW! looks awesome! i’ve always wondered about the painting (burnishing) on the sides of the leather! Can I ask you, what exactly is it that you painted it with? And what type of sewing machine do you use to sew up the leather? Sorry for all the questions.
Thank you,
Michele
July 16th, 2010 at 9:56 am
The perfect bag.
July 18th, 2010 at 2:48 am
Thanks for detailing the burnishing process. Machines ARE ugly, but not when you photograph the process so brilliantly.
July 20th, 2010 at 10:59 am
[...] July 20, 2010 by sunshan33 THESE ARE SO COOL pics via Luxirare [...]
July 27th, 2010 at 4:03 am
this is absolutely fascinating, thankyou so much for posting the in progress photos. out of curiousity, where do you buy the chemical to seal the edges of the leather? i was looking for it a few months ago, when i noticed the edging on the handles of my favourite bag cracking, but i couldn’t find out what it was called nor where to buy it.
July 30th, 2010 at 12:01 am
Beautiful bag! What material did you use for the transparent part?
August 1st, 2010 at 6:00 am
a transparent bag for an expensive item?? well that’s a great way to get your iPAD STOLEN!!!
August 1st, 2010 at 9:48 pm
@question hahahaha
August 3rd, 2010 at 10:18 am
somehow I missed this post.
I really enjoy when you break down the process. Thanx!
…i think machines are beautiful
August 9th, 2010 at 11:40 am
Terrific work!
August 14th, 2010 at 2:53 am
Interesting! I wonder if you sell one, I definitely gonna buy it!
August 17th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
Can i buy one….please send me more details on the cost