Crystalyn Kae Blog

During my time as a Venture Fellow at the Brooklyn Fashion + Design Accelerator (BFDA), (2014-2018) I had the rare opportunity to step back from the daily demands of running a brand and take a deeper look at what sustainability...

A spring preorder inspired by vintage travel and unexpected textiles. From Boeing interiors to coastal sailboats, each Circle Bag is crafted in small batches from rare fabrics with a past—made to last for years to come.

A geometric jacquard from the golden age of air travel, Sky Arches was likely designed for Boeing aircraft interiors in the 1960s–80s. Preserved as unused yardage, this vintage aviation upholstery fabric now finds new life as a bag—built to travel in an entirely different way.

The Brooklyn Fashion + Design Accelerator (BFDA) was one of New York’s most ambitious sustainability-focused fashion incubators. A part of Pratt Institute’s at the old Pfizer building, it brought together designers, researchers, and entrepreneurs exploring new models for responsible fashion businesses. Although the program closed in 2019, the designers and ideas that emerged from it continue to shape the future of sustainable fashion.

I’ve tried many versions of this business—retail, studios, employees, contractors, wholesale, and markets. What I’ve learned is that success doesn’t come from constant expansion or overwork. It comes from building something that supports a full, well-lived life.

Before Crystalyn Kae looked the way it does today, there was a small, slightly hidden storefront in Seattle called Fotos & Frocks—where the first bags came to life and everything that followed began to take shape.

The Winged Scroll Jacquard reflects a transitional moment in airline interior design, where abstract, flowing forms replaced rigid geometrics. The mirrored, wing-like shapes echo aviation themes without literal symbolism, creating a sense of movement, warmth, and modernity suited to long-haul travel in the early jet age.

This textile is part of an ongoing material archive documenting commercial interior fabrics developed during the jet age. The fern-pattern upholstery shown here was woven as a Boeing aircraft interior development sample for Delta Air Lines’ 727 fleet and preserved through the estate of a former Boeing employee.

Below is the archival record for this fabric, including its origin, intended use, and material context.

 

If you’re searching for Urban Craft Uprising vendors or wondering why some longtime makers aren’t at Seattle’s biggest holiday craft show this year, here’s my story. After nearly 20 years with UCU, I’m stepping away due to logistics, jury unpredictability, and a shift toward events that better support small businesses year-round. Here’s an honest look at why — and where you can shop my work this season instead.

A rare discovery from a Boeing pilot’s estate inspired a special collaboration with Seattle’s Museum of Flight. Crafted from genuine mid-century airplane upholstery, this limited run of 96 one-of-a-kind bags connects aviation history with sustainable design.

Seattle-based designer Crystalyn Kae joins the Common Caws for Sustainability podcast to talk about what it really takes to scale a small, sustainable fashion brand. From turning vintage plaid pants into her first handbags to partnering with FABSCRAP to source reclaimed materials, Crystalyn shares how she’s built a business rooted in creativity, integrity, and durability. Listen to the full interview or read the transcript below.

 

A coated canvas bag begins with a strong woven fabric that’s treated with a permanent protective glaze. Unlike faux leather or polyurethane, coated canvas won’t peel or crack—and at Crystalyn Kae, ours are even machine washable. For nearly 25 years, this eco-conscious material has been the backbone of our most-loved, long-lasting bags

Plaid has always inspired me — from my grandfather Jack’s bold pants to the very first bags I stitched in 2001. Today, I’m bringing plaid back with a limited-edition collection of handmade bags crafted from rare vintage fabrics. Built to last and designed to look better with every wear, these plaid favorites are sure to sell out quickly!

Ever wonder why your 'same size' jeans fit differently each time you order them? It comes down to one thing most brands skip: the tech pack. Here's how a handwritten note to my mom taught me that consistency isn't magic—it's communication, and why the details you never see matter more than you think.

Every Crystalyn Kae bag is constructed in small batches using industrial equipment and materials engineered for durability. From seam placement to reinforcement stitching, construction decisions are made for long-term use — not just first impressions.

The story of how a 1951 Singer Featherweight brought me back to my roots — and how restoring vintage Featherweights became part of my creative practice.

This weekend, we took off on a quick getaway to visit Grandma Nancy in Aberdeen. When we arrived, she confessed that she had accidentally double-booked her evening. She had already made plans to go square-dancing with her new 'friend', but invited us to come along. . . .

 

Mary contacted us to ask if we could possibily repurpose her mother-in-laws wedding dress from the 1920's which had been languishing in storage for nearly 100 years. It was too fragile to turn into a purse, so I opted to...

This year marks a monumental 23rd anniversary for Crystalyn Kae Accessories! IIt's been a whirlwind of a year for me personally. I got married, embarked on a month-long honeymoon adventure, and even became a homeowner! Life is full of wonderful...

Mother's Day falls on May 12 this year. Thankfully, with our 2024 Gift Guide, it’s never been easier for you to find just the gift for the wonderful matriarchs in your life - or for you to treat yourself - no matter what their style is!

This year, we’re giving you some top picks that cater to Moms everywhere, featuring some of our favorite local small businesses, so you can do good while buying great gifts. We love these makers, craftspeople and artisans - and we’re sure Moms will enjoy their work, too!

We hope this will make it extra simple for you to surprise your Mom, or maybe treat yourself! 

Embrace the natural and the mystical this winter with bags made with sumptuous textured velvets, fern-embellished florals, and sophisticated, weather-proof tweeds - all in our signature silhouettes!