On a bright day in Kingston—a charming city in Upstate New York—we met Elisa Baker outside one of her go-to spots: the Village Grocery and Refillery, where delicious baked goods and local groceries line the shelves.

Raised primarily in Tokyo, with a brief period in Oregon as a small child, Elisa is a model and sustainable fashion and climate advocate who wears many hats, from content creation and writing to overseeing international climate initiatives. After working in Tokyo for several years, she relocated to New York City in 2017, having fallen in love with it on a two-week vacation—a life-changing move that inspired her to merge her passion for fashion and advocacy into one.

A Move That Inspired a Perspective Shift

Though she juggles multiple creative roles, Elisa's love for fashion started early, leading her from modeling to styling, writing, and beyond. While always interested in climate change and social justice, living in New York deepened her awareness, exposing her to urgent conversations in the media, among peers, and within social media communities. This awakening pushed her to reconsider her role as both a consumer and a professional in the fashion industry.

"It made me realize you don’t have to be perfect to engage in these conversations—or have all the answers to speak up. That realization was very healing to me," she shares.

Today, she fosters awareness and dialogue through her content and her work as International Development Director at Media is Hope, a Japan-based organization focused on climate change advocacy.

Staying True to Instincts

When asked what she’s mindful of as a consumer today, Elisa reflected on the period of reexamination that followed her move to New York.

"It took a long time, and I felt very conflicted for a while, but gradually, I've gained clarity on what I truly love ... it's not just about functionality and aesthetics, but also the philosophy behind things," she shares. Balancing her love for fashion with the responsibility of minimizing environmental impact felt daunting—but eventually, she realized that questioning the contradictions, and feeling conflicted at times is an important part of being aware. Choosing products that align with her values while advocating for systemic change became her way forward.

"Now, I genuinely respond to things that are made thoughtfully and well ... I buy less, and choose things that I can enjoy for longer."

She looks forward to seeing how the Diario Large Tote evolves over time, as the leather ages and develops unique character. A longtime favorite from our Living Leather Collection, the Diario series is crafted from Oil Mellow Leather, a robust leather that exudes confidence and ensures lasting quality for years to come.

Elisa's approach to life and work follows the same mindset to how she chooses her belongings—honest, intuitive, and down-to-earth. "I've always been this way; I'm not a strategic planner." When she was younger, she felt pressure to adapt to a more calculated approach—but she has since embraced the fact that she thrives in the moment, responding to life as it unfolds. "I just dedicate myself to what I want to do, and am able to do in the moment ... if one day, I can look back and see that somehow, everything in my path connected, I’d be happy with that."

Building a Home in Kingston

Kingston was the city Elisa and her partner chose somewhat on a whim, when they decided to relocate during the pandemic—but they quickly realized its laid-back pace, vibrant culture, and supportive community perfectly suited their lifestyle. With stunning natural landscapes just steps away, the move felt serendipitous.

"A series of chance occurrences brought us here," Elisa shares, reflecting on her life today. Her free-spirited, intuitive approach to life is evident in both her presence and her styling choices—a harmonious mix of intentionality and spontaneity.

As she shows us her favorite corners in town, we also start to feel a lightness in our steps—where will Elisa's journey lead her next, and what stories will the leather tell? It's a journey we're eager to follow.