ON INTIMACY, CRAFTSMANSHIP, AND THE OBJECTS WE CHOOSE TO KEEP
An Interview with our founder and CEO, Tina C. Skaar and Elise Kleiva Ugland, Head of Design and Production from Melagence paper.
Some of the most meaningful relationships in our lives are formed not only with people, but also with the objects that accompany us over time. A favorite bag softens with use, gathers memories, and quietly becomes part of our daily rhythm. For us, these emotional connections are at the heart of design. Here are Tina C. Skaar and Elise Kleiva Ugland thoughts and words about timelessness, imperfection, craftsmanship, and why the future may belong to the things we choose to keep.
What does intimacy mean to Cala Jade?
There is a type of intimacy found in the quiet relationship between a person and the objects they live with every day and choose to keep close. A bag can become intimate when it softens to your habits, carries your essentials, and slowly becomes part of your rhythm and everyday moments. A bag that in some way is created to carry the story one lives,...and maybe even a few secrets. :)
Many of your pieces are designed to age beautifully and develop character over time. Do you think people can build emotional relationships with objects in the same way they do with places or people?
Yes, in a different but still meaningful way. Some objects can hold memories and sentimental value. They stay with you, witness moments, and carry traces of places, periods of life, or someone dear to you. It’s not attachment in the same way as with people, but can still be emotional and tactile. A quiet, personal bond that deepens the longer you live with the piece.
In a culture increasingly driven by speed and constant newness, Cala Jade seems to celebrate longevity. Why do you think timelessness feels particularly relevant today?
We think people are starting to look for something more grounding. When everything moves quickly, there’s a desire for objects that last. Timelessness offers a kind of belonging. It’s about choosing fewer things, but with more intention, and allowing them to stay with you over time instead of being replaced.
Your collections are deeply rooted in craftsmanship and handwoven techniques. How important is the human hand in creating products that feel meaningful and personal?
The human hand is essential. It brings a certain irregularity, warmth, and presence that cannot be replicated. When something is made by hand, you can sense the time and care behind it. That adds a layer of meaning and connects the maker and the wearer in a quiet way. For us, working with handcraft also means carrying forward traditions and techniques that have been refined over generations. That heritage adds a deeper layer of meaning for us to create.
Many of your bags are designed as everyday companions. What role do you think everyday objects play in shaping our routines, memories, and sense of comfort?
Everyday objects are closer to us than we often realize. They support our routines and move with us through different moments of the day. Over time, they become part of how we experience life. Something we reach for without thinking, but would miss if it wasn’t there. That familiarity creates comfort and a sense of continuity.