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How Rappu is made

We aim to be honest and transparent with our customers about our manufacturing processes. Since the final product is only as good as its parts, we spend a considerable amount of time researching the materials and processes that go into the items we make. 

Rappu (jap. ラップ meaning "to wrap") is a product that is functional but doesn't compromise on aesthetics. Every Rappu is a unique handmade piece of special quality that is designed to last. We have a sustainable vision for our company and seek to minimize waste. Rappu's design makes it possible to have very little fabric clippings. 

We also know that we're still at the beginning of this process and that there's room for improvement in terms of utilizing 100% eco friendly materials. At this point we haven't found green replacements for certain parts that certify the quality and durability of our product. But we will keep our eye out for better alternatives that match our standards to make our products more sustainable.

What Rappu is made of

Tencel

The inner material is soft, smooth to the touch and luxurious in shine and is made from Tencel. It is a heavy woven fabric with a visible structure. Tencel is derived from renewable wood sources in a sustainable closed loop process. The fabric is also lint-free which is an important factor especially when wrapping cameras or other technical equipment.

Rhubarb Leather

For Rappu's outer fabric we use eco-friendly rhubarb leather made in Germany, which is tanned from the root of the rhubarb plant. 

Rhubarb leather impresses with its very special feel. The grip is pleasantly soft, the scent is extraordinary and you can see very well that the gentle tanning process and the rhubarb ingredients perfectly preserve the unique structure of each skin. In addition to the haptic properties, rhubarb leather also meets market and customer requirements with regard to technical and health-related parameters. 

 

Who helped us create Rappu 

Textile Designer Steffi Bauer in her studio in Munich

Our pattern for Rappu was designed by Illustrator Steffi Bauer and printed environmentally friendly in a European textile printing factory that carries the GOTS certificate. Portraits of Keke Opata who helped us develop our first prototype of Rappu.

Over the last year we worked closely with Fashion Designer Keke Opata on Rappu's development. She has been supporting us throughout the whole process from developing a sewing pattern to bringing her technical skills and knowledge to the table. Keke has helped improve the details of the product by creating multiple prototypes for us and transforming our visions into something tangible. That way we were able to move forward to a manufacturing facility in Berlin to produce our first collection.