Capra Leather, a design studio based in Bogotá, Colombia, is dedicated to redefining the boundaries of leather goods design and imbuing their products with a distinct essence.
They exclusively utilize the finest quality natural materials obtainable, striving to source locally and minimize their ecological footprint. Driven by a steadfast commitment to sustainability, Capra Leather meticulously handcrafts each product within their studio; this approach not only guarantees exceptional craftsmanship but also nurtures and supports local artisans.
The exceptional quality of Capra's pieces has garnered significant acclaim within the Styleforum community, as the positive comments in their official thread can attest.
In this interview, we had the opportunity to sit down with Juan Quiñones, the designer and founder of Capra Leather, to delve into the brand's past accomplishments and future endeavors.
Styleforum: How did you hear about Styleforum, and in what capacity did you start here as a member?
Juan: Serendipity is all I can say. I joined in 2016 and have been lurking since. In 2022 I joined as an affiliate.
SF: When did you realize that you were interested in fashion?
Juan: It was in my last year of high school. We have the tradition of purchasing personalised jackets to commemorate our senior year. My friends and I wanted to do something different, so we chose leather jackets. We saved a whole year to buy it. My friend knew a leatherwork expert. He gave us leeway to experiment with the design, adding all the details to make it ours. We visited the workshop, and from then on, I fell in love with the idea of creating tailor-made, quality accessories that last a lifetime. I treasure my leather jacket, I still have it and use it.
SF: When and how did you start your career in the clothing industry?
Juan: I started in the leather goods universe. Precisely, I would say it was initiated at Capra. I hadn't had a professional approach to leatherwork before. Everything started with the idea of crafting a case for a Mac. I had just bought my first Mac. I wanted to get involved in design, and this device has always been aspirational for designers. I wanted a leather case, but nothing out there met my needs. I decided to do it myself. I looked for information on materials and YouTube tutorials on hand-stitching techniques. I went to a neighbourhood in my city known for its leather workshops. I bought a leather piece, a cutting board, waxed thread, and all the necessary tools. I spent several days working on the design and making patterns. When it was finally completed, I saw the great market potential. A month later Capra was founded.
SF: What is the best part of the job?
Juan: As a designer, the most exciting part of my job is turning customers’ ideas into reality. Creativity has no limits, and when it comes to the customer, it is even more boundless. I enjoy the conversation that takes place when the client wants a bespoke piece. Some designs are more demanding than others, but those are my favourites. Nights of mind going blank, lots of sketches thrown in the trash, several trials and errors, and ending up with a design that delights the customer. For the last month, I've been working on a backpack versatile enough to double up as a briefcase when needed. Plus, it must include a functional compartments system for both configurations. Quite a challenge, but I've been thrilled about it.
SF: What is your least favorite part?
Juan: I'm a designer and an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship is not the easiest path, let alone approaching the men's style market. Delivering high quality products is hard, every process has to be perfect, every supplier has to be perfect, every artisan has to be perfect. You face many obstacles and work very hard to build a brand reputation. Each business is unique, and finding the formula requires a lot of trial and error.
SF: How do you stay up to date with the clothing industry and current trends?
Juan: I am a naturally curious guy, I’m always researching, always paying attention. Capra is not a trend follower, so I’m not too worried about knowing the latest trend. I’m more interested in knowing the history and story behind a piece, a designer, an artist or a brand.
I’m a millennial, so of course the internet is a huge resource, regardless, even through college I found myself spending a lot of time in the library. Books just deliver a quality that the internet is yet to match.
Last book I bought, actually a magazine, was A Magazine Curated by Maison Martin Margiela, 2004 reissue.
SF: What’s the single item from any collection you are most proud of?
Juan: Our Polarity Weekender Bag. It was a challenging and innovative project. Trying things we hadn't done before around design, content creation, launch campaign, and promotion.
The idea behind was something like inverse minimalism, I wanted to show all the work and attention to detail that requires a minimal piece.
SF: What product did you make that you thought would be a hit, but bombed?
Juan: Perhaps, our Oxye Bike Backpack and Dromedari Camera Backpack for photographers. I wouldn't say they bombed though. At Capra, we hold a long term vision. Sometimes, newly launched designs aren't an instant hit. Those pieces consolidated over time, adjusting the design to make them more appealing and functional. These two pieces target a niche market, definitely not our best sellers.
SF: If movie characters were real, who would shop at your store?
Juan: I'd say Marcello from the Dolce Vita by Fellini (1960). He is intellectual, passionate, and ambitious. He is a connoisseur who lives for the pleasures of life. His sophisticated suits are iconic. Every piece is tailormade, taking care of every detail. Marcello would be the kind of customer who always comes to Capra with the idea of a bespoke product.
SF: A lot of your leather goods are things that I rarely see elsewhere, like your leather desk organizers. Can you tell me how you come up with these ideas and how you get to a finished product?
Juan: Designs come from the desire for a bespoke piece that caters to common frustration. Style and functionality are first on the list when designing. I design it to make the customer's life easier, but also to be a piece that makes a statement.
In the case of our desk organizers, they were launched during the pandemic. It was a result of our ability to adapt. Our travel product line was limited by worldwide restrictions. Work from home boomed. We decided to design our Workspace collection. The goal was to elevate the aesthetics of your workspace while being functional and up to date.
The desk pad is a simple, functional piece. It delimits your keyboard, mouse and monitor, it protects your tabletop and works as a mouse pad. The option for a slot is for small stuff you always have loose, pens, keys, dongles, etc. Each space is unique, so we offered the option of custom dimensions.
Our iPhone Stand takes advantage of the newly introduced MagSafe iPhone charger. It’s a portable accessory to keep your phone in a comfortable position while working. Designed to be the perfect height and angle while video calling or watching videos, easy to place and rotate.
We came up with our Footrest to move away from the conventional and boring plastic ones. We wanted something that feels luxurious to the eye and touch. Pushing sustainability one step forward we encourage to fill it up with natural materials like cotton, wool, paper, sand, rice, beans, etc. We supply two internal bags, for the top one select a fill that would meet your desired comfort, for the bottom one select a heavy fill (sand, rice), for stability.
SF: I see that you get some ideas from your customers - like your gym bag with a separate compartment for shoes. From what you know about Styleforum, tell us about a hypothetical design for a forum member.
Juan: A few months ago, I designed a garment bag for a customer. He may not be a SF member but meets all the characteristics. He is a frequent traveller, and formal attire is his top choice.
The first design was exactly what the customer asked for. Loved it so much that I adapted it to the Capra style and included it in our catalogue. It has a T-zip opening for easy access and magnetic closure to fold everything up nice and tight.
Designed with 2 interior pockets for ties, belts, and other accessories. I went bold with asymmetrical pockets: one square and one round.
One of the most functional features is the adjustable straps. Use them as handles or shoulder straps to make them comfier. For an extra touch of class, we included matching leather hangers, stylish in and out of the closet.
SF: What are three pieces of advice you would give to your younger self?
Juan:
SF: What did you wear to your first ever job interview?
Juan: I wore my first “real” suit, bought it during my freshman year in college. It was a three-button striped in grey. It was one size bigger. I looked awful.
SF: Describe yourself using only 5 words.
Juan: I would say I’m curious
SF: Tell us about your hobbies outside of fashion.
Juan: Music. I love discovering new songs and artists. You can always find diamonds in the rough. I love attending concerts, specially small venues
I've been playing guitar since I was 15 years old. I started with the electric guitar and then with the acoustic one. I had a DJ era as well, we were a trio, playing on weekends in my hometown. About 4 years ago, I started playing drums. I love it. It's physical, noisy, and very relaxing.
SF: What is making you happy today?
Juan: It makes me happy to work at Capra surrounded by a tremendously talented team. It's exciting to think of what we have accomplished and how far we can push it. We are still learning and dreaming. Now that I am moving to Barcelona, I am excited to expand my mind to new opportunities. Experiencing another culture and being able to travel so easily, you find inspiration every day. Thus, I'm closer to the fashion and leather goods houses I want to learn from. On top of that, sharing it with my wife and newborn daughter. Kids are the best.
Visit Capra Leather's official website
Join the conversation on Capra Leather's Official Affiliate Vendor Thread
They exclusively utilize the finest quality natural materials obtainable, striving to source locally and minimize their ecological footprint. Driven by a steadfast commitment to sustainability, Capra Leather meticulously handcrafts each product within their studio; this approach not only guarantees exceptional craftsmanship but also nurtures and supports local artisans.
The exceptional quality of Capra's pieces has garnered significant acclaim within the Styleforum community, as the positive comments in their official thread can attest.
In this interview, we had the opportunity to sit down with Juan Quiñones, the designer and founder of Capra Leather, to delve into the brand's past accomplishments and future endeavors.
Styleforum: How did you hear about Styleforum, and in what capacity did you start here as a member?
Juan: Serendipity is all I can say. I joined in 2016 and have been lurking since. In 2022 I joined as an affiliate.
SF: When did you realize that you were interested in fashion?
Juan: It was in my last year of high school. We have the tradition of purchasing personalised jackets to commemorate our senior year. My friends and I wanted to do something different, so we chose leather jackets. We saved a whole year to buy it. My friend knew a leatherwork expert. He gave us leeway to experiment with the design, adding all the details to make it ours. We visited the workshop, and from then on, I fell in love with the idea of creating tailor-made, quality accessories that last a lifetime. I treasure my leather jacket, I still have it and use it.
SF: When and how did you start your career in the clothing industry?
Juan: I started in the leather goods universe. Precisely, I would say it was initiated at Capra. I hadn't had a professional approach to leatherwork before. Everything started with the idea of crafting a case for a Mac. I had just bought my first Mac. I wanted to get involved in design, and this device has always been aspirational for designers. I wanted a leather case, but nothing out there met my needs. I decided to do it myself. I looked for information on materials and YouTube tutorials on hand-stitching techniques. I went to a neighbourhood in my city known for its leather workshops. I bought a leather piece, a cutting board, waxed thread, and all the necessary tools. I spent several days working on the design and making patterns. When it was finally completed, I saw the great market potential. A month later Capra was founded.
SF: What is the best part of the job?
Juan: As a designer, the most exciting part of my job is turning customers’ ideas into reality. Creativity has no limits, and when it comes to the customer, it is even more boundless. I enjoy the conversation that takes place when the client wants a bespoke piece. Some designs are more demanding than others, but those are my favourites. Nights of mind going blank, lots of sketches thrown in the trash, several trials and errors, and ending up with a design that delights the customer. For the last month, I've been working on a backpack versatile enough to double up as a briefcase when needed. Plus, it must include a functional compartments system for both configurations. Quite a challenge, but I've been thrilled about it.
SF: What is your least favorite part?
Juan: I'm a designer and an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship is not the easiest path, let alone approaching the men's style market. Delivering high quality products is hard, every process has to be perfect, every supplier has to be perfect, every artisan has to be perfect. You face many obstacles and work very hard to build a brand reputation. Each business is unique, and finding the formula requires a lot of trial and error.
SF: How do you stay up to date with the clothing industry and current trends?
Juan: I am a naturally curious guy, I’m always researching, always paying attention. Capra is not a trend follower, so I’m not too worried about knowing the latest trend. I’m more interested in knowing the history and story behind a piece, a designer, an artist or a brand.
I’m a millennial, so of course the internet is a huge resource, regardless, even through college I found myself spending a lot of time in the library. Books just deliver a quality that the internet is yet to match.
Last book I bought, actually a magazine, was A Magazine Curated by Maison Martin Margiela, 2004 reissue.
SF: What’s the single item from any collection you are most proud of?
Juan: Our Polarity Weekender Bag. It was a challenging and innovative project. Trying things we hadn't done before around design, content creation, launch campaign, and promotion.
The idea behind was something like inverse minimalism, I wanted to show all the work and attention to detail that requires a minimal piece.
SF: What product did you make that you thought would be a hit, but bombed?
Juan: Perhaps, our Oxye Bike Backpack and Dromedari Camera Backpack for photographers. I wouldn't say they bombed though. At Capra, we hold a long term vision. Sometimes, newly launched designs aren't an instant hit. Those pieces consolidated over time, adjusting the design to make them more appealing and functional. These two pieces target a niche market, definitely not our best sellers.
SF: If movie characters were real, who would shop at your store?
Juan: I'd say Marcello from the Dolce Vita by Fellini (1960). He is intellectual, passionate, and ambitious. He is a connoisseur who lives for the pleasures of life. His sophisticated suits are iconic. Every piece is tailormade, taking care of every detail. Marcello would be the kind of customer who always comes to Capra with the idea of a bespoke product.
SF: A lot of your leather goods are things that I rarely see elsewhere, like your leather desk organizers. Can you tell me how you come up with these ideas and how you get to a finished product?
Juan: Designs come from the desire for a bespoke piece that caters to common frustration. Style and functionality are first on the list when designing. I design it to make the customer's life easier, but also to be a piece that makes a statement.
In the case of our desk organizers, they were launched during the pandemic. It was a result of our ability to adapt. Our travel product line was limited by worldwide restrictions. Work from home boomed. We decided to design our Workspace collection. The goal was to elevate the aesthetics of your workspace while being functional and up to date.
The desk pad is a simple, functional piece. It delimits your keyboard, mouse and monitor, it protects your tabletop and works as a mouse pad. The option for a slot is for small stuff you always have loose, pens, keys, dongles, etc. Each space is unique, so we offered the option of custom dimensions.
Our iPhone Stand takes advantage of the newly introduced MagSafe iPhone charger. It’s a portable accessory to keep your phone in a comfortable position while working. Designed to be the perfect height and angle while video calling or watching videos, easy to place and rotate.
We came up with our Footrest to move away from the conventional and boring plastic ones. We wanted something that feels luxurious to the eye and touch. Pushing sustainability one step forward we encourage to fill it up with natural materials like cotton, wool, paper, sand, rice, beans, etc. We supply two internal bags, for the top one select a fill that would meet your desired comfort, for the bottom one select a heavy fill (sand, rice), for stability.
SF: I see that you get some ideas from your customers - like your gym bag with a separate compartment for shoes. From what you know about Styleforum, tell us about a hypothetical design for a forum member.
Juan: A few months ago, I designed a garment bag for a customer. He may not be a SF member but meets all the characteristics. He is a frequent traveller, and formal attire is his top choice.
The first design was exactly what the customer asked for. Loved it so much that I adapted it to the Capra style and included it in our catalogue. It has a T-zip opening for easy access and magnetic closure to fold everything up nice and tight.
Designed with 2 interior pockets for ties, belts, and other accessories. I went bold with asymmetrical pockets: one square and one round.
One of the most functional features is the adjustable straps. Use them as handles or shoulder straps to make them comfier. For an extra touch of class, we included matching leather hangers, stylish in and out of the closet.
SF: What are three pieces of advice you would give to your younger self?
Juan:
- Believe in your ideas.
- Be more disciplined.
- Travel more, it’s the best source of inspiration.
SF: What did you wear to your first ever job interview?
Juan: I wore my first “real” suit, bought it during my freshman year in college. It was a three-button striped in grey. It was one size bigger. I looked awful.
SF: Describe yourself using only 5 words.
Juan: I would say I’m curious
SF: Tell us about your hobbies outside of fashion.
Juan: Music. I love discovering new songs and artists. You can always find diamonds in the rough. I love attending concerts, specially small venues
I've been playing guitar since I was 15 years old. I started with the electric guitar and then with the acoustic one. I had a DJ era as well, we were a trio, playing on weekends in my hometown. About 4 years ago, I started playing drums. I love it. It's physical, noisy, and very relaxing.
SF: What is making you happy today?
Juan: It makes me happy to work at Capra surrounded by a tremendously talented team. It's exciting to think of what we have accomplished and how far we can push it. We are still learning and dreaming. Now that I am moving to Barcelona, I am excited to expand my mind to new opportunities. Experiencing another culture and being able to travel so easily, you find inspiration every day. Thus, I'm closer to the fashion and leather goods houses I want to learn from. On top of that, sharing it with my wife and newborn daughter. Kids are the best.
Visit Capra Leather's official website
Join the conversation on Capra Leather's Official Affiliate Vendor Thread
