Interviews
15 April 2026
There are brands that make noise, and others that simply make you feel good. Cala Jade clearly belongs to the latter. Founded in Oslo in 2007 by Tina Cecilie Skaar, and joined in 2013 by Elise Kleiva Ugland, this Norwegian leather goods brand embodies, with a unique grace, the very best of Scandinavian design: the elegance of simplicity, the beauty of materials that age well, and that rare ability to create objects you keep for a very, very long time. A conversation with two designers who have made craftsmanship and slowness their greatest strengths.
Since childhood, a deep passion for craftsmanship and appreciation for quality materials has shaped the journey towards Cala Jade. As a design student, there was a strong focus on working with natural materials and traditional handcraft techniques like macrame and weaving. Discovering leather’s versatile nature and evolving patina was a turning point, especially when working with family heirloom leather pieces to create early prototypes and bags. These vintage pieces revealed how an accessory can be both a functional companion and a keeper of memories. The fascination with bags and leather is rooted in an appreciation for objects that balance beauty and utility. Later, in 2013, Elise joined Cala Jade bringing new dimensions to the brand. Together, we’ve shaped Cala Jade into a universe where functional and timeless design meets soulful expression, staying true to our roots while evolving organically.
We’re both creative and tactile people, and creativity is very much a shared space between us. Even though I lead the business side, design is close to my heart, and the boundary between those roles is fluid. Elise and I exchange ideas constantly – from colors and shapes to materials and emotions. Our perspectives sometimes differ, but together we find balance. That dynamic is something we truly value, because it keeps the brand alive, moving, and continuously evolving.
No story, sorry. Naming the brand Cala Jade was a little bit like naming a child or dog 🙂 Sometimes a name comes with family history or intention, but other times, it finds you without quite knowing why. With Cala Jade it emerged rather serendipitously. Cala is pure and soft and I went through many names to find one that I felt was a good companion. Jade came up on a trip to London with my childhood girlfriends, sparked by an inherited jade stone necklace that I always was wearing. I liked the mix of the two names together and the feel they gave. Timeless and calm with a sense of distinct and fresh personality.
Inspiration for us is something layered and shared. Scandinavian nature, architecture, and art all influence how we see form and function – it’s simply part of our DNA. Nature gives us earthy palettes and textures that age beautifully, like birch bark, stone, and weathered wood. Architecture teaches us about balance and purposeful lines, and art reminds us to be free – to play with color, detail, and emotion. These elements shape our design thinking collectively, and they crystallize into bags that feel timeless yet contemporary – objects with a quiet beauty, made to be lived with and carried every day.
A Cala Jade bag often begins with a feeling or a small spark – sometimes a texture, other times a vintage piece or a classic shape that catches our attention. We’re both drawn to objects that carry stories, and old finds often reveal beautiful details or proportions that inspire new interpretations. From there, we sketch, experiment with details and materials, and explore how handcraft techniques like braiding or weaving can meet modern construction. Together with our artisans, we refine every element – structure, softness, balance – through many rounds of sampling and adjustment. It’s a slow process, but that’s how character and harmony are built. When all the small choices align, the bag naturally becomes more than just an object; it feels complete, ready to live with someone.
The original idea was to reinterpret classic basket weaving in a modern, wearable form. We wanted timeless structure and soul. It’s a blend of tradition, classic basket weave and modern design. To us, it’s a reminder that real beauty takes time – and a human touch. Inspired by Scandinavian birch bark baskets and weaving traditions. We never anticipated it would become such a signature, but perhaps people connect with its tactility and classic shape.
Oslo offers us both contrasts and calm – the perfect blend of nature, fjord, and urban energy. That balance influences how we think about form and function. Norwegians are practical by nature, always on the move between work, city life, and the outdoors, and our bags are designed to follow those rhythms. Scandinavian culture runs through everything we do, shaping an aesthetic of understated simplicity and honest practicality – pieces made to be both beautiful and deeply versatile for everyday life
We will keep evolving with intention and refining what we do while exploring thoughtful collaborations and new horizons. In ten years, we hope Cala Jade continues to grow as a brand defined not by speed, but by soul – making objects that people live with and cherish.
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