From 88g to 66g: The story behind our relentless development!
Our Lavovarde MagSafe card wallets have been incredibly popular. Over the past 2–3 years, we’ve constantly upgraded them while using them ourselves. But since our current model is an ultra-slim wallet that holds just one card, I really wanted to create a version with a larger storage capacity.
My ultimate goal is to provide top-tier quality products to our "Lavovarde Researchers" (which is what we call you, our customers!). To do this, I always start by identifying the pain points in existing products on the market. Some wallets transform into crazy shapes like Transformers, but I personally prefer designs that are highly practical and minimalist without any unnecessary clutter.
Also, I’m on the taller side (168 cm), but my wrists are quite thin. (While making watch straps, I measured a lot of wrists and realized that height doesn't really dictate wrist size—it just comes down to your bone structure!)
A card wallet shouldn't cause carpal tunnel syndrome!! Especially these days when we're practically glued to our phones!
The first MagSafe stand wallet I tried
—an unbranded factory sample—
felt way too heavy for me.
(For context, I am someone who had to quit tennis after just a few months because my wrists hurt, even while wearing two wrist guards on each arm!)
The custom leather we currently produce doesn't come in thin gauges yet, so I thoroughly researched other leather options. We changed materials about three times, ruined several samples, relied on quick courier deliveries, and after much trial and error, we finally chose a thin Apple Bio-leather.
(Image: A photo showing test results, proving it's a highly reliable factory)
I always choose to work with highly responsible factories that communicate well. In fact, they were so communicative that they kept in touch with me non-stop through Saturdays and Sundays during the entire development phase. They even have an X-ray room to inspect magnets and metals~!
For the 1st round of samples, we reviewed four different types. Keeping Lavovarde's signature design, we experimented with flat vs. padded options and different slot designs. To streamline the revision process, we developed multiple designs simultaneously. I'll spare you the dropped designs! 😳
(Image: Checking thickness and lining)
This process alone took almost five months. I have a very meticulous personality, which sometimes causes delays in the schedule. But rushing production always leads to accidents!!
We successfully reduced the weight from 88g to 66g and stripped away unnecessary components to make it remarkably thin. Skiving an already thin leather down even further literally takes double the effort, right?
And finally, the final sample! There were countless iterations between the first and final samples.
At the very last minute, I humbly accepted my team's feedback and changed the lining color to black. Honestly, everything was already finalized and ready for mass production. But we overturned the whole process just to change the lining. It proves that sometimes when you think it's too late, it's actually not that late after all~!
Finding a premium lining with an RFID shielding film caused yet another week of delay...
Thank you so much for your patience.
Finally, the Lavovarde !MagSafe Stand Case! is born. You can check it out on our website! 🤣❣
Product Link: MagSafe Stand Wallet!
