What we need but can't find anywhere. We at KNOK design our products according to this motto. We want to design products that make sense and have that certain something that customers look for in vain in other products. Even if it's just the small ring integrated into the bag to which you can attach your key.
How are we on the road and what do we really need with us? We always ask ourselves this question during product development. For us personally, it's primarily about how you can best stow your essentials - and nowadays that's your mobile phone - and still always have them to hand. Then there are keys, money and cards, and maybe a lip balm :)
With our Mesh collection, we are taking the first big step in the direction of product expansion. The aim, however, was not to completely lose sight of the mobile phone chain - our KNOK CASE.
Three variants for every day and everywhere
The collection consists of 3 bags. The Essential Bag, the Large Mesh Bag and the Dopp kits (set of 2).
The Essential Bag, a small bag that can be worn around the neck or crossbody, stores a smartphone and a small wallet for cards. Our Clip on key ring or an AirTag holder can be attached to the side. Thanks to the detachable strap, the bag can also be combined with our Custom Cords, which can be threaded through the back loop. |
The Large Mesh Bag is the stylish way to carry your essentials to school, work or the gym - or even just to the supermarket. Our mesh shopper can be worn over the shoulder, crossbody or as a backpack. It has a large main compartment and a smaller three-section compartment to keep things tidy. A press stud closure keeps the bag secure and the integrated key holder with carabiner ensures you never lose your keys in the bottom of the bag again.
The Mesh product line is complemented by our Dopp Kits (set of 2) consisting of two wash bags in large and small sizes. Made from the same transparent mesh material as our Mesh Shopper, they are the ideal set - whether for the gym, school, work or travel. With nylon zip and drawstring. |
In combination with the Large Bag + Dopp Kit Set , this duo offers the perfect companion for on the go. For example, the large bag has enough space for a laptop and other utensils on the way to work or during sports, while the 2 pouches can hold pens and other small items.
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Sojin Park is a Korean fashion designer and artist based in Berlin. She’s the driving force behind the designer brand ASSEMBLED HALF in Berlin Charlottenburg. Her collections take inspiration from the natural world and the idea of living at your own pace. Mixing traditional craftsmanship with contemporary elements, every item is handmade using traditional fabrics. We caught up with her to talk about her business, her inspirations and aspirations and of course, her phone.
Sojin with her KNOK Custom Case with Mint Green Strap
Could you tell us a bit about how it all started?
After I graduated in 2014, I happened to be able to exhibit and sell the clothes that I made. It just grew organically from there on. I don't know at what point exactly it led to being a business, but I'm still making and selling my garments and art.
What about your business makes you feel most proud? And what would you say is your biggest accomplishment?
I’m very proud of the philosophy behind ASSEMBLED HALF; all the clothes are made and sewn by hand and they will continue to be so. My biggest accomplishment I would say is that I’m able to continue to do what I love most, and especially that I can make a living from doing that. I don't think I've ever thought in terms of milestones in being successful in my career or big achievement in my jobs….because work or life is ongoing.
What are your passions and what makes you happy? Do you find it easy to balance work and life?
I love creating, sharing, eating, drinking, and exchanging parts of life with people I love. I really enjoy talking about things I read or heard, discussing movies,... By doing so I collect some of my favourite expressions which then stay in my mind. I then quote and apply these into my creations. Professionally, any so-called inspiration seems to come naturally to me. I don't think my private and professional life are at all separate or separated, I think they're connected and intertwined.
What are some of the most important must-haves in your everyday life and at work?
Coffee in the morning is essential, and from time to time I need to be able to disconnect or ‘space out’. In Korean we have a phrase that puts it beautifully: “멍 때리다" which literally translates to “Hit the blank space”.
Speaking of essentials. Do you keep your phone with you all the time? How far away from you is your phone usually?
Yes, my phone is always close to me.
Are you prone to dropping or losing your phone?
In the past yes. Countlessly and many many times… The KNOK phone lanyard has saved my phone on multiple occasions and has prevented a cracked screen even more often.
Any stickers on your phone?
Yes I have and it says "Bitte nicht jetzt". I got it at an event one time but can't remember which one to be honest.
Favorite color?
I love all colours. But if it is cell phone accessory-specific question, I prefer black or, quite the opposite, very intense neon colours.
Luckily for you we have phone cases both black and neon coloured crossbody straps! No need to choose ;)
Follow ASSEMBLED HALF on Instagram or Facebook or check out their shop on www.assembledhalf.com.
]]>Gemini season is upon us! And this year we're in for a treat with a Mercury in retrograde, a lunar AND a solar eclipse. Between May 29 to June 22 mercury will be in retrograde, meaning it will appear to be moving backwards in the night sky. In reality this is due to our point of view from earth and the orbits of the planets around the sun.
May 26th will not only be marked by a super full moon called the Full Flower Moon, it'll also be the date of a Lunar eclipse. And to top it all off June 20th there will be a Solar Eclipse.
As you can gather May might be a tumultuous time for the whole zodiac. But at least our Geminis have something to look forward to...their birthdays! To help you celebrate your Gemini loved ones, we've compiled a list of Gift Ideas based on their astrological charts and characteristics. All our gift ideas are from small and medium businesses based in Berlin.
Gemini are governed by Mercury, named after the messenger planet. They have a soft spot for words and communication. Because of their open-mindedness and curiosity they make great writers and journalists.
> KAWECO - SPORT GIFT SET MINT, 39€ on mightypapershop.com
Known as the social butterflies of the zodiac, Geminis love to keep everyone in the loop on things. They're masters of social media and always need their phone close by to snap those pics for insta. You wouldn't want to miss out on all those pictures of their breakfast would you?
> CUSTOM CASE + CORD (BLACK LEATHER), 34,5€ on knokstore.com
Some of us might have slipped up a bit when it comes to our skin care routines during these times. With vaccinations ramping up and summer around the corner there's no time like the present to pick up that routine again.
> SOBER - GENTLE FACIAL CLEANSER, starting at 25€ on soberberlin.com
Geminis make excellent party hosts, so a nice bottle of booze will always do the trick. Plus it'll loosen their tongue a bit so they can bring you up to speed on all that latest gossip. You know they want to.
> SPREE GIN - DISTILLED BERLIN DRY GIN, 34.90€ on spree-gin.com
Our gemini friends are a curious bunch. They love sticking their nose in everyone's business, but they also like exploring. You'll often find them walking around the city looking for new spots and hidden gems. With the sun finally making an appearance this year, what better gift than a nice pair of sunglasses?
> YUN - FERN BLACK / GREY SUNGLASSES, 149€ on yun-berlin.com
Quitting his corporate job in supply chain management to pursue pottery, Jérémy Bellina has done what most of us don't dare to do, he chased his passion. It all started about three years ago when he bought himself a pottery wheel and he started teaching himself by watching YouTube. Soon after he completely lost interest in his day job and became obsessed with ceramics. Fast forward to the present day and he just moved into his new sunlit pottery studio on a quiet street of Neukölln. His can-do and hands-on attitude translates into an inventive language based on geometric shapes and sometimes seeks out the limits between design and functionality. Besides making beautiful ceramics, he’s now ready to pass on his skills and has started offering workshops.
> Jeremy Bellina with the KNOK Silver Grey Key Holder Lanyard
What drove you to start your own business?
Pottery started as a hobby, something I did in my free time and kept to myself at the beginning. But it rapidly turned into a small obsession. At the same time my corporate life was deteriorating to the point I didn't feel like showing up any longer. I was left with no job and a ceramic studio so I decided that the studio would be my new workplace. That's how I became a potter. I was not good at it though. So I practiced a lot, eventually people liked some of my creations and I started selling.
You’ve turned your hobby into your profession. Do you still get the emotional/physical release out of pottery like when it was a hobby or did you pick up another hobby to balance things out?
It can be exhausting, especially when I produce the same shape over and over again. I don't really have a side activity/hobby to clear my mind anymore (thanks Rona). But if I am bored with a task I can always take a day or an afternoon off to create something new by making shapes or glaze experiments. After a hard production day I treat myself to making a new vase for instance...which can maybe sound a bit sad to some. I also like gardening and spending time with my partner.
How long have you had your business? What are your go-to tips, tools or techniques to overcome the tough days? i.e what keeps you motivated!
I have been doing it full time for over 3 years. I am not great at giving advice. I guess you should see it as a journey and take it day by day. Every year I reflect on the previous one and decide if I want to put a coin in the machine for a new year.
Don't lock yourself into a certain style or technique, that way it never gets boring and you end up constantly surprising yourself. Sharing what you do also helps, my practice is very lonely but talking about it to people or just displaying it on social media helps overcome tough days. Being an artist and dealing with social media can be a bumpy ride but on certain (rare) occasions it can cheer you up.
What makes you happy?
That's a tricky one. During my corporate time there was this bullshit mantra saying "you are in the driving seat of your career". I hated hearing or reading this lie. And now that I am actually responsible for my successes and my failures I am much more happy. Being somewhat in control of my own life makes me happier I think.
What about your business makes you feel most proud? Biggest accomplishment?
I moved into a new studio earlier this year. I am proud of that. I struggled so much all of 2020, a real emotional rollercoaster on that topic. This new space is perfect. I feel very lucky, proud and relieved. Can't wait to start giving workshops in this space.
What’s the best thing about running your own business?
Managing your own hours and being the only person accountable for the good and the bad things that might occur.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far?
I didn't study studio art or design and feel a bit like an impostor sometimes when I want to express something with a creation. I am learning to deal with this syndrome and am embracing the artistic side of the craft more and more.
Where do you hope to be in 5 years?
This question sends me back to the HR's office. I want to still do stuff with mud and be able to pay all my bills. That would be a success.
What are your most important essentials / accompanies you in everyday life and at work?
A comfortable pair of sneakers :)
Do you always know where your phone, keys and wallet are or do you lose track of them easily? How far away from you is your phone usually?
It's all in a fanny pack. That is actually another essential! I hate having stuff in my pockets. I am slightly addicted to checking my phone, so it's really close and so is the charger.
How good are you at not breaking your phone?
Since I started ceramic I have destroyed so many phones. A pottery studio is not a welcoming space for a smartphone. Between the mud, the dust, the water...It slips and falls all the time!
Any Stickers on your phone?
No. I do have a phone case now though. I think it's the first time that I bought one. I learned my lesson following the tragic loss of my previous phone. RIP.
> With a key this big, we can understand why you don't like putting things in your pockets. That's when our Key Lanyards can come in very handy ;)
Follow Jérémy Bellina on Instagram or check out their website on www.jeremybellina.com.
]]>After a few years of working for different fashion labels, Alisa Menkhaus, designer of Susumu ai, no longer wanted to deliver her ideas to others and wanted to realize herself professionally. Together with her brother Keiho Menkhaus - both grew up with Japanese as well as German roots - she founded the label Susumu ai.
> Alisa Menkhaus with KNOK AirPods strap in LILAC
What drove you to start your own business?
How long have you had your business?
We have founded the Susumu Ai GMBH at the end of 2019 but already started with our Idea and work in progress in summer 2018.
What about your business makes you feel most proud? Biggest accomplishment?
Biggest hurdle having a business?
Growing up in Japan, you've learned to always be good and do good for whoever. To see the best in everything and in anyone. In Germany, it is not easy to start a business and many obstacles are put in your way. We made many learning mistakes that made me a stronger person who I am now and I learned a lot from our mistakes. That's why I would do everything the same way again. Wiser, of course!
What are your most important essentials / accompanies you in everyday life and at work?
Appreciation for everything and Love! :)
Is there an accessory besides cutting paper and scissors that accompanies you through everyday life?
I'm very often on my cell phone. Make phone calls and Instagram does not sleep.. so I need it always with me - a Handykette can be very handy ;) You no longer wonder where you put it down again.
> Especially when we make fittings or discuss the collection, with the Handykette you always make a picture in between.<
Follow Susumu ai Instagram or check out their website on www.susumuai.com.
Your mobile phone is likely a part of you and goes with you wherever you go. Your phone may also be expensive and you might be looking for ways to make sure it stays with you and is protected. One idea is to use a Crossbody phone case so you feel comfortable knowing your phone is nearby and you won’t lose it.
]]>Your mobile phone is likely a part of you and goes with you wherever you go. Your phone may also be expensive and you might be looking for ways to make sure it stays with you and is protected. One idea is to use a Crossbody phone case so you feel comfortable knowing your phone is nearby and you won’t lose it.
You may be curious to know more about what they are and how to use a Crossbody phone case. There are several benefits of using a Crossbody phone case that is worth noting as well. The following information will help you learn how to use a Crossbody phone case and why you may want to get one.
A phone case with a lanyard is a strap, which you place around your neck with the purpose for you to stay hands-free and carefree as you move around. A Crossbody phone case may be necessary if you’re someone who’s always on the go and doesn’t want to carry their phone. You may find that it’s helpful so you know where it is at all times and can easily access it when you choose to by having it around your neck.
In fact, a cell phone case strap with case may be the best option. You’ll notice many phones tend to have slippery backs. Therefore, a good case can add a bit of grip to keep it from sliding out of your hand and onto the concrete. A strap will also ensure that you have it on you at all times and don’t have to worry if your phone falls out of your hands while you’re using it.
You’ll soon be on your way and having fun showing off your phone necklace that has a fixed cord. A lightweight phone case with a strap will ensure your smartphone is safe and you can be hands-free when it’s not in use. Most will feature an adjustable cord to fit right for your comfort and an anti-shock case. The cords can be made from different materials like durable PPM cord or even classy leather. You can wear your Crossbody phone case as a crossbody phone case or as a necklace-style lanyard. This way you’ll look stylish and always have your phone available for use when you need it. There are many colours and styles to choose from depending on your personal preference and what will look the best with your phone and around your neck.
It’s not only functional but also fashionable and fun and will make your life a whole lot easier. You won’t have to worry about dropping your phone and having to find the money to replace it.
One of the biggest benefits of using a Crossbody phone case is that your phone is close by and easily accessible. You may want to go out and run errands or take a walk and want to bring your phone because you’re expecting an important call. Therefore, you can put it on like an accessory and wear it without having to carry it in your hands or pocket or worry about forgetting it at home.
You might also be wearing clothes that don’t have pockets or your phone may be too big to put in your pocket. Instead, you can choose to use your Crossbody phone case and simply have it around your neck. You’ll find it’s quite challenging to lose your cell phone lanyard or strap. You won’t have to put your phone down when doing something else and will have both of your hands-free to go about your day.
As a busy mom, you may be on the go and running around a lot. You don’t want to misplace your phone and you may not want your small children getting it. Keep it around your neck so you know where it is and can use it in case of an emergency.
The last situation you want is to have your phone stolen. Therefore, use your Crossbody phone case, and rest assured it’s in good hands when you’re in a crowded area. It’s nice when you don’t want to bring a purse or anything with you when you go somewhere and just need your phone. You can stick any credit cards or money you need right in your case.
You now not only know what a Crossbody phone case is but how to use it and the benefits of doing so. You may be wondering where to get your hands on one of these so you can begin using it right away. We encourage you to check out our inventory on our website because we carry some of the best Crossbody phone case accessories that will make you happy and proud to wear and show off. You’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without a cell phone case with strap.
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If you’re from Berlin you might remember KNOK STORE, our store that brought Korean design all the way to the Berlin market. You can even read about it here, if you fancy testing your German skills.
Beginning way back in 2016, KNOK STORE stocked a whole range of menswear, womenswear and accessories from great Korean brands, including The Internatiiional, Andersson Bell and even Berlin's very-own Yun. From our store in Kreuzberg we soon began to develop our own in-house brand, based upon the very Berlin discovery: the Handykette. We began designing and creating accessories in our studio, and KNOK the brand was born.
The store and brand existed side by side for a couple of years, but over time the KNOK brand grew bigger and bigger until eventually it made sense for us to focus our attention on it full time. And here we are! Four years since KNOK STORE’s first incarnation, and two years since our first in-house KNOK products were designed and developed. 2020 might have been the weirdest year any of us can remember, but it’s been a pretty exciting time for us as a brand.
We created the KNOK brand for the same reasons that we originally started with the store: to make good design available to everyone. Modern, everyday, quality accessories - this is what KNOK is about, and this is what we do.
We can’t wait to introduce you to more about KNOK: our team, friends, the things we love, and what we do. We’ll be back with another article soon.
]]>We scoured the globe (or maybe just Instagram, but in 2020 it’s the same thing anyway) and handpicked pieces that make everyday life a little brighter and more fun, all from amazing small brands and designers across Europe.
So from now on, alongside our KNOK accessories, you can discover hand dyed candles made in Denmark, amazing colourful terrazzo home accessories handmade in the UK, and the loveliest soaps made with love right here in Berlin - and all in time for Christmas gift shopping, which is pretty convenient isn’t it?
Plus we’ll be adding lots more exciting products and brands as we go through the winter, to add a little splash of colour to the cold and grey.
And, because the people behind the brands are just as important to us as their lovely creations, we’ll also be introducing you to each brand and its creatives as we go along.
We’ve worked hard over the last few months to curate a collection that we’re really excited about, and we hope you love it too.
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