KECH22
Sustainable luxury, born from memory
At KECH22, we believe leather carries legacy. That’s why we source upcycled materials with rich histories—from durable OEM car upholstery, to rare Italian hides once treasured by a retired Madison Avenue bag artisan. Each remnant is thoughtfully repurposed, giving new life to exceptional leather.
Sustainable. Luxurious. Made for everyday moments.
Inspired design for the people you love
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Passport holder - Style that stamps every journey
Crafted from the exclusive Italian whole and top-grain leather archive of a retired Madison Avenue bag maker, these passport holders blend heritage luxury with modern function. Designed for travelers who know their passport deserves better than a back-pocket squeeze.
Available in a range of colors and customizable with initials—because your journey should look as good as it feels.
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Adjustable Cord Wraps - Despite living in a wireless world, we still have a lot of cords to carry.
These wraps are fully adjustable for any length & designed to stay on the cord when unwrapped. Form meets function in this elegantly simple design with big impact.
Whole and top-grain Italian leathers between 3-5 oz.
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Reading Glasses Bookmark - voracious readers know the struggle is real. Late nights, reading glasses, and bookmarkers don't always end up where they should. Help your beloved bookworm keep it organized beautifully.
Luxurious whole & top-grain leathers with soft suede interior and a thick durable bridle nose bridge.
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Dog WasteMate - How many times have you found yourself without a bag?
Crafted from premium OEM car upholstery leather, this dog waste bag holder is built to handle everyday wear with luxury-grade resilience. Available in a range of colors to match your pup’s personality—or simply your own.
Lobster clasp to attach to the leash or harness. Top zipper clearance for bag removal and a paracord loop to hold filled bag until you find the next trash can (b/c who wants to hold the bag)?
From car seats to curbside—elevated dog gear because dogs deserve good design too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can't find an answer? Don't hesitate to reach out!
1. What is OEM leather?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. The leather we use was originally produced for luxury car interiors—think high-end upholstery built to withstand years of wear, sun, and movement. It’s top-grain, ultra-durable, and designed for both beauty and resilience. We give it a second life in our handcrafted goods. Car reupholsterers have to buy an excess set of matching leather to make sure your car is consistent throughout. We take the remains and repurpose for your everyday life.
2. Where does your non-OEM leather come from?
Our leather is sourced from the private vault of a retired Madison Avenue bag maker. Ranging from full & top grain leathers that are treated or embossed for high fashion. This collection includes hides from the same tanneries that supply iconic fashion houses like Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Versace. If the texture or color feels familiar—it probably is. We’re proud to repurpose these luxury materials into something fresh, functional, and personal.
3. Can I customize my item?
Absolutely! Most KECH22 products can be personalized with names or initials. Whether you're gifting or treating yourself, we’ll help make it uniquely yours.
4. Do you offer different colors or styles?
Yes! Our products come in a range of colors—some bold, some classic—so you can match your dog, your mood, or your travel aesthetic. Because we work with upcycled leather, color availability may vary, but we always aim to offer something special.
5. Is your leather sustainable?
It is! By using upcycled OEM leather and excess or remanent luxury hides, we reduce waste and extend the life of premium materials. It’s sustainable luxury—without compromise.
6. How long will my item last?
Our leather is built to endure. Whether it's destiny fell short of a luxury car seat or a designer handbag, the materials we use are made to handle real life. With proper care, your KECH22 piece will age beautifully and stay with you for years.
About KECH22
It sounds like catch-22—a paradox, a situation where you're trapped by contradictory conditions.
Life hands us those moments: love and loss, pain and healing. KECH22 is born from that tension. It carries the initials of our family name (Kropf), our three sons (Elliott, Charlie & Harrison) and honors our late son Elliott with his hockey number - 22.
We live in a catch-22 forevermore.
The Story Behind the Craft
A few months before Elliott passed away, he asked me to buy custom leather bag tags for his hockey team. He wanted me to replace the metal ones I’d bought the year prior which were bent and a hazard for skate blades in the chaos of a typical crowded locker room. I wasn’t about to buy leather tags for the whole team... but I could make them. I’d always wanted to work with leather, and Elliott’s request gave me the push I needed.
True craftsmanship doesn’t come cheap—I needed a new sewing machine, tools, and of course, premium leather. And if you knew Elliott, you’d know: you go big or you go home.
We found a luxury car re-upholstery shop with leather remnants for sale. Some were labeled with the cars they were used for. Elliott picked a roll marked “Ferrari SP90” for the team. We spent that summer designing and prototyping the tags together. I always wondered what Elliott would grow up to be—he had a designer’s eye. Of all the things I imagined he would become, a memory was never one of them.
Leatherwork became his last gift to me. These pieces are a quiet way to stay connected to him.
Every KECH22 piece is inspired by loved ones. The cord holders? Elliott gave me a list of specs, and I finally nailed the design a year later. The passport holders? Made for my nieces and nephew who join us for a Caribbean holiday every summer. The bookmarks? A tribute to my Book Club friends who continue to support me through everything. The dog waste bag holders? For Pixie & Bauer - our OG fosters, and all the other foster pups who show us how to love life again despite all the trauma.
Made with Heart
KECH22 products are small-batch, limited-run, and deeply personal. Each piece is crafted with intention, rooted in memory, and stitched with love.
This isn’t just leather—it’s legacy.
