Collaboration | Case Study | Australian Made
Locally Made Leather Accessories Designed for a Premium Digital Writing Experience
At Corban & Blair, collaboration is embedded in everything we do. Whether in-house at our studio, or creating products with our clients, we’ve made it our mission to collaborate every step of the way.
Working Alongside Supernote AU
Supernote AU approached us at Corban & Blair looking for a product solution that reflected the premium quality and considered design of their digital writing devices.
From our product range, the team found our Genuine Leather iPad Sleeve which they identified as having potential to create a custom sleeve tailored to their devices. Although our existing sleeve was a solid foundation, their vision for the perfect Supernote sleeve required thoughtful refinements for a seamless fit.
As the Australian branch of the Supernote company, Australian manufacturing was a core design consideration, and a strong emphasis on the provenance and quality of materials. This approach aligned closely to our values in thoughtful design, local production and sustainability.
Supernote AU approached us at Corban & Blair looking for a product solution that reflected the premium quality and considered design of their digital writing devices.
From our product range, the team found our Genuine Leather iPad Sleeve which they identified as having potential to create a custom sleeve tailored to their devices. Although our existing sleeve was a solid foundation, their vision for the perfect Supernote sleeve required thoughtful refinements for a seamless fit.
As the Australian branch of the Supernote company, Australian manufacturing was a core design consideration, and a strong emphasis on the provenance and quality of materials. This approach aligned closely to our values in thoughtful design, local production and sustainability.
Developing the Supernote Manta Sleeve
The Brief
Supernote EU had already developed leather accessories for their European market, and the Australian team wanted to create something equally refined and locally relevant for Australian customers.
Our primary objectives were to develop:
- Premium protective sleeves tailored to Supernote devices
- Accessories aligned with the Supernote aesthetic
- Locally manufactured products with high-quality material
- Functional designs that enhanced user experience
The sleeves were crafted using genuine leather sourced from New Zealand, alongside wool felt manufactured in Germany using Australian and South African wool.
The Design Solution
Inspired by the clean, minimal construction of our Genuine Leather iPad Sleeve, the design was adapted to suit Supernote’s exact product specifications.
A custom cut-out was incorporated to accommodate the device’s pen holder loop – a small but important detail that ensured functionality while maintaining the refined Corban & Blair design language.
The final sleeves combined tactile natural materials with durable construction and a premium handcrafted finish.
Supernote Manta Sleeve
AUD $119
Strong Market Response
The response from customers was immediate, with the larger sleeve selling out. Following the success of the first release, Supernote AU returned to Corban & Blair to both reorder the larger sleeve and collaborate on the next stage of the range: a bespoke, genuine leather folio for the smaller Supernote device.
Developing the Supernote Nomad Artisan Folio
Building on the success of the sleeve collaboration, Corban & Blair worked closely with Supernote AU to create the Supernote Nomad Artisan Folio – a custom leather cover designed exclusively for the Supernote Nomad.
Crafted in partnership with Corban & Blair, the folio was handmade in Sydney using genuine leather and combined the official Supernote Folio Kit with a refined minimalist wrap design.
Inspired by the construction of our Artisan Journal range, the folio was adapted using Supernote’s custom hardware to create a product tailored specifically to the device ecosystem and user experience.
Key features included:
- Genuine leather construction, handmade in Sydney
- Integrated magnets to precisely position the device
- Leather-wrapped cover plates for additional protection
- Durable elastic cord closure for secure everyday carry
- Leather pen holder tag designed specifically for the Supernote pen
- A minimal, tactile design aligned with both brands
The result was a premium accessory that complemented the craftsmanship and intentionality of the Supernote product itself.
Supernote Nomad Artisan Folio
AUD $149
Client Testimonial
“Collaborating with Corban & Blair on the Supernote Nomad Artisan Folio has been a wonderful experience. Their craftsmanship and attention to detail brought exactly the quality and aesthetic we were looking for. Handmade in Sydney from genuine leather, it’s a beautiful piece of local craftsmanship that we’re incredibly proud to offer our customers.”
– Supernote Australia
Why This Collaboration Worked
This partnership highlights the value of collaborative Australian manufacturing and thoughtful design-led product development.
By combining existing Corban & Blair product expertise with tailored modifications and bespoke detailing, we were able to create accessories that felt considered, functional and aligned with the Supernote brand.
The project delivered:
- Bespoke product solutions tailored to a niche product category
- Australian-made manufacturing and agile development
- Carefully sourced materials with clear provenance
- Premium accessories designed for longevity and daily use
At Corban & Blair, we collaborate with brands to create products that feel intentional, useful and designed to last, whether evolving an existing concept or developing something entirely bespoke.
