ALL IN THE DETAILS:
Behind The Pagerie Factory
February 24, 2021Sustainability
Behind the Pagerie Factory | Rigorous Quality Control & Artful Craftsmanship
Pagerie is a solution to what was missing on the market for our canines and owners globally. In this series, All in the Details, we breakdown the distinct aspects of what makes Pagerie a house rooted in ultra-luxury and historical craftsmanship for the companions that bring us joy.
Transparency is the ethos of Pagerie. And because we believe in providing full disclosure, it is important to us to share our open and sincere relationship with our factory.
To that end, quality is at the forefront of our brand.
Durability and craftsmanship all play a significant role, so maintaining that transparent relationship allows us to ensure that our beautifully designed features are at the level we expect—from the materials to the fit to the shape.
Here, our founder, Mandy Madden Kelley, shares her process for finding the perfect factory, how Pagerie’s intricate, yet minimal pieces are constructed, and our tightknit factory partnership.
Q: What did your search consist of when looking for the perfect factory for Pagerie?
A: Finding our factory was intense because, as a start-up, I didn’t have an agency helping me source the factory or materials. I did so much research and read so many articles and I Googled as much as I could. I wrote a ton of letters and knocked on so many doors.
Our factory is one of the top in Europe for leather goods and works with the most exquisite luxury brands in the world. I connected with them from day one. Once they become your business partners, it is imperative to create a strong bond with them in order to have a healthy and successful relationship.
How did you know they were the right factory to partner with?
The Pagerie factory uses traditional manufacturing techniques and follows the most rigorous quality control for lovers of luxury leather items. That is where we aligned because, for me, more than anything, Pagerie is about quality. I didn’t want to do something mass-produced. I’d rather have 10 beautifully hand-stitched products that allow me to celebrate the artisans behind the products rather than have a machine make hundreds.
That said, our factory mostly focuses on first-class luxury handbags and leather goods. Creating leather goods for dogs was definitely outside of their comfort zone at first, but they were intrigued because they had done so much of the same thing that they were excited to get on board with a completely different project like Pagerie.
Q: How are the pieces made and why does this process make sense for Pagerie?
A: I create the design and put the patterns and tech packs together to send to the factory. The factory knows exactly how to cut according to the patterns we send them. They are incredibly precise which is what makes our Pagerie fit so beautiful and accurate. It is like a work of art. For example, they will cut out all the straps by hand and then hand-stitch the whole thing from start to finish.
Q: How has your relationship evolved over time with the Pagerie factory?
A: Since the factory is in Europe, I wake up at 3:00 AM or even midnight to FaceTime and get a walkthrough, have a look at the process, and meet the people who work there. I love getting to know them. We have a very intimate relationship. I know about their families. I know about their dogs, their kids. It is very personal and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
How does quality control play a role in Pagerie?
Quality control is so important to me. Every single person who works at the factory has been taught extraordinary skills passed down from generation to generation.
Every single piece is analyzed individually. For example, if there is a tiny little mark on the leather, or if there is some kind of decay, we won’t accept it. And they won’t accept it either. Everything is absolutely pristine in order to ensure that when a customer buys a piece, it allows them to have it for years.