A new design often begins with a simple question: what could we do differently?
For Khatia, the designer behind la pochette, that question led to a leather organiser made to give everyday essentials a place of their own. Designed to slip into your paper republic journal or be carried on its own, la pochette brings together practical storage and thoughtful craftsmanship in a surprisingly slim form.
But there's more to this little leather accessory than meets the eye. From specially adapted magnets to new leatherworking techniques, every detail has been carefully considered.
We sat down with Khatia to discover how the idea took shape, the challenges behind its creation and the details that make la pochette special.
Hi Khatia! Where did the idea for la pochette first come from?
The idea came from another product in our collection. I wanted to approach it differently and create a little home for all the things we want to keep close, from cash and cards to stationery and everyday essentials. Something practical, made from leather, that people could use in their own way.
How did the design evolve from the first sketches to the finished product?
I explored different ideas and focused on making the best use of the available space while keeping the design playful, functional and true to the classic elegance of paper republic. Through sketching and prototyping, I refined the proportions, pockets and folding techniques until everything worked together without making the product bulky. I also took inspiration from the construction techniques used for le fold and adapted these ideas to the structure of la pochette.
How did you balance practicality with the simplicity of paper republic’s design?
A lot of the work went into details that you don't necessarily notice at first glance. Finding the right magnets was a long process. I wanted them to be as thin as possible while still being strong enough to hold securely. After extensive research, I found the right solution and had the magnets specially adapted to the shape of la pochette.
The leather construction was just as important. The leather is split to achieve the right thickness, and the edges are skived further using a machine we purchased specifically for la pochette. This helps us keep the leather slim while making the most of the magnets' holding strength.
We also used a French-style folded leather edge for the first time in one of our designs. This required careful consideration of how the leather folds and layers come together. These details helped me achieve the fine, slim finish I was looking for without compromising on functionality.
What was the biggest challenge in designing la pochette?
One of the biggest challenges was getting the magnets and the leather construction to work together. The magnets needed to be thin enough to integrate discreetly, but strong enough to hold securely. At the same time, the leather had to be carefully prepared and folded to achieve the right shape without adding unnecessary bulk.
The placement of the stitching and the blind stitch on the right-hand side were also important details. The blind stitch creates a clean finish and gives the impression that the different leather layers are seamlessly connected. Getting all these elements to work together was an important part of developing the final design.
Is there a small detail in la pochette that you’re particularly proud of?
Some of the people who tested la pochette early on didn't even notice where the magnets were hidden. There is also a secret pocket on the right-hand side that you don't immediately notice. I like that these details reveal themselves as you start using the product. They are subtle, but they make a difference to both the look and the experience of using la pochette.
What’s something you discovered about la pochette only after using it yourself?
I originally designed la pochette with stationery in mind, but I soon realised it could hold much more. I can even fit my phone, hand cream and cash inside, along with all the little things I don't want to carry in my trouser pockets.
It's like having an extra pocket, with dedicated space for cards and paper on the other side. Everyone can use it differently, and that's what makes it interesting.
How do you hope people will make la pochette their own?
When I design something, I have a clear vision of what I want to achieve. But once a product is out in the world, I like the idea that people can make it their own. I designed la pochette as a foundation for everyday life, but everyone can decide how to use it and what to keep inside. We all have different routines, habits and little things we like to keep close. I hope la pochette becomes part of people's daily lives and, over time, something truly personal.
The beauty of la pochette is that there’s no single way to use it. What begins as a place for your everyday essentials can become something much more personal, shaped by what you choose to carry.
And now, we’re curious to see what you’ll make of it. You can find la pochette online, at our la maison in Vienna and at partner stores.
