"Behind the Brand" is our column where you get exclusive behind-the-scenes access to our partner brands and learn more about the people that make our products. Today, we meet Davide from wetheknot.
First off, introductions are in order: What is your name and what is your role at wetheknot?
Hey! :) My name is Davide and I’m working in the Communication Department. Together with the rest of the team, I take care of the website, of the social media accounts of the brand, of the newsletters and all the general tasks related to communicating wetheknot’s values and philosophy through every channel.
"Behind the Brand" is our column where you get exclusive behind-the-scenes access to our partner brands and learn more about the people that make our products. Today, we meet Davide from wetheknot.
First off, introductions are in order: What is your name and what is your role at wetheknot?
Hey! :) My name is Davide and I’m working in the Communication Department. Together with the rest of the team, I take care of the website, of the social media accounts of the brand, of the newsletters and all the general tasks related to communicating wetheknot’s values and philosophy through every channel.
What is the story behind wetheknot? When did it start and what was the inspiration behind it?
Filipe and Sérgio, the two founders, started wetheknot as a personal side project around ten years ago, with the idea of creating objects that meet the needs of contemporary everyday life. The first focus was on accessories: pouches, pencil cases and roll-top backpacks in vegan leather, an incredibly resistant material which is able to stand up to regular use and seasonal trends.
What are the values that drive the brand?
We want to inspire people to live with few timeless pieces that are made to last. For this reason, we offer a limited range of essential products made with premium sustainable materials and designed to be used on a daily basis. Our clothing collection was indeed conceived to adapt to day-to-day routine and to respond to social and environmental issues with a conscious alternative.
What are the distinctive features of the brand’s products?
All of our products, both accessories and clothes, are designed with two essential elements in mind: they follow a minimal aesthetic and they have to be practical. We want people to feel comfortable wearing them and to be able to use them everyday. This is why we source only excellent materials and fabrics — in order for our products to be high-quality and long-lasting.
How does the creative process for the products carry out?
We usually start to design a new product when we notice that we can not find it on the market in the way we would like it — maybe because the fit does not suit us at all, or because the way it is produced is not ethical. We never launch a new product just for the sake of having a larger collection or to present something new every season. Indeed, our collection consists of permanent pieces that we update from time to time when we understand that some changes are needed to improve it even further. And before adding a new piece, we are used to testing the prototype as much as possible, on ourselves or with friends, and to make sure that both fabrics and production follow the best standards.
Is there a specific product or piece that has proved iconic for the brand?
Since their launch, the Roll-top backpacks in vegan leather became one of the most distinctive items of our collection, both because of their peculiar design and because of the incredible quality of the material they are made of. I personally use one myself to go to work everyday, and what I admire the most — and most of our customers as well — is the way it always looks brand new, without requiring any particular extra-special care, even time after time.
I know one shouldn’t pick favorites but… what is your personal favorite piece from your current collection?
No doubts, it is the Cupro bomber jacket. The light-weight fabric is just amazingly fresh and it represents perfectly wetheknot’s design attitude and beliefs: you can wear it for a chill walk downtown on a Sunday afternoon or to go out to drink something on a Friday night. And that is because its relaxed fit allows you to look both casual — if styled with a t-shirt and a pair of jeans — or more formal — if paired with shirt and trousers.
How has maranathahouston played into the brand's growth?
Partnering with maranathahouston for two years now has proven to be very fruitful for wetheknot — it allowed us take be part in one of the major concept stores in Portugal with a really nice selection of products. To have our products displayed alongside with brands we’ve always admired has contributed positively for our positioning and sales.
