Meet Victor Wan of Kulör Cases

Kulör Cases is a luxury leather iPhone case maker. Their business is based in Sweden. Our interview today is with the company CEO, Victor Wan, who works alongside the Swedish designer Ingrid Andersson. Learn more by visiting https://kulorcases.com.

1. What inspired you to start Kulör Cases?

I previously worked in the IT and telecom industry for 14 years. All along I wanted to do something that could combine my interest in gadgets, my love for minimalist designs, and sense of achievement from helping my clients. And it all began in 2017 when I decided to start my own brand that makes luxury personalized leather iPhone cases alongside the Swedish designer Ingrid Andersson. We wanted to become a part of our customers’ special moments. This dream was fulfilled when our first customer of the company was an astronaut who ordered a phone case for himself as well as for his wife for the celebration of the birth of their twins.

2. What makes your cases unique?

Regarding materials, we wanted something classy but also something that would age well. Leather was the perfect option. Then came the issue of the design. Most leather cases are mono toned, all black, all brown, all blue, etc. We wanted a minimalist design that would not cover the beautiful iPhone but to complement it... This led to the decision of a multi-colored and colorful case design. Secondly, we didn't want the cases to be a source of branding for us because the cases should be about the users. Therefore we designed not to put our company logo on the case. Lastly, we decided for personalization so people could have their names, initials, or something special foil stamped on the phone case. Our phone cases represent our customers' true character and identity.

Because of the special multi-colored design, our craftsmen have to work on two different cowhide leathers, and that increases the complexity. But we are a luxury brand, and we won't do anything less than the best.

3. There are a lot of iPhone case makers. What makes you different from them in terms of craftsmenship?

Our iPhone cases are handcrafted. The products we make are all about the customers which is why we don't incorporate a company logo on our cases. What makes us different is that our utmost goal is to satisfy our customers. We pay close attention to minute details. For example, most leather cases are made by gluing leather sheets on top of plastic bases. The sides of the plastic are visible, which doesn't give a neat look. We keep that in mind and make sure the corners and sides are all covered in leather.

Our craftsmen spend three times the amount of time that it takes on one regular case. It is all because of our commitment to providing the best of the best.

4. Could you describe some of the options for people who want to customize their phone case?

Our customers could choose from a wide collection of colorful cases. We have 10 different color combinations for each of our iPhone 7, iPhone 8, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPhone 7 Plus collections. As for customization, we offer three different fonts namely Park Avenue, JosefinSans and Althea that could be embossed in gold, silver, or rose gold foil. To ensure quality craftsmanship, we use a traditional hand operated hot stamping machine to imprint the leather cases with initials, names, monogram, or something special.

We also have a live personalization tool on our website so that our customers could preview what they are customizing and order with confidence.

5. In your opinion, why is vegetable tanned top-grain leather the best material for a phone case?

First of all, vegetable tanned leather does not contain harmful chemicals (vs chromium and aldehyde tanning), and it ages perfectly and delivers a better look for your phone case through time. Second of all, top-grain leather is the most premium hide material. It is the surface of full-grain leather that has not been removed or heavily sanded, preserving the natural qualities of an authentic leather hide. Most cheaper cases in the market uses "split leather" or "genuine leather." They are made from the inner layers that are underneath the top-grain and are embossed with an artificial grain pattern.

You will never find split leather, bonded, or even imitation leathers products at Kulör Cases.

Thanks, Victor!

Introducing CloverSac Purse Rain Covers for Designer Handbags

If you follow this blog, you may remember my recent post about the purse organizer and base shaper products from CloverSac. If you love designer purses and want to keep your purse looking good for as long as possible, another great product from CloverSac is their purse rain cover.

What do you do when you're caught in the rain with an expensive handbag? Your umbrella may keep you dry, but raindrops might fall on your purse, which can potentially cause permanent marks. Some women apply a water-repellent spray to their bags to prevent rain from damaging the leather; however, many women don't like this method because it can turn the handbags into a darker shade of color.

Enter the CloverSac purse rain cover. Basically, this product is a raincoat designed for your handbag. It's simple and practical. It works like a waterproof plastic drape which covers your handbag. There an opening in the top, and you open it to put your bag inside. Then you fasten the Velcro opening from the top to protect your bag. The handle of the bag comes through the top so that you can still carry the bag easily.

The CloverSac purse raincoats alsocome with a pouch that allows you to fold and store it in your purse when not in use. To find out more about purse raincoat by CloverSac, please visit https://www.cloversac.com/purse-rain-cover.

Meet Andrew Dieudonne, Entrepreneur

Andrew Dieudonne is from Trenton, NJ. He is 25 years old and graduated from college in 2010 with a degree in business management. A connoisseur of classic men's fashion, Andrew has always pursued his dream of owning his own business. Through his new retail shop, The Blue Brand, Andrew combines his business background and fashion sense to offer a carefully chosen selection of high-quality ties and cufflinks for affordable prices. Follow The Blue Brand on Facebook, too.

1.What is The Blue Brand, and how did you choose this name for your business?

The Blue Brand is a gentleman's one-stop source for exquisite silk ties and cufflinks. We are primarily an online store and carry several different colors and patterns of neckties for everyone to enjoy!

Choosing the name was easy. I wanted a name that was memorable for customers and one that represented my personality. Blue is the perfect fit! Royal blue is my favorite color, but more importantly the feeling behind the color to me is one that is calm, yet bold. I included the word "Brand" because I want to grow the business to include more products. Eventually, I'd like to include the option to customize dress shirts to "The Blue Brand."

2. What motivated you to start an online store specializing in neckties and cufflinks?

I've always had an entrepreneur's spirit and an interest in men's fashion. Unfortunately, however, I was not born into the Trump family, so the lack of funds steered me towards the online direction versus the standard brick and mortar. I wanted to specialize in cufflinks and neckties because I want to start with basic men's accessories that are affordable on any budget!

3. How do you determine which items you carry in your store?

Our customer determines the items we carry. I constantly think about the type of man or woman who shops at The Blue Brand, and the answer always leads back to affordability. I want to provide products that have superb craftsmanship and great styling and are very affordable to everybody!

4. What are some tips for choosing the best necktie for each specific occasion (for example, what makes some ties more casual and others more formal)?

One tip I'd advise people is to stay away from screen-printed ties--far away, people!! Screen-printed ties tend to be seasonal novelty items and simply look cheap.

The fabric of your necktie plays a big role in creating a formal, or casual look. Knit ties are increasingly popular with younger guys. Knit ties can be paired with Diem jeans for a casually youthful look. Wool ties can either be formal or casual depending on the rest of your look, but whether the occasion is formal or casual, a silk necktie is always the best choice for any occasion.

5. What are some tips for choosing a necktie or set of cufflinks or tie/cufflinks set for someone as a gift?

Keep it simple: remember two things and you'll never go wrong. First and foremost, keep in mind an occasion this person would wear the necktie and cufflinks set. Will this set be worn at work? Is this for a special date? Could this be worn for job interviews? Or will it possibly be worn at an upcoming wedding? Secondly, try to find out this person's favorite color. When it comes to the design on the necktie, you want to choose something you like, so the gift has a personal touch. Nonetheless, a necktie and cufflinks set is a classic gift idea that will never go out of style.

Thanks, Andrew!