CUVAL

Çuval | chu· val |

Meaning “sack” in Turkish, the first cultural appliance that mankind ever created to carry was the inspiration behind the name when we first started making bags in 2010.

Established in 2012 by me, Ayse Ozgunes, Çuval is the first sustainable accessory brand in Turkey that uses vegetable tanned leather ever since while supporting local craftmanship and providing refined products.

Using Turkish materials that are sourced ethically, handpicked by me and skillfully hand crafted by local Turkish craftsmen, Çuval’s ethical consumer philosophy is based on quality workmanship and materials. Each collection is limited edition as they are made in small batches and sometimes discontinued. New designs are either added each season or updated in different materials and colour ways. Each product carries its own uniqueness and traditional artisan processes.

Cuval’s goal is to make timeless elegant product that you will treasure for years to come.. That’s our philosophy.

Çuval’s latest collection Neu Land, is all about discovering a new land through nubuck meaning “new+buck (skin)” and natural vegetable tanned leather. Shaped around clean and raw cuts of leather to amplify old school high quality craftsmanship, native forms like sack, embraces vintage colors, traditional methods and modern looks with a contemporary feel.

~Çuval, where you can fill in your thoughts, your emotions, your devotions, your vices… ~

MEET ME : AYSE | eye . sheh|

Born in Istanbul and a graduate of Design and Merchandising from Drexel University, I moved back to my hometown Istanbul searching for a way to gain personal hands on experience and develop a professional expertise. I discovered a world of artisans that meets my inner driving force. We became so close with my suppliers and craftsman that we are the family members of Çuval. I love working with them while chatting about mundane topics and sipping my Turkish tea they offer me. Other than my local power, artistic scenes of my college town Philadelphia and Brooklyn NY where I lived for a year still motivates me to share my creations with the world.

“My goal is to create timeless, elegant and playful accessories that would keep their owner good company and will last for next generations through Çuval. I reuse and upcycle leather scraps left out from my productions and work with a small workshop owned by two brothers. Being fair, being real and inspire others to do the same, is my philosophy.”