The Evolution of Utility
- Rich Labot
- Jul 1
- 2 min read
Tracing the transition from a minimal 2020 card sleeve to a structured utility pouch.
Design is never a static destination. It is a continuous process of refinement, driven by how our habits, routines, and environments shift over time. I shared a retrospective look back at an archive video from 2020 on IG this week, showcasing the very first wallet profile I ever designed and made for my own daily carry. While that original minimalist card sleeve laid the technical foundation for our workshop, the passage of six years naturally brings a change in personal carrying needs.
Following up on that flashback story, I wanted to pull back the curtain on the current iteration of what is actually in my pocket today.
My original 2020 wallet was engineered for absolute minimalism, a low profile solution meant to hold just a few cards and folded bills. But as the daily routine of managing a workshop and running a small batch business evolved, my carry requirements demanded a lot more versatility. I found myself needing an expanded storage solution that could securely house loose cash, coins, or secondary cards without adding clunky, unnecessary bulk to my front or back pocket.
When your utility requirements change, the best design solution is to step up to the bench and sketch a new blueprint. The result of that refinement process is this structured dual snap pouch.
This new everyday carry profile represents a significant evolution in our pattern design. It features a spacious interior compartment secured by heavy duty dual brass snaps, ensuring that everything stays completely locked down while in motion. To maintain the rapid efficiency of a slim wallet, I integrated a dedicated quick access card slot on the exterior back panel. This layout gives me immediate access to my primary cards on the go, while keeping secondary essentials securely buttoned away.
Developing products for your own pocket remains the ultimate testing ground at Twenty-one Astor. It keeps our engineering grounded in actual, daily necessity rather than abstract aesthetics. Carrying this prototype through the upcoming seasons allows us to stress test the snap tension, observe the leather friction points, and ensure that every new pattern is completely field proven before it ever earns a permanent place in our workshop lineup.
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