Our first journey to the people who bring our pieces to life.
Earlier this year, we travelled to Indonesia for a trip that had been in the making since the very beginning of Capiaghi Summer. We'd been working closely with our suppliers and workshop partners for over a year, speaking almost daily, but this was the first time we could meet them in person, see the process up close, and deepen the relationships that sit at the heart of everything we do.
Meeting the artisans we'd been collaborating with since launch was easily one of the most meaningful parts of the trip. There's something special about going from a conversation on a screen to standing beside the people behind your work. The precision, patience and pride in everything they do was the perfect reminder of why we choose craftsmanship over fast production. Every stitch, every buckle, every detail passes through experienced hands before it ever reaches you.
Handpicking the hides
Another highlight was visiting the suppliers where our leather and cowhide are sourced. Rather than selecting materials from photos or samples, we were able to walk through the collections ourselves and handpick the hides that will become part of our upcoming pieces.
Cowhide is naturally unique. No two hides are ever exactly the same, which means choosing them in person was an important part of ensuring every Capiaghi Summer piece carries the individuality and character we love.
Following the journey of a piece
The process begins with the hides, a byproduct of the meat industry, which are carefully prepared and then transported between individual suppliers. From there, they reach our workshop, where the artisans begin the detailed work of cutting, shaping and constructing each design.
Watching it unfold made us appreciate just how many steps sit behind a single piece. What might look like a simple accessory often represents hours of skilled work and generations of craftsmanship. Every bag, belt and accessory carries the work of many hands long before it arrives with you.
Bringing it back to Melbourne
We returned home feeling genuinely inspired. Not only by the craftsmanship we witnessed, but by the relationships that make this brand possible. Capiaghi Summer is designed in Melbourne, but it's brought to life through a collaboration of talented artisans across the world.
As we grow, we want to stay close to every step of the process, and keep learning from the people who help bring our designs to life. Because every piece tells a story. This is where ours begins.
