When developing new compact or minimalist wallets, a significant number of “rejected prototypes” are created for each wallet due to fine-tuning the dimensions down to the millimeter (mm) and the layout of the card and coin compartments (coin pockets).
In fact, behind every finished bifold wallet featured on our product pages lie dozens of “rejected designs” that never saw the light of day.
Some designs, although developed, never made it to production because they were deemed impractical in certain aspects during actual manufacturing; after discussions with the manufacturing plants and artisans, these designs were ultimately shelved. Today, I’d like to introduce one of them.
As shown in the photo, we had an idea for a wallet where the main body and the coin case could be detached from each other. The main body is designed to hold cards and bills, while the coin side features a single row for storing coins. The main body has a tri-fold structure to allow for size adjustment.
This innovative design allows the wallet to split into two parts or join together, using two thin plastic connectors to link them. When not in use, the connectors can be stored inside the main body.
Whether joined or separated, both the size and thickness were extremely minimalist—representing the highest standards in the industry—but several issues arose during actual production, preventing it from becoming a commercial product.
However, since this idea aligns with the SOLAHANPU brand philosophy, it may be expressed in some other form in the future. Alternatively, it might be reborn in a different form based on feedback from our fans.
We’d be delighted if you could appreciate the interesting aspects of SOLAHANPU—how we engage in this kind of trial and error, the mindset behind our work, and the unique projects we undertake.
