Handmade Anomaly - Ned Sewell

Living in New York, one is confronted on a daily basis by mass produced crap. Following on from my last series on consumption, I turned to the Google of handmade and vintage items: Etsy. Due to lack of funds and more importantly lack of closet space, I've limited my exposure of physical thrifting. Naturally the urge to treasure hunt has sent me onto the interwebs and more often then I care to admit, I find myself falling down an Etsy hole and in about the space of a month I've managed to favorite about 30ish stores. So without further ado I wanted to share my finds and hopefully make this a regular feature.

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I stumbled across Sewellns, after almost breaking my 3rd (possibly 4th) pair of Spitfire goggle aviators. The Spitfires were fine, but I realized after 3 years of wearing the same sunglasses maybe it was time to see what else was out there. Right now everyone and their mother wants circular frames and I don't. Sunglasses to me are there to protect your eyes from obviously the sun, but also all that dust that flies around the city and into our squishy, soft retinas. Hence my penchant for all things that look like they could come out of a bio-lab. As you all know, I also have a thing for things that look futuristic, the Spitfires that I still wear on a daily basis have been great: goggley, futuristic whilst being dorky enough to not look like I'm an asshole (or so I hope) and cheap enough to not end up on Kanye Wests face.

Whilst most of the sunglasses I was able to find on Etsy looked a little too predictable (and a little too she who shall not be named), Ned Sewell's handcrafted leather goggles came through my screen like a breath of fresh air. The obvious handmade aesthetic and hard-wearing designs really feels relevant to me right now. When everything is mass-produced and glossy, Ned's "heirlooms" act as an abrupt palette cleanser. Yes they are somewhat scary perhaps, but as Daphne Guinness suggests "We need armour" and I would add substance. I realized I needed to find more. So I got in touch and asked a few questions:
 

Feigned Perfection: Firstly, I noticed in your profile that you initially started making goggles for a friend in need off to the legendary Burning Man festival. I love how vernacular they are too Burning Man especially considering how practical they are for the dust storms. Your goggles have a very particular look. Can you describe the design process and length of time it takes to go from an initial idea to a finished pair?

Ned Sewell: The process of making goggles is, well, my trade secret. I can tell you that it takes several days to complete a set, my designs vary greatly, and I keep stumbling upon more. As for the "particular look" it is usually the lenses I use to make them, in other words, different lenses different look. I do tend to use a certain design of lenses to make my goggles more solid and practical.

FP: Your designs have such an interesting futuristic vibe. In terms of aesthetics, what has inspired you in the past? What excites you right now? And what would you envision for your future?

NS: Inspiration from the goggles came quickly. I new what the goggles were for, I visualized their construction and I just sat down and made them. I'm excited to know how many people dig them and how versatile they can be. People should be careful with their money in today's market, and I'm honored that people save up and invest in my work. I've sold to Burners, Snowboarders, Skiers, Contractors, Motorcyclists. I in vision to see my solid product with a thick stream of clientele for years to come. Now that's exciting.

FP: Having been working with leather for a year now, I know it can be a tricky unforgiving material to use. What started you on the leather path and how did you learn your craft?

NS: I've worked with leather my whole life, but only started making it my profession for a year. My mother, Netti Sewell, owns a boutique with only her designs and supported a family of 5 for 40 years! My whole family knows how to sew, work leather, and build a business. I'm the only one of her kin working in her designer shadow, though.

FP: What about this material do you find most enjoyable?

NS: The style and versatility combining with the strength and long life of the material is what I love about leather, It's not just a product but an heirloom.

FP: When you see people wearing your designs, how do you react?

NS: When i find people sporting my gear, I instantly react with excited questions. How do they feel? What do you use them for? Then I take a close look at them to see how they are holding up. So far, so good.

FP: As a selling platform what are your favourite features of Etsy? What features do you think it lacks?

NS: Etsy is amazing! one deal out of many could have went better, but what's done is done. Etsy made it possible for me to craft all winter and make it my job. I'm looking forward to traveling the world, making my goggles, and keeping an income through Etsy.

FP: How do you feel when you are creating? 

NS: When I'm creating, I feel great satisfaction that this is my trade. I'm my own boss, and it must be in my blood to be as such. That keeps me inspired, and keeps me working.

FP: Lastly, what is in the future for you?

NS: I see a good solid future in my business and am sticking with it. I've had many businesses in the past and this one is a keeper. I tell people to look forward to my designs evolving and specializing in fields, like Burningman.

Personally the best thing about a site like Etsy is that one bypasses all the leaching middlemen and goes straight from designer to customer. You get a real sense of human interaction because you know exactly where your money goes and directly can support someone who's ideas are worth supporting.

As for me, I'm still struggling with which pair I'd like most... See you on the Playa!