Marisa Klaster

Something seriously missing in the workwear scene
No doubt, when engaging in any craft, the golden rule is all about keeping it safe. Choosing the right workwear that suits the task at hand is essential. But let's be real, safety gear isn't always the comfiest or the most stylish. 

But why? Why can't we look good while we're at it? After all, it's something we wear almost every day. As a professional in woodturning I decided to create a functional yet elegant smock for women, something seriously missing in the workwear scene.

Tailored workwear
I sat down with my friend and fashion designer Dick van der Vlies of Label DVDV (Rotterdam) and together we designed a smock to the smallest detail that ticks all the boxes in workwear for woman in woodturning, ceramics or other crafts. Dick makes every smock completely by hand in his atelier in Rotterdam.

Picture this: a cool blue, minimalist sturdy canvas smock with slick lines. The raglan shoulders make a perfect fit for everyone. Slightly shorter sleeves with broad elastic bands prevent a nasty sleeve catch while turning. Side splits for total freedom of movement, plus a slightly longer back panel to keep your backside covered. With a large front pocket designed vertically to keep the wood shavings out, and you can zip it up with a high collar. 

We start with 2 sizes:
• Size 1: fits EU sizes 36-40
• Size 2: fits EU sizes 40-44

The first batch is ready to be sent to Norway, Ireland, USA, England, Switzerland and in the Netherlands. Only a few items are still available. If you missed out, the second batch will be produced as of January. You are welcome to pre-order.

Let’s turn some heads!

An Instagram collab in leather and wood

José Luis Bazàn is a third generation leather artisan who lives and works in Benaocaz (Cádiz), Spain. Inspired by his work on Instagram, I started following him and vice versa. There our conversation began. He is an absolute master in creating contemporary leather objects for everyday use and worked for clients like Loewe and Vuitton. José is inspired by nature that surrounds him. His technique is Ahormado - a centuries old tradition gathered from the ancestors - combined with innovative techniques. So when José suggested to make something together, I was really really honoured.

Our connection I think we find in the fact that there is a similarity in our work. Inspired by nature, the use of strong colours and creating functional objects in honest materials. He made two beautiful leather bowls first – one in matt black, the other in perforated brown – and send them to me by post. Then – with these bowls literally next to my lathe – I designed and turned a perfect fitting lid which can be used as a bowl as well. One lid is made of plain sycamore, the other is hand painted (Calvados brown).

These first two sets are available online soon or you can send your special request via Instagram to @joseluisbazan. New colours will be added regularly. We’re thinking bright blue, tomato red or maybe a soft pastel? This is our first product and we’re already exchanging ideas for a second piece. 

Portrait of José Luis Bazàn by Sanna Pozzoli