Katie Piche uses handpicked Japanese fabrics to craft unique small-batch bags and accessories. When Katie was looking for cute cat fabrics (and North American fabrics were not it), she turned to her previous exchange experience at Kansai Gaidai, in Osaka, Japan. Turns out that not only does Japan have cute cat fabrics, but it works in Katie’s favour to travel there to select said fabrics! The new cottons are sourced in Kyoto and Tokyo, while the obi and kimono used in Katie’s upcycled bags are sourced in Kyoto and Osaka temple markets and secondhand stores.

Although she uses Japanese fabrics for the majority of her work, Katie is also working to upcycle what she can when appropriate. It started with upcycling obi and kimonos, but it continues in other bags. All denim included in her bags is upcycled, and she is working towards making all pockets for the interiors of the bags from upcycled dress shirts, bed coverings, and house linens.