KOTA — Where Form Meets Intent
Designed in the KOTA Studio and handcrafted in the USA, KOTA creates sculptural leather handbags rooted in structure, simplicity, and quiet luxury. Founded by Michael A. Lapinski, our collections celebrate form, material integrity, and thoughtful craftsmanship.
A Brand Built on Form, Craft, and Clarity
Founded by designer Michael A. Lapinski, KOTA was built on the belief that a handbag can be more than an accessory—it can be a sculptural object, a personal signature, and a vessel for intentional design.
Our collections are inspired by architecture, restraint, and quiet detail. We make bags for those who find beauty in form and purpose in simplicity.
Designed in the KOTA Studio
Our creative process begins in the KOTA Studio, where structure meets spontaneity. Each silhouette is refined down to its essential lines, often starting as a hand-sketched shape before evolving into a three-dimensional form. KOTA designs are not dictated by trends, but by proportion, balance, and lasting relevance.
Made in the USA
All KOTA bags are handcrafted in the United States in small batches by skilled artisans. We work closely with our makers to ensure every seam, curve, and cut aligns with our commitment to thoughtful production and timeless construction.
Material Integrity
We use full-grain French and lamb leathers sourced from highly respected tanneries, prized for their resilience, softness, and refined grain. Every hide is tanned using traditional methods, then paired with soft microsuede, suede, or organic textile linings and hand-finished hardware for a complete sensory experience. This language now informs every product detail, expressing the intention and care behind each piece.
A Slower Approach to Luxury
In a world of fast fashion, we choose to go slow. We believe luxury lies in what lasts, what is considered, and what is quietly confident. By focusing on limited production and timeless design, we aim to create fewer, better pieces that carry meaning and endure.
Our Name
KOTA means structure. It reflects our foundation in form, our architectural influence, and our desire to build something lasting. Every KOTA piece is a continuation of that principle—carried with intention, worn with purpose.