meet Simone
I'm Simone ~ founder, designer, craftswoman, and the person behind simétrie. I handle everything from cutting leather to answering emails.
I learned leatherworking here in Melbourne, starting with online tutorials, then working with other artisans for years. Lots of practice-makes-perfect.
I studied fashion design at RMIT originally, but fell into bag making during my final year. I think it has something to do with being more comfortable working on smaller items ~ I hated patternmaking long coats or dresses when you're only 149cm tall and can barely reach the bench.
I also loved the characteristics of leather ~ its ability to be sculpted into clean shapes, and the puzzle-like constructions that bag making requires.
After spending years at design desks for brands like Mimco, I was ready to get back to actually making things with my hands.
Our Making Network
Kim Ryan
Based in Ballarat, Kim assembles and stitches the belts and bag straps I make. She's been in the industry for decades and knows how to make things that won't fall apart.
JVS Strappings
A family business based in Reservoir that started in 1967. They cut the leather for belts and straps before it goes to Kim for assembly.
Packer Leather
Family-owned Queensland tannery where I source all my leather. They're Leather Working Group certified, which matters for environmental standards and quality.
Collanello
A woman-owned family business in DongGuan, China making the hardware pieces for each simétrie piece. Good quality hardware makes all the difference.
SisterWorks
Melbourne social enterprise supporting migrant and refugee women. They make the dust bags that come with each piece ~ gives the whole process more meaning.