About Étretat Leather
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![Light as air [Mottainai] Hitoe® Fold Aria - Etretat - v.2021 | French calfskin reflecting the coast of Etretat](http://syrinx.audio/cdn/shop/files/HitoeFoldAria-Etretat.jpg?v=1761553083&width=2048)
[Limited Stock] Previous Model
[Mottainai] Hitoe® Fold Aria - Etretat - v.2021
Earn $13.80 in store credit
This is the previous generation Hitoe® Fold Aria 2021 model.
There are two differences from the latest model.
The first is the finish of the edges of the coin pocket and card pocket.
The second is that the width differs by about 3mm.
Concept
Light and beautiful, like air
“Aria” — Italian for “air,” and a beautiful solo vocal piece.
As its name suggests, it is a wallet so light, thin, and beautiful that you'll forget it's even there.
About Etretat Leather
French Calf Inspired by the Cliffs of Etretat
Etretat is a coastal area in Normandy, France, known for its white limestone cliffs stretching along the sea.
Bathed in gentle light, the tranquil and poetic scenery has long inspired artists such as Claude Monet.
This French calf leather draws inspiration from the natural symphony of this breathtaking landscape.
Technology
Innovative ideas and precise craftsmanship
｜Patented Inner Hook
A new patented technology that uses the card itself as a fastener. By using no metal fittings, we have achieved a thin, flat design. The wallet won't open if you insert the card incorrectly, so you don't have to worry about coins spilling out accidentally.
｜Hitoe® structure for ultimate thinness
The "Hitoe® structure" arranges cards, coins, and bills side by side without overlapping, achieving astonishing thinness without compromising storage capacity. The leather overlaps are also minimized to a maximum of 5 layers.
Even with 10 bills, 15 coins, and 6 cards, the thickness is only 12mm※.
※ Thickest part excluding coin pocket
｜Premium Muso-style finish
The "Muso-style finish" bonds two pieces of leather together, creating a smooth feel like a single piece of leather. This finish, which combines durability and elegance, is a testament to the artisan's precise and skilled craftsmanship.
｜Slipless design (patent pending)
Cards can always be inserted and removed smoothly, yet they are less likely to fall out accidentally.
Design
Harmony of beauty and function guided by nature's principles
｜Ultimate functional beauty
"Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
We pursued thinness, lightness, and functional beauty through sophisticated design and exquisite craftsmanship.
｜Beauty born from nature's laws
The beautiful harmony of the natural world, depicted by the Fibonacci sequence, is incorporated into the wallet's proportions.
Each time you hold it, you'll feel a balanced beauty that resonates with your heart.
｜Aesthetics in every detail
Delicate stitching, carefully polished leather edges, and a thin line along the border.
The aesthetic sensibility residing in these details adds depth to the wallet's presence.
｜Details for thinness
We sewed the leather on the outside to minimize overlap.
This detail is faithful to our ideal.
｜Beauty completed with just leather
No metal fittings, no flaps. A simple design where the leather simply clasps itself. Its minimalism means no snags, so you can carry it smartly anywhere.
｜Durable and long-lasting beauty
No metal fittings are used, and stitching is placed in areas less prone to fraying.
Vulnerable corners are reinforced with overlapping leather to enhance durability.
Furthermore, the seam allowances are kept to a minimum, preventing the wallet from losing its shape even when carried in a pocket.
Ease of Use
Simplify your daily routine
｜One-action convenience
Simply bend the wallet into a "V" shape. Bills and cards can be retrieved instantly.
Payments at the register become smoother and smarter.
｜Bills stored flat, without folding
Bills are stored flat, without folding. This prevents creases, allowing smooth use with vending machines and self-checkouts.
｜Beautiful storage for temporary cards
Infrequently used cards can be stored in the bill holder section. This does not affect the wallet's opening and closing, and cards remain easy to access.
｜Easy-to-access, spill-proof coin pocket
The coin pocket features a simple design without zippers or snaps. A shallow pocket and short flap make it easy to access and prevent spills. It can hold 15 coins (¥999) or more.
| Compact Yet Global
Surprisingly, many currencies around the world are larger than Japan’s ¥10,000 bill or ¥500 coin.
This wallet accommodates most of them, making it comfortable to use even when traveling abroad.
｜Comfort in your pocket
So thin you'll forget it's even in your pocket.
Choose a minimalist option that lightens your everyday life and even your spirit.
About Étretat Leather
SYRINX original leather
Specially ordered from the oldest tannery in France, which handles leather for luxury brands. After many discussions, the SYRINX original leather is finally complete.
Origins
In the Normandy region of France, the coast of Etretat is lined with white limestone cliffs. Bathed in gentle light, the tranquil and poetic landscape has captivated artists such as Monet. This calf leather is inspired by the symphony played by nature.
Tanning and Manufacturing
Using fine-grained, high-quality French male calfskin, the leather is chrome-tanned, then dyed with aniline dyes, and finished with two shades of pigment to create a rich texture. It is highly resistant to scratches and dirt, water-repellent, and hardly ages, so it can maintain its original appearance for a long time.
LWG (Leather Working Group) environmental certification Silver rank.
Maintenance
Although the leather is resistant to scratches, dirt, and water, wipe it immediately if it gets wet and regularly remove dust from the surface with a soft cloth. For more details, please refer here.
Colors
Limestone
White limestone cliffs
Sand Beige
Sandy beach at the waterline
Normandy Blue
Grayish Normandy sea
Grand Blue
Profound blue that stretches endlessly
Midnight
Dark navy of a serene moonlit sea
※ The displayed colors and actual colors may vary slightly due to monitor environment or lot differences.
Journey to France in pursuit of the finest original leather
Our custom original leather is produced by Tannerie Degermann, located in Barr, a town surrounded by vineyards, 35 kilometers south of Strasbourg in the Alsace region of France.
We chose Tannerie Degermann to produce our original leather because they are the oldest and finest tannery in France, possessing deep knowledge of tradition and quality.
After numerous discussions at Tannerie Degermann in France, Etretat leather was finally completed.
Marking the end of Degermann Tannery's history
Due to changing times, Degermann Tannery decided to merge with the nearby Haas company (also founded in the 19th century). After our leather production, the historic Degermann factory will close and be renovated into a museum.
Etretat, marking the end of Degermann Tannery's history, is the culmination of tradition, passion, and technology. Their craftsmanship and the production of Etretat will be passed on to Haas company, aiming for even greater heights.
Globally Recognized Innovation
The Hitoe® Fold series has received a total of 20 awards, including the three major global design awards: iF Design Award (Germany), Red Dot Award (Germany), and IDEA (USA), as well as the Chicago Good Design (USA) and German Design Awards (Germany). It has been highly praised for its minimalist design and comfortable usability.
Hitoe® Fold Aria — 12 Awards
DNA Paris Design Awards 2022 Winner
This international design award, originating in Paris, France, covers a wide range of fields such as architecture, interiors, and products, and evaluates innovation and beauty.
A' Design Award & Competition 2022 Iron
This is one of the world's largest international design competitions held in Italy. It selects products with excellent design and technological innovation.
iF DESIGN AWARD 2022 Winner
This is a globally prestigious design award based in Hanover, Germany, presented to products with excellent design quality.
Red Dot Design Award 2022 Winner
This international design award held in Germany recognizes excellent design from multiple perspectives, including innovation, functionality, and quality.
London International Creative Competition 2021 Official Selection
This international creative award held in London emphasizes originality and expressiveness, recognizing excellent works from around the world.
International Design Awards 2021 Bronze
This international design award held in Los Angeles, USA, showcases innovative and excellent designs to the world.
NY Product Design Awards 2021 Silver
This international product design award from New York recognizes excellent product design and user experience.
MUSE Design Awards 2021 Silver
This international award recognizes excellent designs worldwide, evaluating creativity and design perfection.
European Product Design Award 2021 Honorable Mention
This international design award honors excellent European product designs, recognizing products that combine functionality and beauty.
K-DESIGN AWARD 2021 Winner
This international design award, representing Korea, recognizes excellent designs that combine creativity, practicality, and innovation.
Omotenashi Selection 2021 Winner
This award showcases products and services with unique Japanese charm and hospitality both domestically and internationally.
Hitoe® Fold Less — 6 Awards
IDEA 2023 Finalist
The IDEA (International Design Excellence Awards) is an international design award organized by the IDSA (Industrial Designers Society of America). It is evaluated from multiple perspectives, including innovation, user experience, and contribution to society.
iF Design Award 2023 Winner
This is a globally prestigious design award based in Hanover, Germany, presented to products with excellent design quality.
Chicago Good Design Award 2022 Winner
This is a historic international design award organized by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum, continuing since 1950, which showcases excellent industrial designs to the world.
German Design Awards 2023 Special Mention
This international design award is organized by the German Design Council. It is a prestigious award where only products recognized for excellent design are nominated for an award.
DFA Design for Asia Awards 2022 Silver
This international design award is organized by the Hong Kong Design Centre. It evaluates excellent designs from an Asian perspective and recognizes the social and commercial value of design.
Omotenashi Selection 2022 Winner
This award showcases products and services with unique Japanese charm and hospitality both domestically and internationally.
Hitoe® Fold — 2 Awards
Omotenashi Selection 2020 Winner
This award showcases products and services with unique Japanese charm and hospitality both domestically and internationally.
CAMPFIRE Crowdfunding Award 2020 Product Award
This award recognizes particularly outstanding challenges among over 10,000 projects implemented on the crowdfunding service CAMPFIRE.
Crowdfunding
From June 2021 to February 2025, the Hitoe® Fold series achieved the remarkable feat of monopolizing the top three positions in fundraising for bifold wallets through crowdfunding in Japan for five consecutive years (according to our own research).
2020
51,795,439 yen・3500 people
Hitoe® Fold v.2019 -Liscio-
Achieved the highest crowdfunding amount for a wallet in Japan
2021
78,540,000 yen・2480 people
Hitoe® Fold Aria -Foschia-
Achieved the highest crowdfunding amount for a wallet in Japan
55,481,020 yen・2959 people
Hitoe® Fold v.2021 -Liscio-
Monopolized the top 1-3 positions in crowdfunding for wallets in Japan
2022
25,944,600 yen・873 people
Hitoe® Fold Less -Foschia-
13,002,000 yen・394 people
Hitoe® Fold Aria -Ortensia- & Hitoe® Fold Aria -Monocromo-
16,816,016 yen・1130 people
Hitoe® Fold v.2021 -Liscio-
2023
40,282,000 yen・1831 people
Hitoe® Fold v.2023 -Liscio-
Total crowdfunding reached 400 million yen
2024
1,782,000 yen・45 people
Hitoe® Fold Aria -Mushroom-
2025
12,971,200 yen・536 people
Hitoe® Fold v.2025- Antico -
Q&A | Hitoe® Fold
Q&A | Hitoe® FoldQ. It's not opening/closing smoothly. Are there any tips?
To open and close the wallet smoothly, follow these steps:
【To open】Bend the boundary between the coin pocket and card pocket into a "V" shape, and the inner hook will naturally disengage. There is no need to touch the inner hook directly.
【To close】While gently pressing the top, bend it into a "V" shape using the same method, and the inner hook will naturally catch on the cards.
Q. The wallet gets distorted when closed.
This is because the inner hook is hooked to the outside of the wallet. Please make sure it only hooks to the cards stored inside.
Q. Cards are difficult to remove and feel too tight.
To prevent the card pockets from becoming too loose, they are designed to be a bit snug, and may feel tight at first. Over time, they will gradually adapt to your usage and become easier to remove.
If it feels too tight initially, try inserting and removing one fewer card a few times to break in the leather before regular use.
Q. Will the cards fall out?
When the wallet is closed, the inner hook engages with the cards, preventing them from falling out.
Even when open, the cards are unlikely to fall out due to the anti-slip treatment applied.
The Hitoe® Fold Aria and Hitoe® Fold Less, with their slipless design (patent pending), are even more resistant to cards falling out.
Please note that if the wallet is laid horizontally, the anti-slip effect will be reduced as shown in the video.
Q. Will coins spill out?
The wallet has a lid that prevents coins from spilling, so coins will not spill out during normal use. As the leather breaks in, it will become even more stable.
Please note that this wallet has a vertical design, so if you open it horizontally like a typical bi-fold wallet, coins are more likely to spill out.
Q. The sound of coins bothers me.
When putting the wallet in your pocket, storing it so that the coin pocket is vertical will reduce the sound of coins. It also makes it easier for coins to align automatically.
Q. If I open it from the wrong side, will coins spill out?
Rest assured, if you turn the wallet inside out, the inner hook will not disengage and the wallet will not open.
You can identify the front side as follows (for right-handed users):
- No stitching on the right side
- The right side is where more of the cards are visible
Q. Which should I choose, right-handed or left-handed?
Please choose based on the hand you use to handle money and cards.
Q. Is it okay to stack cards with magnetic stripes?
Modern magnetic stripes have strong magnetic resistance, so stacking them is not an issue. Also, it does not affect IC chips.
However, older magnetic cards may have weaker magnetism, so to be safe, we recommend storing them with the magnetic stripes facing different directions to prevent them from overlapping.
Hitoe® Fold Series Comparison Chart
Hitoe® Fold Series Comparison Chart| Product Name | Hitoe® Fold | Hitoe® Fold Aria | Hitoe® Fold Less |
| Construction |
Single-piece construction Thick leather with no lining |
Double-faced-style construction The ultimate luxury in leather products, joining thin leather pieces |
|
|
Prevents cards from falling out Slipless |
△ | ◯ | |
| Dimensions | W86 × H89 mm | W86 × H91 mm | W86 × H91 mm |
| Weight | 36 g | 30 g | 29 g |
| Thickness (thickest part) |
6 cards 10 100-yen coins 10 banknotes when stored 13 mm |
6 cards 10 100-yen coins 10 banknotes when stored 12 mm |
3 cards 6 100-yen coins 10 banknotes when stored 9 mm |
| Max Capacity |
6 -7 cards 20 coins 15 banknotes |
6 cards 20 coins 15 banknotes |
3 cards 15 coins 15 banknotes |
* Card counts assume non-embossed cards.
* Hitoe® Fold can hold 7 cards once the leather has broken in.
specification
specificationDesigner: Hirotaka Sato
[Mottainai] Hitoe® Fold Aria - Etretat - v.2021
Sale price$276.00 USD
Regular price$368.00 USD
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[Mottainai] Hitoe® Fold Aria - Etretat - v.2021
Sale price$276.00 USD
Regular price$368.00 USD