A personal discovery in Bali became part of a retail vision in Spello, Italy, with Craftlab reporting 100 Fuguku pieces sold in approximately 10 weeks before its planned launch.

While Craftlab was preparing to open its doors, Fuguku was already finding buyers. Through professional Vinted profiles, the retailer tested demand for the bags and reported selling 100 pieces in approximately 10 weeks. For a venture preparing to introduce its own store and e-commerce platform, the response offered an encouraging first indication of the collection’s appeal.

The partnership began with a personal purchase. During a visit to family in Indonesia, a journey through Bali led to a small airport boutique displaying three Fuguku bags. One immediately caught the future stockist’s attention.

“I was immediately fascinated by them and, without hesitation, bought one,” Craftlab recalls in its interview for this series.

Back home, that first encounter prompted a closer look at Fuguku’s materials, production process and the people behind the pieces. An attraction to the design developed into an appreciation of the values behind it, and eventually a decision to give Fuguku a prominent place in Craftlab’s plans.

Based in Spello, Italy, Craftlab was conceived as a place to discover international craftsmanship. Its selection is guided by the belief that handmade objects carry the skills and identity of their makers, and that these stories deserve a wider audience. Contemporary design and the quality of materials are equally central to the selection.

“Craftlab is a place where craftsmanship meets contemporary aesthetics,” the retailer explains.

Design that draws customers in

Fuguku fits that vision through a design language that customers recognise quickly. In Craftlab’s early sales experience, bright colours and the distinctive spiky texture drew attention. The bags’ capacity added another surprise: they could hold more than customers expected from their appearance.

Among the models Craftlab identifies as particularly popular are the Fugukai Midi, Shellbag Short and Fuguflex. The enthusiasm is personal, too. “I have a Maxi Fuguflex that I wear every single day,” Craftlab shares.

The story behind the bags also shaped Craftlab’s decision to stock them. The retailer points to Fuguku’s use of recycled materials and its support for women artisans as reasons the partnership feels aligned with its own approach. Craftlab selects products for their ethics and the work behind them as well as their appearance.

“One of the purposes of Craftlab is precisely to support those who support others,” the retailer says.

That commitment informs the way Craftlab wants to introduce Fuguku to its community. A distinctive object can prompt someone to stop and look; learning about its makers gives the retailer a further story to share. For Craftlab, both aspects belong in the experience of discovering the collection.

At the time of the interview, Craftlab’s physical store had yet to open and its e-commerce platform was still being prepared. The reported sales came from its marketplace activity. Craftlab says the pieces sold faster than initially expected, giving it confidence as it planned a dedicated setting for the collection.

The intention is to make Fuguku one of the store’s most visible brands, with a carefully considered display that allows the colours, shapes and textures to stand out. The physical setting will offer visitors a chance to experience those qualities in person.

For other boutique owners considering Fuguku, Craftlab’s advice comes from that early experience of seeing an unusual design attract buyers. Give the collection enough visibility to invite discovery, and make its character part of the store.

As Craftlab puts it: “give Fuguku the space it deserves, let people discover it, and don’t be afraid to make it a statement within your store.”

Become a Fuguku Stockist

Inspired by Craftlab’s story? Bring Fuguku’s distinctive wearable art to your community. We welcome boutiques, retailers and wholesale partners who share our appreciation for craftsmanship and purposeful design. To explore becoming a Fuguku stockist, contact us at info@fuguku.com.