THE MASTERMIND BEHIND ONE OF THE FASTEST-GROWING LUXURY GOODS BRANDS, BLAKE SIMON, INTRODUCES HIS LATEST LABOR OF LOVE—KRUK DESIGNS.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BLAKE SIMON

Having achieved fame and praise for his first foray in the luxury watch world, Blake Simon has ventured into his latest endeavor. This time, he’s honing in on stylish, high-end leather goods including backpacks, bifold wallets, card holders and more with KRUK Designs (@krukdesigns). Handcrafted in Italy and the U.S. and worn by celebrities from Tyler Herro to Paul Pogba, the launch has been a mega success. With his new home in South Florida, Simon sits down to discuss everything you need to know about KRUK.

What prompted you to start the new business?

For a long time, I’ve felt there was a need in the marketplace to disrupt basic designs, especially in the backpack space. I think people have been yearning for new silhouettes and shapes to reflect their individualism, and with that in mind, we’ve spent the last three years doing global research and development to figure out what that looks like.

What did you learn from developing leather goods during your first endeavor?

When I was younger, I got into photography, which transformed from a hobby into a side hustle. All of my clients were luxury car owners, and it was then I first learned the power of well-made things. At my first professional venture, I discovered the art of precise detail that exists in the world of luxury timepieces. Often the most impressive parts of a car and a watch are under the surface in its composition. Being that both the watch and vintage car spaces are deep-rooted passions of mine, I’ve tried to project a theme of quality and precision throughout the entire KRUK collection.

KRUK Designs utilizes handcrafted materials from Italy for its gorgeous and stylish designs with products including backpacks, card holders and more. PHOTO COURTESY OF BLAKE SIMON

Where does the name KRUK stem from?

KRUK translates to ‘raven’ in Polish, and in ancient culture, the raven was symbolic of transformation; it was foreboding and told of the coming from one plane of existence (or chapter in life) into another. When I first heard the word, I knew it was a perfect fit for the brand name.

How do you envision your users wearing your designs?

Each piece in the KRUK collection has a different purpose. We offer an array of card holders and bifold wallets inspired by vintage Porsches of the ’70s and ’80s. The signature backpack can be both a great weekender or daily piece. It has both form and function, just like a fine car.