In just thirty minutes, fashion designer Iwakiri Sumiko's web-store was flooded with more orders than she could handle in a year's time, making the end of the year the soonest her passionate customers could look forward to a new batch. It's easy to see why, too, as her goldfish-inspired bags became a viral hit on social media outlets around the world just this year. However, it's not just goldfish when it comes to this talented designer, as she has also introduced intricately handmade leather handbags and backpacks, modeled after hippos, chameleons, turtles, and frogs.

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Source: Atelier Iwakiri

While it may be a bit frustrating for customers who want to sport this clever and cute line of bags, it's certainly understandable that orders have been put on hold while production takes its time to catch up. Iwakiri makes all these finely crafted bags by herself, and makes sure sure to address each and every detail--from the expression on the face of the goldfish to its scales and fins. According to an interview with Withnews, it can take Iwakiri anywhere between ten days and a month to make a single bag. Formerly, she worked in costume production for the stage and commercials, but started making leather bags in 2002, and recently this year received global acclaim for her now famous set of goldfish bags. Here's a quick look back at her breakthrough bags.

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Source: Atelier Iwakiri

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Source: Atelier Iwakiri

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Source: Atelier Iwakiri

However, as it turns out, the Japanese goldfish isn't the only animal she can give an elegant and fashionable look--she's made other bags and backpacks that aren't just fashionable, but show off a more cute and playful side by using some other unusual animals as inspiration.

Smooth Leather Hippo Bags

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Source: Atelier Iwakiri

Big and sturdy, just like an actual hippo, these smooth leather bags offer a bit more room to lug around your belongings in than the goldfish bag, and come with a very welcome derpy hippo smile that opens up as you unzip the mouth.

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Source: Atelier Iwakiri

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Source: Atelier Iwakiri

Smooth Leather Chameleon Bag

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Source: Atelier Iwakiri

Those who want a fun mix of blending in but sticking out can opt for a handmade leather bag of the chameleon variety, which can even pop out a strap like a lizard's tongue.

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Source: Atelier Iwakiri

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Source: Atelier Iwakiri

The Turtle Backpack

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Source: Atelier Iwakiri

This smooth leather turtle-inspired backpack offers the bonus of making you look like a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle from behind.

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Source: Atelier Iwakiri

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Source: Atelier Iwakiri

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Source: Atelier Iwakiri

The mouth-pouch also gives your turtle bag an interesting set of zipper teeth!

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Source: Atelier Iwakiri

Frog Bag

And finally this adorable froggy bag, that seems to be begging you to pet it by constantly staring up at you. Iwakiri has also made it into a cellphone case.

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Source: Atelier Iwakiri

Source: Atelier Iwakiri

As stated above, these handmade leather bags are painstakingly crafted by one person down to the finest detail, so due to an influx of orders, Iwakiri has adopted a shopping cart system where you can reserve an item, which works depending on the item's availability. You can also send an email inquiry here if you are interested. Many bags are in the 118,800 yen range ($1,079.50 USD), but that may be a fair price considering the labor of love it must be to make these fantastic leather goods.


By - grape Japan editorial staff.