Devised in 2011, Shinola is among a growing number of brands bringing manufacturing home to the United States. Launching its range in 2013, the Detroit-based brand employs local talent for a lineup of quality items made by hand. Lending itself to a design brand, Shinola offers up an array of handcrafted watches, leather goods, bespoke bicycles and journals that are made to be treasured.
Shinola’s range of products represents a modern story of American industrialism. Its bicycles start out as frames and forks handcrafted in Winconsin’s Waterford Precision Cycles factory. Using lightweight double-butted chromoly steel, the bicycle pieces are finished and shipped to Shinola’s workshop in Detroit, where they are then assembled with the brand’s leather saddles and internal hubs. Paying close attention to all the details, each bike is hand-fit for maximum reliability and craftsmanship.
Shinola prides itself as having the first handmade watch in Detroit with its dedicated factory. Established in 2011, Shinola’s Detroit factor adheres to Swiss quality standards with craftspeople finishing each detail by hand. Committed to creating timepieces that are built to last, Shinola guarantees its watches for life under the terms and conditions of the Shinola Warranty.
Shinola also furnishes leather accessories that parallel the craftsmanship of its fine timepieces. Produced at Shinola’s 12,000 square-feet leather factory, bags, leather watch straps and small leather goods are produced by skilled artisans using fine materials from the American manufacturer Horween Leather. Established in 1905, the heritage leather tannery utilizes the best grain and yields for a rich durability and softness.
On the subject of timeless keepsakes, Shinola has you covered with its quality bound journals. Shinola’s journals are handcrafted in Ann Arbor, Michigan and use US-sourced materials, including acid-free paper from sustainably-maintained American forests.
2015 is a significant year for Shinola as the brand continues to expand its global presence. Shinola can be found at top stores across Europe that include Great Britain’s Selfridges, Germany’s Andreas Murkudis and The Listener in Frankfurt, among existing retail channels Liberty, Mr Porter and Colette. Shinola has also taken on London in a big way, moving to a larger store space in December.
Next up for Shinola? Leading to the creation of more American manufacturing jobs, Shinola is moving into the audio arena with a focus on turntables, speakers and headphones. For more information about Shinola, visit Shinola.co.uk.
