Sustainable Materials

Our Materials

At Crystalyn Kae, every material we use is chosen for both performance and purpose. We work with coated canvas, rescued leather, and vintage textiles that were originally engineered for durability.

Over the past two decades Crystalyn has bad the opportunity to study materials and production systems in the U.S. and Europe, including work with the Brooklyn Fashion + Design Accelerator and a fellowship exploring vegetable-tanned leather production in Tuscany.

Our philosophy is simple: use what already exists and design bags that last.

All of our bags are crafted in Seattle, WA on restored vintage industrial sewing machines.

Choosing materials responsibly requires understanding where they come from, how they are produced, and how long they will last.


 

Coated Canvas

Our signature coated canvas is lightweight, durable, and machine washable — a modern alternative to leather that’s built to last.
It’s the same material used in luxury luggage and upholstery, and it’s made to handle real life — rain, coffee spills, and all.
It looks better with every wear and lasts for decades.

Learn more about Coated Canvas →

Water droplets on a textured blue coated canvas surface

Vintage Upholstery Fabrics

We source pre-consumer textiles from furniture, automotive, and airline design studios — beautiful remnants that were once destined for landfills.
Each fabric carries a sense of nostalgia and uniqueness: jacquards, velvets, and mid-century patterns that bring personality to every bag.
Because these fabrics are limited, no two pieces are ever quite the same — and that’s what makes them special.

See how we use Vintage Fabrics →

Rescued Leather

Luxurious surplus leather originally created for NYC fashion houses, rescued by Fabscrap, and reimagined for everyday life.

These premium hides were too small for large-scale use but perfect for our small-batch production — strong, supple, and full of character.
Over time, they’ll soften, develop a patina, and tell your story through natural creases and wear.

Discover Rescued Leather →

Vintage Airplane Prototype Fabric

These textiles were originally developed for commercial aircraft interiors for Boeing airplanes between the 1970s and 1990s—durable upholstery fabrics engineered to withstand years of constant use.

Each bag is made in Seattle and sewn on restored vintage industrial sewing machines—the same class of equipment originally used to construct aircraft interiors.

The result is a limited collection that blends the design language of mid-century aviation with the durability of modern everyday carry.

Explore our Vintage Aviation Collection →