Leather Bags

William Waris x Madison Stitch

I joined Madison Stitch to explore how traditional craft could evolve through simplified, honest construction. Working directly with the brand’s founder, John Pryor. I developed bag designs built entirely from rivets and folded leather. Each prototype was an experiment trying to balance minimal parts and maximum function.

Studio Culture

Madison Stitch blends rugged craftsmanship with modern design, specializing in durable leather goods made from locally sourced Hermann Oak leather and brass hardware. As an intern, I contributed ideas and worked on meaningful projects in an open and supportive studio connected to the local creative scene.

My Story

I interned at Madison Stitch in downtown Kansas City where I stepped outside my comfort zone to design bags. Midway through my first project I had a serious hand injury at home that resulted in a finger amputation, which made the process much more difficult. With their support and patience I kept working and was able to complete all of the bags while recovering.

Skills Shown

Leather Work
Branding
Fashion Design
Design Process
Independence
Pattern Making
Brainstorming
Market Research
Problem Solving
Flexibility

Step-by-Step Process

During the internship I completed three unique bag designs that are all currently for sale

Internship Poster
Stirrup Bag
City Clutch
Hexline Bag
00

Summer Internship

I interned with John Pryor at Madison Stitch in the Summer of 2025.

01

Sketching

Every bag started with a brainstorming session producing as many different ideas as possible before picking one design.

02

Paper Models

Bag patterns were made from paper to test proportions and folding methods, over 50 models were made with this method before moving on.

03

Split Leather

Split leather was used to simulate final leather feel, helping to finalize pattern and hardware placement.

04

Laser Cutting and Production Limits

Patterns were designed to be simple for production and fit within limits of laser cutter bed.

05

Quality Testing

Prototypes were created and put to use to identify failure points.

06

Production

Once completed the design is put on the market.

Photoshoot

Portfolio

City Clutch

Portfolio

Pattern Making

Each of the three bags I made were designed from start to finish by me. I sketched, modeled, and prototyped each piece through paper and leather studies, refining geometry and joinery before producing digital cut files for fabrication. Handling the final cutting, making, and finishing gave me a deep understanding of how small design choices impact production time and tactile experience of the product.

Portfolio

Hexagon Crossbody Bag

Portfolio

Fashion Shows

Each bag from my Madison Stitch collaboration was featured on the runway at Kansas City Fashion Week, highlighting the intersection of industrial design and fashion.