To the thinness that has never been experienced
Hitoe® Fold Less - Etretat -
1. Design
The ideal mini wallet for cashless transactions
" Less is More " is a phrase left behind by 20th century architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, meaning " less is more ."
In this new era of cashless and cardless society, the Hitoe® Fold Less is the ideal mini wallet for those who want to carry three cards in a cashless manner , creating a new normal.
The Hitoe® structure (registered design) prevents items from being stacked, the metal fitting-free minimalist design and inner hook (patent) allow for smooth operation, and the slipless design prevents cards from falling out (patent pending) .
Once you try this wallet, you will surely realize that "Less is More."
Thickness: Less
The finest unrivaled tailoring
All parts are made by gluing two thin pieces of leather together to make one. This technique is said to be the ultimate luxury in leather products , and it achieves both strength and thinness . It requires a wealth of experience and skilled techniques to create a finish that does not float or sag even when bent, just like a single piece of leather.
It's just sandwiched between leather.
It has a flat appearance, simply sandwiched between leather. There are no unnecessary protruding parts such as metal fittings or flaps, so it remains slim and doesn't get caught in your pocket.
The inner hook is designed not to come off when the wallet is turned upside down , so there is no need to worry about dropping coins when opening the wallet upside down.
"God is in the details"
" God is in the details " is another saying left behind by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
The refined sense of tension and dignified appearance are found in the details. Utilizing Japan's finest technology, we paid attention to even the smallest details.
Precise and delicate stitching , polished edges that show the overlapping of the leather, and thin lines made into the edges with a hot iron.
Hitoe® Fold Less pursues beauty down to the smallest detail .
Design based on the laws of nature
"Why is the golden ratio 1:1.62 beautiful?"
The golden ratio is the ratio that appears when squares with sides that match the Fibonacci sequence (1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21...) are arranged in a spiral, as shown in the diagram below.
The Fibonacci sequence is hidden throughout nature: in the arrangement of sunflower seeds, the spirals in seashells, the shape of typhoons, and spiral galaxies.
This sequence can also be found in masterpieces of art, such as the pyramids, the Parthenon, and Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji.
The golden ratio is not simply a beautiful ratio; its beauty comes from the Fibonacci sequence behind it.
Therefore, the important thing is not to make each part into the golden ratio.
The proportions from the details to the whole form the Fibonacci sequence , which is deeply connected to the laws of nature and life, resulting in a well-balanced design that resonates with the heart.
Long-lasting and beautiful
Generally, most problems with wallets are caused by metal parts or stitching. However, Hitoe® Fold does not use any metal parts and has only four stitches .
In addition, the corners, which are prone to damage, are made more durable by layering the outer and inner leather . The seams are extremely small, and the design is such that the bag will not lose its shape even when worn in a trouser pocket .
2. Idea
Ultra-thin Hitoe® structure
The thinness is achieved through the Hitoe® structure (registered design) , which does not stack cards and coins.
- Maximum of 5 overlapping leather sheets & no metal parts - Maximum thickness when stored is 9mm
(When storing 3 cards, 10 bills, and 6 100 yen coins)
Palm-sized 89mm x 89mm
・Light enough that you'll forget it's there - about 29g
It can hold up to 15 bills, 15 coins, and 3 cards .
It remains thin even when packed full .
Thin details
The edges are made by overlapping the leather and sewing it on the outside. This is to keep it thin. If you fold the leather inside, you can make it smaller, but the leather will overlap and become thicker.
These details are faithful to the ideal of a thin wallet.
Comparison of thickness depending on edge processing method
When storing three cards, the thickness is only 7mm , which is as thin as an iPhone.
While pursuing thinness, we ensure that the leather is thick enough to retain the natural leather texture , such as tension and firmness.
Metal fitting-less inner hook
A new idea to use the stored cards as fasteners
We came up with an inner hook (patented) that allows cards to be hung on the wallet, rather than on the outside.
The smart leather hook is invisible from the outside , keeping the wallet slim.
This idea made it possible to create the Hitoe® Fold Aria's minimalist design without any metal fittings .
Not only does it act as a fastener, but it also prevents cards from falling out when you carry it around.
3. Usability
Minimalistic and smooth operation
Quick checkout with minimal movement
The wallet can be opened and closed easily by bending it into an L-shape , which is where the name "Fold" comes from. With this single action, you can smoothly insert and remove all of your coins and cards while keeping the wallet in portrait orientation.
Leave the bill as is without folding it.
Simply insert bills without folding them . They are highly visible and easy to take out. They do not get creases or bends when folded in thirds , so they can be easily inserted into vending machines and self-checkouts.
The bill holder is designed to be continuous with the inner hook. The curve acts as a guide, allowing you to insert and remove bills smoothly without getting caught .
Prevents cards from falling out
When closed, the inner hooks hold the cards in place, and even when the wallet is open, the slip-less design (patent pending) keeps the cards from falling out .
The feel of sliding cards in and out is high quality and comfortable.
The extra card can be used to hold bills . It won't interfere with opening and closing your wallet.
Smooth, non-overflowing coin pocket
The coin pocket is shallow and has no fasteners such as zippers or hooks, so you can quickly take out the coins you need.
When storing, The coin pocket lid acts as a guide for smooth insertion.
Also, when the wallet is closed, the coins won't spill out. The lid on the coin pocket prevents it from overflowing.
There is still plenty of room even if you put in 999 yen worth (15 sheets).
About Etretat Leather
About Etretat LeatherOrigins
Etretat, in Normandy, France, is a coastline of white limestone cliffs. The gentle light and poetic scenery of the coast has attracted artists such as Monet. This calf leather is inspired by the symphony of nature.
Tanning and Manufacturing
The raw hides of fine French bull calfs are used. After chrome-tanning, it is dyed with aniline dyes and finished with two colors of pigment to create a deep look. It is scratch and stain resistant, water repellent, and hardly ages, so you can keep the original look for a long time.
Maintenance
Although the leather is scratch, stain, and water resistant, please wipe it off immediately when it gets wet, and periodically remove dust from the surface with a soft cloth.
Colors
Limestone
Limestone chalk cliffs
Sand Beige
Sandy beach at the edge of the surf
Normandy Blue
The greyish Normandy sea
Grand Blue
An endless deep blue
Midnight
Tranquil moonlit sea
Hitoe® Fold Series Comparison Chart
Hitoe® Fold Series Comparison Chart| Hitoe® Fold | Hitoe® Fold | Hitoe® Fold Aria | Hitoe® Fold Less |
| Production Method | One-piece tailoring Unlined thick leather |
Fold Less The ultimate luxury in leather goods: thin leather laminated together |
|
| Prevents cards from falling out Slipless |
NG | OK | |
| Size | W86 x H89 mm | W89 × H91 mm | W89 × H89 mm |
| Weight | 36 g | 30 g | 29 g |
| Thickness (thickest part) |
7 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 |
| Maximum capacity | 7 cards 20 coins 15 banknotes |
6 cards 20 coins 15 banknotes |
3 cards 15 coins 15 banknotes |
Number of cards assumes embossless cards
Q & A
Q & AQ. Are there any tips for opening and closing it?
If you are right-handed, you can use your left hand to bend the boundary between the coin pocket and the card pocket into an "U" shape, which will release the inner hook and allow the wallet to open smoothly.
To close it, lightly press the top with your right hand while bending it into an "U" shape with your left hand, and the inner hook will naturally catch on the card.
The trick is to not touch the inner hook when opening or closing it.
Q. It becomes distorted when closed.
This is caused by misusing the inner hook on the outside of the wallet. Please only hang it on the cards you want to store.
Q. Should I choose right-handed or left-handed?
If you use your right hand to insert and remove cards and coins, please select "right-handed"; if you use your left hand, please select "left-handed". All photos and videos used in the product description are for right-handed use, and the slot for removing bills and cards is on the right side.
Q. The card pockets are too cramped
The design is tight so that the leather does not stretch more than necessary, so it may feel tight when you first start using it while the leather is still stiff. Don't worry, it will become more comfortable as you use it.
Also, if the card is difficult to insert all the way in, pressing the leather at the back of the card pocket (to the left of the card for right-handed users) firmly will help the card to fit in more easily.
Please note that storing cards with uneven surfaces or items other than credit card size (such as point cards or medical cards) can make the bag feel cramped.
Q: Will the cards fall out?
When you close the wallet by hanging the inner hook, it won't fall out.
Even when open, the leather on the top edge of the cards will support them if the wallet is held vertically. Please note that cards are more likely to fall out if the wallet is placed horizontally.
The slip-less design (patent pending) of the product makes it even more difficult to fall off. For more information, please click here .
Q. Will the coins spill?
The coin pocket has a lid to prevent spills. As the leather becomes more flexible with use and the bend in the lid settles, it will become even less likely to spill.
The pocket is shallow to allow for quick removal of coins, and the size of the pocket allows the top of a 500 yen coin to be slightly visible, but it is hidden when the lid is closed.
If you open the wallet horizontally, coins may spill out. Please use it vertically.
Q. I'm bothered by the sound of coins.
If you store your coins with the coin pocket facing upright, you can prevent the coins from making noise. Also, the coins will automatically align themselves more easily, so please try it.
Q. Won't I open it upside down and spill the coins?
Don't worry, if you turn the wallet inside out, it won't bend into a "U" shape and won't open. You can also use this as a reference for the position of the stitching and how the cards look.
<Example: Right-handed>
- The side without the stitching on the right side is the front, as the bills are taken out from the right.
- The side where the cards are most visible is the right side, as the cards are taken out from the right.
Q. Can the magnetic stripes of cards be stacked?
Modern magnetic stripes are highly resistant to magnetism, so there is no problem even if they are stacked. Also, IC chips are not affected by magnetism.
However, for bank cards with no expiration date, the magnetic stripe may be weakened, so we recommend stacking the cards with the magnetic stripes alternating up and down.
The Hitoe® Fold series of small, thin wallets have won a total of 18 awards, including the world's most prestigious iF Desing Award, Red Dot Award, Good Design®, and German Design Awards, and are highly acclaimed for their minimalist design and comfortable operation.
Awards
iF Desing Award 2023
Hitoe® Fold Less
One of the most prominent and prestigious international design awards, the Hitoe® Fold Less Design Award is presented by the Hannover Industrial Design Association in Germany and is open to industrial products from all over the world. It is one of the three major design awards in the world.
Good Design Award 2022
Hitoe® Fold Less
The world's oldest design award, presented by the Athenaeum Museum in Chicago since 1950, was established by Edgar Kaufman Jr. of MoMA (Museum of Modern Art, New York) along with such modern design pioneers as Charles and Ray Eames, Russell Wright, George Nelson, and Eero Saarinen. The award was established by Edgar Kaufman Jr.
It is not related to the Good Design Award in Japan, but is a globally valuable award along with the Red Dot Design Award and the iF Design Award.
German Design Awards 2023
Hitoe® Fold Less
The Hitoe® Fold Less is an international design award sponsored by the German Design Council, established in 1953. Only products that have been nominated by the German Design Council are eligible for the awards.
DFA Design for Asia Awards 2022
Hitoe® Fold Less
Established in 2003 by the Hong Kong Design Centre, this international design award recognizes outstanding design from an Asian perspective. Awards are judged and presented from four perspectives: overall design excellence, technical applicability, Asian influence, and commercial and social success.
DNA Paris Design Awards 2022
Hitoe® Fold Aria
The DNA Paris Design Awards are global design awards that honor the best designers in the fields of architecture, interior design, landscape design, graphic design, and product design.
Omotenashi Selection 2022
Hitoe® Fold Less
This award was established to discover and promote to the world the best Japanese products and services that are full of the spirit of Omotenashi. The award is given to products and services that are born out of consideration for the people who use them, and that have been improved upon while carrying on the traditions of the past.
A' Design Award & Competition 2022
Hitoe® Fold Aria
This is one of the world's largest design competitions to select the best design, design concept, product or service. It is recognized worldwide as a barometer of design quality and perfection.
iF Desing Award 2022
Hitoe® Fold Aria
One of the most prominent and prestigious international design awards, the Hitoe® Fold Aria is a design award organized by the Hannover Industrial Design Association in Germany, which judges industrial products from all over the world. It is one of the three major design awards in the world.
Red Dot Award 2022
Hitoe® Fold Aria
One of the world's top three design awards and one of the most prestigious international design awards, with over 10,000 entries from companies, organizations, and designers in more than 60 countries each year. Organized by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.
London International Creative Competition 2021
Hitoe® Fold Aria
Aimed to serve as a medium to connect talented artists with international audiences, the competition attracts artists from around the world, with juries consisting of luminaries from six disciplines (architecture, interior design, art, graphics, photography, and products) and based in London, where internationally acclaimed artists are gathered, The awards have been held annually since 2006.
IDA Design Awards 2021
Hitoe® Fold Aria
The IDA Design Awards were established in Los Angeles in 2007 to identify and recognize outstanding design visionaries in a wide range of fields. Comprised of five categories including architecture, interior design, product design, fashion, and graphic design, each year's awards bring together the finest entries from the world's most talented designers.
NY Product Design Awards 2021
Hitoe® Fold Aria
The awards, which were newly established in 2021, are organized by the International Award Associate (USA) and specialize in product design.
The awards aim to recognize outstanding product designers who enrich our daily lives.
MUSE Design Awards 2021
Hitoe® Fold Aria
One of the international awards programs organized by International Award Associate (USA), which aims to create new value standards in design.
The award is presented to designers who combine unparalleled creativity and technical skills, such as "The Muse".
European Product Design Award 2021
Hitoe® Fold Aria
This design competition was created to recognize the efforts of talented international product designers. From thousands of design projects submitted from around the world, a jury will select the most beautiful, functional and innovative products.
K-DESIGN AWARD 2021
Hitoe® Fold Aria
An international design competition organized by DESIGNSORI, a Korean design portal. It is one of the three most prestigious design awards in Asia, along with the Golden Pin Design Award and the DFA Design for Asia Awards.
Omotenashi Selection 2021
Hitoe® Fold Aria
This award was established with the aim of discovering and spreading excellent Japanese products and services with a spirit of hospitality to the world. The award is given to products and services that are "uniquely Japanese" and have a "unique appeal" that should be shared with the world, and are selected for their particular skills born from consideration for the people who use them, and for their ingenuity in making improvements while carrying on tradition.
Omotenashi Selection 2020
Hitoe® Fold
This award was established with the aim of discovering and promoting to the world products and services that are brimming with the spirit of excellent Japanese hospitality. The award is given to products and services that are born from the consideration of the user, and that have been improved upon while carrying on the traditions of the past.
Campfire Crowdfunding Award 2020
Hitoe® Fold
This award is given to the most outstanding project out of more than 10,000 projects on the Campfire crowdfunding site.
Crowd Funding
The Hitoe® Fold series has achieved the feat of dominating all of Japan's all-time top three places in terms of the amount of money raised by crowdfunding wallets. (*As of February 28, 2022)
2020
51,795,439 yen, 3500 people
Hitoe® Fold v.2020 -Liscio-
Achieved the highest amount of crowdfunding for a wallet in Japan
2021
78,540,000 yen, 2,480 people
Hitoe® Fold Aria -Foschia-
Achieved the highest amount of crowdfunding for wallets in Japan
Sweeps the 1st and 2nd places in Japan's history for wallet crowdfunding
55,481,020 yen, 2959 people
Hitoe® Fold v.2021 -Liscio-
Sweeps Japan's all-time top three wallet crowdfunding crowdfunding
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 / 1,130 persons
Hitoe® Fold -Liscio
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