George Gets Curious - DW Leatherworks

George Gets Curious - DW Leatherworks

This is the inaugural George Gets Curious (GGC) post in which we ask a series of questions to get to know the designer/brand a little better.

First up is Derrick Wong, the man behind DW Leatherworks. To ensure the highest of standards, all of his goods are handcrafted from start to finish, in Vancouver, without the use of any machines! Derrick was kind enough to take some time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions for us. Read up on his apparent love for Larry Bird and selvedge denim obsession below, and click here to shop his latest handmade goodness.

First things first, tell us a little about yourself.

I am Derrick Wong, I was born and raised on the Vancouver Eastside. I am the founder, creator and designer of DW Leatherworks - a one-man operation based in Vancouver, crafting leather goods by hand from start to finish without the use of any machines. I create leather goods for everyday use that are made to last.

Cats or Dogs?

Dogs, though I’ve never owned a cat or a dog. I once owned a bird, which I named Larry, after Larry Bird.

Why did you start DW Leatherworks?

In late 2007, I bought my first pair of raw selvedge jeans. It was a pair of Imperial denim. After wearing them for a few months, I really wanted to buy a natural vegetable-tanned leather belt. There were a few brands of belts that I had in mind, but I couldn't find any of them anywhere locally. In early 2008, I decided to try and make myself a belt. I was quite happy with the final result. Now, at approximately 30 pairs of selvedge jeans, the same belt is still used in holding all my jeans up. After creating my first belt, I got really interested in seeing what else I could make. I was reading up on leather goods from different online forums. I really wanted to understand everything about materials, hardware and how different tools work. I started making leather wallets and phone sleeves as a hobby and gave them away to friends. I was overwhelmed with the positive response, which led to a few custom orders. I was fortunate to find something that allowed me to be creative and make products that people liked. Fast forward a few years, DW Leatherworks was born.

Have you ever had any brushes with the law? If yes, elaborate.

No, but I'm not bad at Grand Theft Auto.

In ten words or less, tell us why you love to make.

Allowing the owner to tell stories as the leather ages.

How many pillows do you sleep with? Thick or thin pillows?

One thick pillow.

What (If any) other creative hobbies do you have?

I like to draw and paint but lately there hasn’t been enough time for it. I once painted a portrait of my wife that resembled the Duran Duran Rio album cover - unintentionally. She was pretty happy about that. (She loves Duran Duran)

Sunrise or sunset?

I am never up early enough to see sunrise.

What's up next for DW Leatherworks?

I have a bunch of ideas that are still in the works. Some limited run items and possibly a few collaboration pieces. 

Liquid or bar soap?

Bar soap

 

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