il modo concept

Even Smaller — Aiming to Be the Smallest Long Wallet in History!

We've Achieved Unprecedented Downsizing!

A compact body that fits easily even in smaller bags.Like a 4D pocket, it offers surprising storage capacity far beyond what its size suggests.

Holds 30 Bills, 25 Coins, 10 Cards — Even Receipts and Keys!

※ When using only ¥10,000 bills, the capacity is around 20, but with mixed denominations, it can hold 30 or more.

In this cashless era, it may seem rare to carry so much,but we hope you'll see this as a mini long wallet with exceptional potential.For example, compared to a wallet that barely holds 10 bills,one that fits 30 bills yet still stores just 10 will feel far more spacious and noticeably easier to use.

Achieving this level of functionality while keeping the wallet so compact —
we truly believe this is the strength of our project.

“Cards That Stand” & “Coins You Can Just Toss In”

Most wallets stack cards on top of each other,
so you have to pull them all out to find the one you need — which takes time.But with il modo, your cards are lined up and visible the moment you open it.
No more searching — just open, see, and go.

No More Struggling with Coins

il modo = It represents “the path.”

“Il modo” is Italian for “the path.”

When I create a new product, the journey from zero to completion is never a straight or smooth road.Sometimes, just when I think I’m close to the finish line, I find myself back at the start. Other times, the destination itself changes from what I originally envisioned.

There are long stretches of time that may seem unproductive—days that appear to have no immediate results.But when the ideal form finally comes together, all those seemingly meaningless days reveal themselves as essential parts of a single, connected path.

We don’t follow the path — we create our own.

These words by American philosopher and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson perfectly capture the spirit behind our journey. Since August 2020, we’ve been on a mission to redefine what a long wallet can be — a three-year project devoted to creating a “Compact Long Wallet.” In a market where compact wallets usually mean folding your bills, we set out to build a new kind of wallet: one that’s compact, yet keeps your bills flat.

Many voiced their frustrations 

• “I don’t want to fold my bills"
• “I need more storage”
• “Tiny wallets are hard to use”

and we realized there was a gap between the needs of long-wallet users and the minimalism trend. Our Compact Long Wallet series was born from that very gap, gaining overwhelming support and wide media coverage. This isn’t just a wallet — it’s the beginning of a new standard.

The Journey to “Stand-Up Card Slots”

One of the most common pieces of feedback we received was: “I want to store my cards inside the wallet.”
In the FRAGMAN series, we achieved an ultra-compact design by placing the card slots on the outside of the wallet.

However, even though the cards didn’t actually fall out, many users still expressed a sense of unease about having them on the outside.

Our goal this time was to create a wallet even smaller than the FRAGMAN series—measuring just 16.5 cm × 8.5 cm—while still allowing multiple cards to be securely stored inside.That was the key design challenge we had to overcome.

The first idea we considered was Plan A, where multiple diagonal slits (cut-outs) would be made in a single piece of leather, allowing cards to be inserted into each slit.

However, this design came with several issues.

First, since the cards are simply held in place by the slits, there's a risk that they could shift or scatter inside the wallet if it’s shaken sideways.

Additionally, because the cards must be pulled out diagonally rather than straight upward, the card on the far right becomes difficult to remove due to interference from the gusset.The gusset also interferes when inserting cards, making the process cumbersome and less smooth overall.

The next idea we came up with was Plan B, a design where each card would be held in place by its own dedicated flap.At first, this seemed like a great solution, and we even created a full product sample based on it.

However, after some use, we noticed an issue: the corners of the flaps started to lift and curl forward.Even rounding the flap corners didn’t solve the problem.

In addition, similar to Plan A, the cards were only held between the flaps. So when the wallet was shaken vigorously, the cards would shift and scatter inside, making it unreliable.

Each flap is individually sewn and enclosed for every card slot, requiring a high level of craftsmanship and time.However, this approach prevents the cards from shifting inside the wallet, and unlike Plan B, the corners of the flaps won’t curl or lift over time

Additionally, all cards can be pulled out straight upward, making it extremely user-friendly.This structure isn’t just limited to this wallet—it can also be applied to zipper wallets like the FRAGMAN zip, making it one of the most valuable design insights we've gained for future product development.

What Truly Matters Is How Slim It Stays After You Fill It.

Those wallets that often advertise “Only XX mm thick!” tend to bulk up quickly once you put in a few cards, coins, and bills.

What really matters is how slim the wallet stays even after it’s filled.

In il modo, cards and coins share the same compartment, allowing the coins to naturally settle into the spaces around the thickness of the cards.This clever layout prevents the widest points of the cards and coins from overlapping, helping the wallet maintain its slim profile—even when fully loaded.

※Design patent pending in Japan.

Slim enough to keep your suit silhouette sharp.

Lightweight body at just 85 grams

A leather that’s more resistant to scratches and water — and built for everyday life.

In our first il modo model, we used leather that embraced the natural beauty of its texture.This time, we've taken on the challenge of a new material — one designed to meet the demands of everyday life.

We developed a special finish to reduce the stress of everyday concerns like scratches, water stains, or sweat marks, while still maintaining the leather’s premium look and feel. The result is a material that’s not only elegant but also truly practical for daily use.

Our tannery partner—where the leather is processed—is driven by a bold, no-fear approach to craftsmanship. Every member of their team shares a high level of awareness and a spirit of fearless innovation, working together in an open, collaborative environment to push the boundaries of what's possible in leatherwork.

When problems arise, they’re not left to a single decision-maker. The whole team comes together to find solutions.
Perhaps it's this balance between tradition and innovation that allows them to create such fresh ideas and breakthroughs.

Leather with a Soul — Sustainably Sourced from Nature’s Gifts

The leather we use does not come from animals killed for their hides. Instead, it is a byproduct of the meat industry—material that would otherwise be discarded—carefully repurposed into high-quality leather.

At STATUSY, we don’t choose leather based solely on appearance or texture. We prioritize working with trusted domestic tanners and wholesalers who share our values, ensuring we can continue to use high-quality materials for years to come.

Our mission is to create a sustainable system where both makers and users of traditional leather can be genuinely happy.

Every step of il modo—from planning and design to leather cutting, stitching, and final inspection—is carefully carried out in trusted workshops here in Japan.

Ideas and forms that break free from convention are brought to life by skilled artisans with years of experience and exceptional craftsmanship. Each piece is carefully handmade, one by one.Because of this, STATUSY products are not mass-produced in factories. Instead, we proudly deliver the high quality of Japanese craftsmanship directly to our supporters.

il modo Concept Color

⚠️ Important Notes

• The leather may feel stiff at first and slightly difficult to use, but it will gradually soften and mold to your hand with continued use.
• As we use natural leather, you may notice original characteristics such as natural marks, slight variations, or visible veins. These are proof of authenticity and part of each item's unique charm.
• Due to the nature of genuine leather, each piece may have slight differences in texture and appearance, making every item one of a kind.
• Please note that slight variations in listed dimensions, weight, and capacity may occur between individual items.
• Actual product colors may differ slightly from what you see on screen, depending on your display settings. Color may also vary depending on the cutting position of the leather.
• If the number of orders exceeds expectations, shipment may be delayed due to production and scheduling constraints.
• Please understand that some aspects of the design and specifications may be subject to change as the product is still in development.

📦 About Warranty and Shipping Costs

• If an initial defect is found within 14 days of delivery, we will cover all shipping costs for return and replacement.
• After 14 days, round-trip shipping costs will be the responsibility of the customer.
• Repairs after 366 days from purchase will be available for a fee, but we are committed to providing continued support.