The Power of Leather: An Interview With Co-Founder of Hokaia

 The Power of Leather: An Interview With Co-Founder of Hokaia

Interviewer: Today, we’re joined by Hokaia Maia Keesler's co-founder, a designer who truly understands the essence of luxury and timeless style. We’re here to talk about leather, craftsmanship, and what makes Hokaia’s Patent Leather Maroon Backpack so exceptional.

Interviewer:  Why do you believe leather holds such a special place in luxury fashion, especially when it comes to a piece like Hokaia’s Patent Leather Maroon Backpack?

Maia Keesler:  Leather is one of those rare materials that speaks to you. When you touch it, there’s a depth, a richness that synthetic materials just can’t replicate. Leather ages beautifully—it doesn’t wear out, it wears in. It takes on a patina, which tells a story about where it’s been. That’s exactly the appeal of Hokaia’s Patent Leather Maroon Backpack. This bag isn’t just meant to be used; it’s meant to be lived with, to change and grow alongside its owner.

Interviewer: Hokaia made a bold choice by focusing solely on leather for their bags. In your view, what sets Hokaia’s approach apart from other brands?

Maia Keesler: Hokaia is deliberate, and that’s rare these days. They’re not interested in following trends or pumping out mass-produced items. Every piece is crafted with purpose, with an eye toward what will endure—not just in terms of materials but also in design. This maroon patent leather finish, for instance, isn’t just visually striking. It’s bold, timeless, and has that unmistakable high-gloss allure. Hokaia’s approach to leather is about more than aesthetics; it’s about respecting the material, the craft, and ultimately the wearer.

Interviewer: You mentioned that every detail in the backpack is carefully crafted. Could you elaborate on what makes these details so meaningful?

Maia Keesler: Absolutely. In a world where fast fashion has made everything feel so disposable, Hokaia’s dedication to detail feels refreshing. The stitching, the hardware, the way the leather is folded and stitched—all of these elements are carefully chosen to create an item that feels one-of-a-kind. The Patent Leather Maroon Backpack has a way of reflecting light in a way that’s unique each time you look at it. It’s a detail that might seem small, but it’s what gives the bag its subtle yet undeniable power. Every detail adds to its individuality, and that’s a rare quality.

Interviewer: What would you say to someone considering investing in a piece like the Patent Leather Maroon Backpack?

Maia Keesler: I’d say they’re not just buying a bag—they’re investing in an experience, in a statement piece that reflects who they are. This bag is for someone who values quiet luxury, someone who doesn’t need loud logos to make an impression. The Patent Leather Maroon Backpack is strong, stylish, and, most importantly, timeless. It’s for those who understand the beauty in exclusivity and in owning something that feels crafted just for them.

Interviewer: And finally, what’s the significance of leather in an era where many brands are experimenting with alternatives?

Maia Keesler:  Leather is—and always will be—a classic. It’s luxurious, sustainable in its own way because it lasts so long, and, frankly, it has a soul that alternatives lack. Hokaia has committed to creating pieces that honor this history while still feeling modern and unique. That’s what makes this backpack stand out. It doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is: an icon in the making.