Founded in 2015, Kingsley Walters studio grew from a hobby into a leather goods brand rooted in traditional craftsmanship. Each piece is hand-cut, hand-stitched, and made with locally sourced materials in London. Inspired by founder Kingsley’s Jamaican childhood and life in London, the brand blends heritage and timeless design, creating durable items that evolve uniquely with every wearer.
What is your favourite product you’ve made to date?
That’s a difficult one for me because I believe it changes depending on the seasons but when I think about it the first bag that comes to mind is a Satchel bag I made some years ago inspired by WWII.
Who inspires you?
When I think of my inspirations I think of Bill Cummingham a former fashion photographer for the New York Times. When I am feeling uninspired I rewatch his documentary it never fails to remind me to stay focus and do what you truly love.
How do you start your day ie. coffee/walk/exercise/wake up late and rush etc.?
I find it extremely hard to sleep in late as I often feel like I wasting my day if 7:00 catch me in bed, MY alarm is set for 6:30. I often start my day with a gym session or a run then head to the studio.
What’s your proudest work moment?
I would say working closely with my showroom in Japan and challenging myself to learn skills that I would say didn’t come naturally to me.
What’s your favourite colour?
I would say together it would of to be beige and blue. A beige trouser with a blue work jacket.
How do you handle a design block?
I would go for a run or visit the V&A ..The Raphael Gallery, I find that room extremely calming and looking at his painting motivate me to push harder.
What’s a common misconception about your craft?
Hmm, I have the feeling that people often think I am pure confidence when it comes to meeting others for the first time or with my creative process but sometimes I find it difficult, maybe it’s because I spend so much in my studio away from others.
What’s an interesting fact about you?
An interesting fact about me is I am obsessed with American sport team caps.. I’m always on the lookout for the ones I haven’t bought yet.
What did you want to be when you were little?
That one is pretty simple.. like most kids I loved my Michael Jordan! In Jamaica isn’t too far away from the states so I watched a lot of basketball growing up, I use to play daily back home but stopped once I move to London.
Do you listen to music while you work? If so, what?
Whiles working, I would normally listen to music.. Jazz, reggae or U.K rap/grime .. Mainly U.K rap to get me through the long days of working toward finishing a commission.
How do you relax?
I try to switch off from work by sometimes playing badminton with my friends or just visiting a gallery of some sort.
What’s your favourite craft tool?
I would say my favourite craft tool is my Japanese Skiving knife.